I chalked it up to increasing globalization. My memory of France in the 90s was that it was way more French.

Now, it seems like American, Japanese, et al. cultures have penetrated a bit, and there's more awareness that there are other-than-French ways of doing things.

Which they'll still do it the French way, because god bless them they defend the hell out their culture, but at least they're more aware of alternatives.