Economists have predicted European societies will consume less , with several recent surveys showing that sales of some products , such as magazines and newspapers , have fallen in France . Around 77 % of French consumers surveyed said what matters is not buying something , but having access to it , while 62 % bought second - hand clothing . Further , 15 % said they want to consume " the same amount , but better " and 27 % said " less , but better " . Over 50 % use a subscription service , as physical purchases are replaced by on - demand services . The figures suggest mass consumption has yet to fall , but a pre - decline peak is expected .
Economists have predicted European societies will buy less, with several recent surveys showing that sales of some products, such as fuel and newspapers, have fallen in France. Around 77% of French consumers surveyed said what matters is not owning something, but having access to it, while 62% buy second-hand clothing. Further, 15% said they want to consume "the same amount, but better" and 27% said "less, but better". Over 50% use a subscription service, as physical objects are replaced by on-demand services. The figures suggest mass consumption has yet to fall, but a pre-decline peak is expected.