Auctions are attracting more and more French people
Long perceived as the exclusive domain of wealthy collectors and million-dollar works of art, auctions now attract a much wider audience.
According to a study conducted by Interencheres in collaboration with YouGov, 40% of French people have already participated in an auction—that is, 21 million people. This represents a significant increase compared to 2015, when only 23% of French people had tried it.
An attractive and accessible business model
The study reveals that for 61% of bidders, competitive prices are the primary motivation. With an annual budget that’s mostly under 500 euros (65%), auctions have become a smart way to preserve purchasing power. This model appeals in particular to 13 million French people who take advantage of these sales to purchase a variety of items, ranging from designer clothing to high-tech products and collectibles. “Auctions allow you to acquire unique items at attractive prices, accessible to all budgets. On Interencheres, you can find everything from a masterpiece worth several million to a Chanel bag at half price or a food processor at 70% off,” explains Bénédicte Valton de Jorna, sales and marketing director at Interencheres.
A trend driven by digitalization
With 81% of bidders having already participated in online auctions and 35% using them exclusively, digitization has revolutionized this sector. This paradigm shift makes auctions more accessible, especially for those who were hesitant to step into a traditional auction house. Frédéric Lapeyre, chairman of the board of Interencheres, notes: “Without the Internet, many newcomers would never have dared to participate in auctions.”
This democratization is accompanied by a playful aspect: 74% of participants report feeling a particular emotion when they win an auction. The excitement reaches its peak among young bidders, with those under 34 often proving to be more adventurous and quick to exceed their initial budget so as not to lose.
A Variety of Profiles and Expectations
The typical bidder is mostly a man (63%) over the age of 45 (56%) who lives in a medium-sized city with fewer than 100,000 residents. However, trends vary by generation and gender. Women prefer the fashion and home decor categories, while men tend toward collectibles and tech products. Young people aged 18 to 24, meanwhile, express a strong preference for immersive experiences, with 36% wanting auctions that incorporate virtual reality.
A Promising Future for Auctions
In the face of an uncertain economic climate, auctions offer a hybrid model that combines smart shopping, entertainment, and human interaction. Diane Zorzi, head of research at Interencheres, sees immense potential in this: “By reimagining the shopping experience with innovations such as virtual reality and co-hosted events, auctions meet the expectations of modern consumers and are shaping the future of e-commerce.”
Whether held online or in person, auctions are cementing their status as an economical and emotionally rewarding alternative to traditional shopping. With a diverse selection of items and greater accessibility, they seem well on their way to winning over new audiences—and are likely to continue doing so for a long time to come.
