When visiting Paris, you might think of luxury, fashion, pastries, and high-end cuisine, but there's another must-do on your list: shopping at French pharmacies.
French pharmacies offer exclusive skincare and beauty products that are not available in the US and are made with high-quality ingredients backed by science. And the best part? They are affordable and accessible to everyone.
I first discovered the allure of French pharmacies on TikTok when planning my birthday trip to Paris last year, in 2022. I stumbled upon videos featuring beauty and skincare hauls at French pharmacies and asked my cousin - who had lived in Paris for a while - about the quality of the products. She confirmed that the pharmacies do have amazing skin products, and I immediately added a visit to a French pharmacy to my itinerary.
During this second visit to Paris, I made sure to stop by a pharmacy to refill my skincare and beauty products. I wasn't alone in this, as two other members of my project group also had separate plans to stock up on their favorite products. And it's not just us who are obsessed with French pharmacies. The hashtag #frenchpharmacy on TikTok has over 88 million views, with #frenchpharmacyskincare a close second with 45 million views.
French pharmacies offer a unique shopping experience that is now gaining popularity among tourists. Not only can you find products such as retinol, SPFs, beauty creams, cleansers, and moisturizers that are not available in the US, but you can also find them at a much more affordable price point. Popular brands include Embryolisse, Biafine, A131, Caudalie, Luxe, and many more.
It's not just about the products - it's the entire experience. Shop attendants typically offer samples that you can take with you after making a purchase, and the tax is taken off at the register with ease. Sometimes, you may have to ask for popular products in backstock as they tend to sell out quickly when displayed on the floor. If I had to describe this niche consumer, it would mostly be women and some men who love beauty and skincare, traveling for leisure but love to splurge and treat themselves to shopping sprees, especially when they feel they are getting a great deal.
As a marketer, I can’t help but wonder if pharmacies and popular brands sold in-store could do more to maximize the connection with these consumers. For example, they could focus on retention since these products will eventually run out or offer loyalty programs to encourage tourists to return. It's also interesting to compare the role of pharmacies in skincare or beauty in France versus the United States. According to Vogue, pharmacies run the skincare industry in France, which is a testament to the quality of products available there.
In conclusion, French pharmacies offer an exclusive shopping experience that should not be missed. If you're a skincare or beauty enthusiast, make sure to add a visit to a French pharmacy to your itinerary the next time you're in Paris. I’m sure your skin will thank you.
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