As a result, independent hair salons are loosing market share. The discount salon Tchip Coiffure led the way in 1999 with the opening of 19 new salons and a 69 percent increase in sales. Franchise operations specializing in selling such items at a discount, such as liquidation and second-hand stores, have benefited from this trend. The leader in the liquidation sector, Le Faillitaire, which operates 82 units, saw a 109 percent sales increase, generating USD 74 million, in 1999. In France, consumer interest for second-hand products has grown significantly.
Consignment stores are very popular and continue to expand.
The most successful has been Cash Converters, with 81 units and a 107 percent sales increase in 1999. 23.1 Garden Supplies and Flowers Fresh flower concepts are benefiting from greater consumer demand for fresh flowers at discount prices. Both new and more mature gardening concepts have seen an increase in sales. They recorded 64 and 34 percent growth in sales, respectively. This performance is due principally to their ability to anticipate consumers' needs in a dynamic and changing market.