Editorial

Today, it is hard to ignore the circular economy. Taken separately, these two words do not seem at all ambiguous, but when combined they become much more complex, and it is clear that the concept is gaining pace. The dazzling success of peer-to-peer platforms and the decision by certain brands to invest in the circular economy for the long-term now make its growth both inevitable and ineluctable.

It is therefore no surprise that this latest edition of L’Observatoire Cetelem is devoted to the topic. Without going into too much detail about the wealth of information it contains, what the survey highlights in particular is the emergence and role of consumer sellers, who have adopted an entrepreneurial approach to their consumption that has transformed them into key economic players. These individuals are set to trigger drastic changes in the world of retail, in the broadest sense of the term.

Meanwhile, the results of the Observatoire Cetelem Barometer, which has been analysing the attitudes of Europeans for over 20 years, bear witness to the increasing importance of the circular economy. Indeed, although the overall mood is improving, surging inflation has sharpened the focus on purchasing power, which will undoubtedly make the circular economy a key driver of new consumption patterns.

So, will the circular economy cause consumption to go around in circles or will it go on a roll?
This will be a crucial issue over the next few years, one to which we are sure to return.

Happy reading.

Flavien Neuvy
Head of L’Observatoire Cetelem