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The French franchise Cash Express is celebrating a record-breaking 2025, fueled by growing consumer demand for secondhand goods. The company reported a turnover exceeding €102 million, an increase of nearly 8% compared to 2024, marking its best financial performance in its nearly 25-year history. This success comes as the French secondhand market, excluding automobiles, is now valued at €7 billion, presenting a fertile ground for entrepreneurial investment.

Cash Express’s strong performance reflects a broader trend of consumers turning to pre-owned items for both economic and environmental reasons. The company’s adaptability, with over 120 stores now operating across France and Belgium in urban, suburban, and rural areas, has been key to its success. This expansion demonstrates a strategic approach to meeting consumer needs in diverse locales.

The franchise is attracting investors with positive performance indicators. The average customer spend increased by 12% in 2025, reaching approximately €71 per purchase, signaling increased consumer confidence and a shift towards higher-value items. Luxury goods, including jewelry, handbags, and watches, experienced a particularly significant surge in sales, with revenue increasing by over 58%. The gaming sector, encompassing video games and trading cards like Pokémon, also saw substantial growth.

With 11 million items sold in 2025, Cash Express demonstrates its capacity to handle significant volume. The company’s traditional stronghold, mobile phones, continues to perform well, with growth of nearly 4%. This diversification of revenue streams provides stability and development potential for franchisees. Arnaud Guérin, co-president of Cash Express, emphasized the changing consumer mindset: “Consumers are increasingly turning to secondhand purchases, both for ecological awareness and for the price and quality of the products offered: secondhand allows them to maximize their purchasing power.”

Digital Transformation Drives Growth

Beyond commercial performance, Cash Express is investing in digital transformation to support its franchisees. The company’s online platform became the leading online sales platform in 2025, capturing 32% of the market share. Digital sales revenue more than doubled, increasing by approximately 150% in one year. This omnichannel success benefits physical stores by driving traffic and expanding the customer base.

Cash Express plans to launch a latest website in the spring of 2026, featuring improved navigation and search engine optimization. The company continued its territorial expansion in 2025 with four new store openings in western and northern France, and plans further expansion in 2026 to Paris, Lisieux, Loudéac, Fleury les Aubrais, and Amboise.

Investing in Franchisee Success

Cash Express provides franchisees with comprehensive tools and specialized training, particularly in high-performing categories like luxury goods and gaming. This support aims to maximize franchisee expertise and customer service, key differentiators in a competitive market. The company’s commitment to franchisee development is a core component of its growth strategy.

The success of Cash Express is also reflected in the broader secondhand market. According to Xerfi, the French secondhand market was estimated at €14 billion in 2023 .

Looking ahead, Cash Express is poised to continue its expansion and capitalize on the growing demand for secondhand goods. The company’s focus on digital innovation and franchisee support positions it for sustained success in a dynamic market. The planned store openings in 2026 signal continued confidence in the brand’s growth potential.

What are your thoughts on the growing popularity of secondhand goods? Share your comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your network!

Geneva – Negotiations between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program have concluded in Geneva, with both sides signaling a cautious path forward amid escalating tensions. While an immediate agreement remains elusive, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi stated that “the path has started,” suggesting a willingness to continue dialogue. The talks unfolded against a backdrop of stern warnings from Washington, including a threat of “consequences” should a deal not be reached, and a significant increase in the U.S. Military presence in the Middle East.

The renewed diplomatic efforts come as concerns mount over Iran’s nuclear capabilities. The Trump administration is seeking to limit Iran’s nuclear program and prevent the development of nuclear weapons, a goal Iran maintains it is not pursuing. The current impasse centers on demands for Iran to halt uranium enrichment and relinquish its uranium supply, requests Iran has so far resisted. The situation is further complicated by recent military posturing from both sides, raising the specter of potential conflict in the region. The stakes are high, with the stability of the Persian Gulf and global energy markets potentially hanging in the balance.

Military Posturing and Escalating Tensions

Adding to the pressure, the U.S. Has deployed a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East, the USS Gerald R. Ford, joining the USS Abraham Lincoln which arrived last month, according to statements from President Trump. This deployment signals a clear readiness for potential military action should negotiations falter. Iran responded by initiating military drills in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil shipments. Iranian state TV reported that the Strait was temporarily closed for live-fire exercises, and missiles were launched into the area – the first such closure since the U.S. Began threatening military intervention. Iran has warned that any attack on its territory will be considered “an all-out war against us.”

Speaking on Air Force One, President Trump indicated his indirect involvement in the talks and suggested Iran may be motivated to reach an agreement. “I’ll be involved in those talks, indirectly, and they’ll be very important,” he said. “I don’t consider they aim for the consequences of not making a deal.” He similarly referenced past U.S. Strikes on Iranian nuclear sites, stating, “We could have had a deal instead of sending the B-2s in to knock out their nuclear potential. And we had to send the B-2s.”

Diplomatic Efforts and Mediation

The current round of talks in Geneva, mediated by Oman, follows earlier negotiations held in Oman earlier this month. The U.S. Delegation includes President Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner. Abbas Araghchi, leading the Iranian negotiating team, stated on X (formerly Twitter): “I am in Geneva with real ideas to achieve a fair and equitable deal. What is not on the table: submission before threats.”

Talks are taking place in Geneva at the Mission of the Sultanate of Oman. Pic: Reuters

Reporters outside the building. Pic: Reuters

International Reactions and Concerns

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio acknowledged the difficulty of reaching a deal with Iran but affirmed the U.S. Willingness to continue trying during a news conference in Budapest. Meanwhile, concerns are growing about the potential for broader regional instability. Recent demonstrations against the Iranian regime, including an estimated 200,000 protesters at the Munich Security Conference, highlight internal pressures within Iran. President Trump has also publicly stated that regime change in Iran “would be the best thing that could happen,” adding another layer of complexity to the situation.

The situation remains fluid and highly sensitive. The coming days will be critical in determining whether diplomatic efforts can de-escalate tensions and prevent a potentially devastating conflict in the Middle East. The focus will be on whether both sides can find common ground on limiting Iran’s nuclear program and addressing international concerns about regional stability.

As negotiations continue, the international community will be closely watching for signs of progress or further escalation. The outcome of these talks will have far-reaching implications for the region and the global security landscape. Share your thoughts on this developing story in the comments below.