More than 200,000 people exercise a non-sedentary activity in France. It is estimated also that 25,000 ‘non-sedentary’ traders have another ‘sedentary’ activity. At the same time, 25,000 producers, farmers and fishermen sell their produce direct to the public through the markets.
More than 6,000 communes organise a market, 17% have more than 100 traders, 38% between 50 and 100, and 45% less than 50 traders.
According to a study published in 2003 by INSEE (the French national institute of statistics and economic studies) nearly 50,000 registered businesses would have generated more than 3.6 billion euros, employing over 60,000 people. However this figure represents only 5% attributed to the markets compared with other means of distribution.
Statistically, it is estimated that a market offers: 55% food produce, 25% clothing, 20% miscellaneous goods (leather-ware, gifts). The main products sold on the food markets are: fruit and vegetables (33% of sales), meat and meat based products (22%), sea-food (19%).
It is estimated that 30% of households buy on the markets, and 12% get their supplies there at least twice a week. Nearly one customer in two is over 60, whereas only 4% are less than 30 years old.
Town markets are 84% in the open air, nearly 90% of the smaller markets (less than 25 stalls) are of this type. Covered markets represent only 3% of the town markets.