Paris in January is a shopper’s dream. Beginning January 11 and continuing until February 14, 2012 the state-regulated biannual sales—“les soldes”—offer an incomparable chance to purchase the finest couture, shoes, jewelry and house wares from both iconic shopping establishments and unique boutiques.Prices—which can be reduced by as much as 75 percent— continue to drop throughout the six weeks, though popular items sell out quickly. An extra treat for visitors who arrive after the New Year is the chance to see the wonderful Christmas decorations, which remain in place through January.
Here are a few insider tips for sale-shopping success:
• For Paris travelers in town before the sales begin, scope out the stores, try on the styles, and pick out favorite accessories. Keep a list and plan out an acquisition strategy!
• Shop in the morning, during the business week. Crowds are smaller than later in the day or evening.
• Conquer the big stores first, as they’re the most popular: Galleries Lafayette, Le Bon Marché, and Printemps.
• Head for the smaller, designer shops next. They need to make room for next season arrivals, so prices are even more enticing.
• For those in search of the crème de la crème in haute couture, stores along the rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the nearby avenue Montaigne sport an international who’s who of fashion design.
• Hours: The larger shopping centers/malls are open from 9 a.m. until 8:30 or 9 p.m.; other shops from 10 a.m. to 6 or 7 p.m.
• Be sure to hold on to your receipts – the Value Added Tax (VAT) comes back to you.
• And, finally... Pack lightly when you leave home. And bring an extra suitcase!
