Trends
In a complex economic climate, French consumers are increasingly turning to retail. In this article, you will discover the ranking of the most sought-after discount stores in June 2025. Ready? Go!
According to online research data, here is the ranking of the most popular discount stores in France:
1. Action: 4,090,000 searches
Action is a Dutch discount retailer founded in 1993, now operating in 14 European countries including France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Portugal, Slovakia, Romania, and Switzerland.
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2. Aldi: 1,830,000 searches
Aldi is a German supermarket chain founded in 1913, present in around 20 countries worldwide, including Europe, the United States, Australia, and China.
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3. Primark: 1,500,000 searches
Primark is an Irish fashion retailer launched in 1969 (as Penneys), now present in 17 countries across Europe and the United States.
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4. La Foir'Fouille: 1,000,000 searches
La FoirβFouille is a French home discount chain created in the 1970s, with stores in mainland France, overseas territories, Belgium, and Luxembourg.
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5. B&M: 673,000 searchesβ
B&M is a British variety store chain founded in 1978, operating in the UK and in France under the B&M brand (formerly Babou).
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6. Stokomani: 550,000 searchesβ
Stokomani is a French discount retailer founded in 1961, with over a hundred stores mainly in France.
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7. Hema: 368,000 searches
Hema is a Dutch retail chain (Hollandsche Eenheidsprijzen Maatschappij Amsterdam) founded in 1926 in Amsterdam, present in several European countries and the Middle East.
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ββ8. Normal: 301,000 searches
Normal is a recent European retail chain offering everyday products at low prices, now expanding across multiple European countries.
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9. Netto: 246,000 searches
ββNetto Marken-Discount is a German discount supermarket chain owned by the German supermarket cooperative Edeka Group, operating mainly in southern and western Germany.
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10. Zeeman: 246,000 searches
Zeeman is a Dutch discount textile retailer founded in 1967, with over 1,000 stores in the Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, France, Luxembourg, Austria, Spain, and Portugal.
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ββ11. Costco: 135,000 searches
Costco is an American wholesale club chain founded in 1983, with hundreds of locations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, Japan, Korea, China, Australia, and Taiwan.
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ββ12. Hmarket: 110,000 searches
Hmarket is a French retail chain with a family-driven concept, specializing in halal products, currently present in France.
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This ranking highlights the strong dominance of Action, confirming its status as a leading discount store in France. The difference in search volume compared to other stores is significant, demonstrating exceptional notoriety and popularity.
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The success of discount stores depends on several key factors:
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While these stores were not popular at the time, today we are witnessing a real transformation in consumer habits, with developments that far exceed those in any other sector! In short: discount stores are no longer a βpassing fadβ and are now proving to be a real lifeline for French consumers on a tight budget, regardless of their income level!
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Overall, most discount chains are expanding, driven by economic difficulties. Notable chains include Aldi (with the most new stores), Costco, Tesco, and Lidl.
The stores are large. For example, ALDI is looking for land measuring 4,000 to 6,000 mΒ² (or more) or existing buildings measuring 1,000 to 1,200 mΒ². Lidl mostly occupies premises measuring less than 1,000 mΒ² in its real estate portfolio (2024 data).
Action and Aldi regularly top customer satisfaction rankings, even surpassing the formidable Primark!
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In short: discount retailers are no longer a βpassing fadβ and are now proving to be a real refuge for French consumers on a tight budget, regardless of their income level!
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