This week we are at the midway point of the January sales season, or les soldes. Sales periods are regulated in France by the government (imagine!). Stores may not have sales any time they want, although in the last few years stores have been allowed to have unofficial sales or promotions.
In reality, the amount of the discounts for these promotions are no where near what occurs during the regulated sales periods. The “real” sales occur during a five-to-six week period twice a year – in January and July. You can find really good deals on really great products, including luxury brands. The only problem is, the first couple days of les soldes are kind of like the day after Thanksgiving here – it can get crazy!
Funnily enough, Switzerland does the same thing, but they are usually off from France by a week or two. I got the best deal on my absolute favorite item in my closet, a light grey cashmere wrap (longer than a scarf). I happened upon in one of those bargain bins while browsing during my lunch hour at a tiny branch of the Manor department store that is located in central Morges (Switzerland). It was an amazing find that I treasure.
And that is how most French people shop during les soldes. They are looking for quality not quantity. A French woman who scores on one pair of shoes, or one black skirt will consider herself very lucky. One quality piece instead of t-shirts 5 for $10. It is a whole different mind set.
The Euro to U.S. Dollar conversion rate is abysmal, and you pay basically 1.5 times the cost, but you may in fact, be interested in visiting France during these periods to pick up French clothing, etc.
But don’t say I didn’t warn you!
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{ 12 comments… read them below or add one }
Andi, I enjoy reading your blog so I nominated you for a Blog Award over at my site. Enjoy!
Interesting! Who could imagine that sales are under control of government in France?! Do they regulate also a range of discounts?
I am also a fellow “wannabe frenchie.” I am constantly amazed at how different Americans are. We always want MORE MORE MORE! The rest of the world lives on so much less and is happier that way. Bon Weekend!
I have been doing ‘quality’ shopping in the last few years and it is so much more satisfying. I need to clear out my closets though of the crap from my youth
I’ve experienced january shopping in London but not in Paris… one of these days!
I learned something new. I’ve, also, thrifty shopped in London but not France. I shall have to try it sometime and now I know the insider tip. Thanks!
ICLW
That’s one thing I regret not being able to do when I visited Paris. But with two boys in tow, it was a little hard to really shop.
Now, see… I enjoy the lose your mind, grab it all element of the T-giving sales… thought the quality shopping does make a bit more sense, haha.
ICLW
if the government controlled sales in the u.s. i might actually attend a sale once in a while. for example, the store down the street has been having a going out of business sale for the last four years. =/ great post, andi!! i look so forward to learning about France!
Ohh, I must plan a trip during the sales!! I’m a sucker for a good deal, but I’m with them…quality is still important. Looking forward to reading more!!
Christina
The Subfertile Frugalista
iclw
My parents are French wannabies and they shop in Paris when they go every year…out of la saison des soldes. In fact, my mom buys food and her boyfriend buys shoes and clothes. They are always fantastic, we have nothing like it here (Montreal). J’aime les soldes !!
haha, I loooove sales !!!!!! =D
Don’t you love buying something in a foreign country. Everytime you wear it don’t you think of Morges and your time in Switzerland?