We go to local marche’s for most of our fruits and vegetables, and we go to two large grocery stores for everything else, Intermarché in Lectoure, and Carrefour in Fleurance. Both are part of supermarket chains and we stop at either when traveling. At the entrance to Intermarché, this morning, this sign was the first thing I saw. We’ve been aware of their 500 Products, Anti-Inflation campaign since we arrived in France a month ago.
As anyone walks up and down the isles of the store, there are red “500 produit, anti-inflation” labels on all 500 products in the store that Intermarché currently sells at “their lowest possible prices.” They include staples such as flour, sugar, rice, cheese, milk, chocolate (my favorite chocolate bar!)
“Most of France’s major supermarket chains are cutting their margins in order to protect purchasing power. At the government’s request, they promise to sell hundreds of products as cheaply as possible from March-June. In exchange for their effort, the supermarkets will be allowed to start new price negotiation with suppliers in June. All major chains are participating. Intermarché’s 500 items with the anti-inflation logo is costing the chain 100 million euros.” We are enjoying much cheaper grocery bills!
