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Top advice for bagging some bargains and beating the crowds when shopping in Paris
By Rebecca Perry Magniant
Oh La La: Shopping the Sales in Paris
What could be better than a shopping weekend in Paris? By law, sales in France ("soldes") are held only twice a year, starting in mid-January and mid-July for six weeks at a time.
Official sale dates are announced just days before, and boutiques scramble to get ready for the big day. Sale prices start at about 25-30% off for the first few days, decreasing as the sales go on to up to 75% off.
French sales are not limited to just a few items or a few brands: instead the entire outgoing collection is usually on sale. This means that this season's hottest blouse, pant, shoe, and bag will probably all be on sale (if you still want them at the end of the season, that is). Everything from electronics to shoes to linens and more goes on sale at the same time, so wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to 'power shop'!
The soldes are a great time to pick up classic Parisian pieces that never go out of style, like Longchamp "Le Pliage" bags, a great-fitting trench coat, or some Repetto ballerina flats. Longing for a Hermes scarf?
Keep your eye out for their sale announcement in Le Figaro or call the store to ask-the sale lasts only a few days and takes place at a special location.
If you happen to miss the sales, don't worry: most shops have in-store 'promotions' year-round. As they cannot technically be called soldes outside of the official periods, these mini sales are often called promotions or fin de series ("end of series"). Just keep your eye open for bargains, and you're sure to find plenty.
5 Tips for Doing the Sales from a Chic Shopper:
- Avoid the first day of the sales: the stores are packed with people, and while marathon shopping can be a great sport, shopping the sales on the first day is bound to leave you frustrated.
- Shop with a friend: she'll talk you out of that pair of neon green cowboy boots, even if they are 75% off.
- Get out of bed: go first thing in the morning to avoid lines, or look for special opening hours during the evenings or on weekends.
- Dress for success: if shopping for clothing, wear layers and things that are simple to remove to facilitate trying new stuff on.
- Shop well-armed: bring multiple forms of payment-credit cards and cash-just in case!
Rebecca Perry Magniant is founder of Chic Shopping Paris, see the Chic Shopping Paris website for more information
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