France: growth in optical trade

According to the observatory's quarterly review of small companies by France's Fédération des Centres de Gestion Agréés, during the third quarter of 2003 the best growth rate of all the monitored sectors was achieved by opticians, with +9.3% compared to the same period of 2002.

Pharmacists are in second place with +6.1%. Other sectors have, however, registered a downturn: real estate agencies (-7.7%), prêt-à-porter (-5.6%), and footwear (-5,8%).

(Source: Acuité)