The French Federation of Selective Perfumery (FFPS), which gathers high-end beauty retails, takes stock of a positive Christmas season, with sales growing by 3% in value in 2011 compared to the previous year, although volumes have stagnated (+0.2 %). According to the Federation, perfumes, boosted by the rapid expansion of men ranges, and makeup were the two most dynamic segments that allowed 2011 to keep the same pace than 2010.

The momentum of November (+6.4% in value compared to 2010, according to NPD trends panel) continued in December 2011 with an increase of 7.6% for the Selective Perfumery compared to December 2010 The highest level of sales achieved in December 2006.

The Christmas season (cumulating the months of November and December) was very good this year (+7.3% in value) compared to 2010 where it was marked by harsh climatic conditions and a rough social environment.

Perfumes (80% of the turnover in high-end retails in December) increased by 7.6% compared to December 2010, with the strongest evolution in men’s fragrances (+8.5% in value against 6.6% in value for women’s). In December, this growth benefited to all selective distribution channels. Nevertheless chain retailers have pulled the market up, and their turnover (Internet excluded) grew by 8.5% in value (compared to December 2010) while department stores’ sales increased by 5.8% and independents’ by 4.2%.

Make-up sales remain dynamic and achieved a double-digit growth in both value (+13.1%) and volume (+12.2%) thanks to the three leading product categories: nail polish, lipstick and eye shadows.

In December the skincare segment continued on the same rising trend began in October 2011, with an increase in value by +4.8% mainly due to chain retailers. However, these results do not counterbalance the negative trend of the category over the year (+1% in value and -3.1% in volume compared to 2010).