Since late October, France has reimposed lockdown measures (from the verb “reconfiner,” a trendy neologism). The French are working from home, and many businesses have closed their doors. It feels like déjà vu. In this unique context, which is conducive to online shopping, we encourage you to shop responsibly and support independent businesses.
Independent Retailers vs. Amazon?
That is the question. Right from the start of the new lockdown (once again), numerous statements have cast shame on the giant Amazon, the world’s largest marketplace. At the highest levels of government, Roselyne Bachelot, Minister of Culture, herself declared, “Yes, Amazon is raking it in—it’s up to us not to let them.” And since then, the criticism has been mounting. It’s a fact: Amazon is overshadowing independent French businesses because more and more people have the “Amazon reflex.” Need to replace a light bulb? Amazon. Need a book to learn something during this unexpected time we’re once again spending at home? Amazon. Buying a plant? Check Amazon. That’s right—on Amazon, you can find (almost) everything. Almost. There are many reasons to take issue with Amazon: environmentally, due to the waste caused by returns; fiscally, because of its excessively low tax burden (digital giants are, on average, taxed at half the rate of traditional companies in Europe); or ethically, given the working conditions of its employees, which have been repeatedly criticized.
But while Amazon offers a vast array of products, it also has a service that customers love. An efficient website, fast deliveries, at any time. In France—let’s face it—we’re a bit behind when it comes to digitalization, and the first lockdown really brought that home to us. But. Because there’s a but. (Obviously.) Right now, the French economy needs support. As a consumer, it’s therefore also important to ask yourself: Are the products I want to buy on Amazon sold by a French or European company? This is important because it means that VAT will be paid in France or in a European country. To check this, simply make sure the VAT rate isn’t 0%. If you’re looking to consume more responsibly and want to take your efforts a step further, there are other options to explore.
French-Style Alternatives
Not only are there user-friendly French e-commerce sites, but you’ll also find plenty of high-quality, eco-friendly products at fair prices. And you know what? The deals are just as good—and sometimes even better — than on Amazon! For your grocery shopping, La Fourche offers organic products at prices up to half the usual cost, from brands that are most committed to your health and that of the planet. If you’re a fan of bulk shopping and live in Paris or its nearby suburbs, L’Intendance offers a wide variety of delicious, natural grocery items. Their teams have set up an online returnable jar system to completely eliminate plastic and use bike delivery to reduce their carbon footprint!
Did you know? In France, 10 million metric tons of food are thrown away every year. Let’s put an end to food waste! To help, download Too Good to Go. This app connects retailers with unsold items to people in the surrounding neighborhood , who can pick up these items at low prices in the form of small surprise baskets when the stores close. Eco-friendly laundry detergent, wild mint dish soap, zero-waste sponges: eco-friendly household products are also available thanks to Les Petits Bidons! It’s no secret that conventional household products sold by major brands often contain harmful ingredients and are highly polluting. Les Petits Bidons manufactures its products in France using natural ingredients that are gentle on the skin and the environment. So you can clean your home with peace of mind!
If you’re looking for natural bedding and eco-friendly home furnishings, Kipli offers everything you need to furnish your bedroom in a healthy way—from solid wood nightstands to comfortable, recyclable mattresses made from 100% natural latex, as well as organic cotton bedding sets.
Do you need to buy a gift as Christmas approaches or update your wardrobe? Check out Recycled Market! On this website, you can buy eco-friendly products that are handmade from recycled materials. Bags, wallets, jewelry, clutches…: Your purchases also help support an organization that assists street children in Cambodia. To thank you for your sustainable shopping, enjoy 5% off their entire collection (excluding sales and shipping) with the promo code GC5%!
Looking to replace your workout gear? Circle Sportswear is a great eco-friendly brand of athletic apparel for yoga or running. The brand, whose goal is to integrate sportswear into the circular economy, creates recyclable technical products made from recycled plastic fibers. When it comes to electronics, the Backmarket platform needs no introduction—it offers all kinds of refurbished items (cell phones, TVs, tablets, speakers, and more) that have been thoroughly inspected and restored by experts. With a 12-month warranty, express delivery, and secure payment options, the services are top-notch—and you can give electronic devices a second life instead of buying new ones. And that’s wonderful.
The Benefits of Click-and-Collect
Some businesses deemed “non-essential” are not allowed to open their doors to the public, but they are still operating, and you can continue to buy their products! In addition, for businesses that have a website but no delivery service, click-and-collect is a good alternative.
- How does it work?It’s very simple. Check to see if the store you’re interested in has a website and offers this service. Then, place your order online and come pick it up at the store. While click-and-collect was introduced to avoid lines, it also gives you a chance to get some fresh air (while wearing a mask)!
- What kinds of businesses have adopted this system? Clothing stores, florists, stationery shops, and bookstores, for example, sell their products this way. Of course, no lockdown is complete without reading! With click-and-collect, you can support your local bookstores, which are suffering particularly from competition (from Amazon, major chains like Fnac and Cultura, and the emergence of book sections in supermarkets, among others). Books—essential intellectual nourishment for our mental health—are accessible through convenient online networks of independent bookstores such as La Librairie.com or La Place des Libraires. If home delivery is available, you can also select the book you want, choose your favorite independent bookstore, make your purchase, and go pick it up in person! Otherwise, you can also visit the website of your local bookstore directly.
While the digital transformation of businesses in France certainly still has a long way to go, there are plenty of solutions available to everyone to support French retailers. Showing solidarity in our daily lives is within reach!
We hope you enjoyed this article. Of course,The Kipli Team