France proposes changes for independent retailers
France’s finance ministry has proposed controversial new rules for independent retailers and their wholesalers, notes the Private Label Manufacturers Association.
The rules could make it easier for independent retailers to change fascia by allowing for shorter contracts and affiliations, as well as non-competition periods for food retailers transferring between fascias.
The country’s largest independent group, Leclerc, has spoken out against the proposed laws. President Michel-Édouard Leclerc wrote on his blog, “The Presidents of France’s three independents [Intermarché, Système U and Leclerc], which between them number 5,000 family businesses and employ 300,000 staff, have jointly written to [Secretary of State for Commerce] Frédéric Lefebvre to contest the stated aim of the proposed legislation. It would, under the pretext of improving competition, weaken our members’ performance. Just to add insult to injury, ours are the three cheapest fascias on the market.”