Sales in France

Sales in France: A Practical Guide to Scoring the Best Deals

Hi everyone!

 Today, I’m going to talk to you about a topic that many of us eagerly await every year: the sales in France. Whether you’re a shopping enthusiast or just looking for great deals, the sales are the perfect time to save money. So, I’m going to explain when it happens, where to go, and most importantly, how to make the most of it. Let’s get started!

When do the sales take place in France?

In France, we have two major sales periods each year: the winter sales and the summer sales. The winter sales usually start in early January, right after the holidays, and last for about six weeks. It’s the perfect time to update your winter wardrobe or buy those items you had your eye on at Christmas but didn’t receive!

The summer sales, on the other hand, begin at the end of June. Again, we have about six weeks to grab some great deals. It’s ideal for finding light clothing, swimsuits, or even accessories for your summer vacations. What I love about the summer sales is that you can really prepare for the warm days ahead without breaking the bank.

Where to shop during the sales?

Now, let’s talk about the best places to shop during the sales in France. If you’re in a big city like Paris, Lyon, or Marseille, you’re spoiled for choice. Major department stores like Galeries Lafayette or Printemps are must-visits. They often offer great discounts on luxury brands, but also on more affordable ones.

Shopping centers are also perfect spots for sales. For example, in Paris, you have the Les Quatre Temps shopping center in La Défense, or the Forum des Halles right in the heart of the city.

These places are great because you have everything you need in one place: clothes, shoes, accessories, all conveniently located for easy shopping.

Then, there are the independent boutiques and outlet stores.

These are often located on the outskirts of big cities and offer even bigger discounts, especially on previous season’s collections. It’s a bit of a trip, but if you can make it out there, it can be totally worth it!

How to make the most of the sales?

Now, let’s get into my tips for really making the most of the sales. The first thing is to prepare your list in advance. Personally, I like to do a little inventory of what I need (or want!) before the sales start. That way, I stay focused on my priorities and avoid impulse buys that might end up sitting in the back of my closet.

Next, be strategic with your timing. The first few days of the sales are often crazy, especially in the evenings or on weekends. If you can, try to go during the week, early in the morning or in the early afternoon.

There will be fewer people and more choices.

Another tip: don’t rush to buy on the first day. Stores often apply progressive discounts. At first, it’s -20%, then -30%, and finally, you can get up to -50% or even more toward the end of the sales.

But be careful, it’s a risky game: if you wait too long, your size or the item you want might be gone.

Finally, don’t forget to check online. Many websites offer sales, sometimes even before the official start in stores. And the advantage is that you can easily compare prices and avoid the crowds.

Few final tips

To wrap up, I’d say it’s important to stay reasonable. Sales are great, but they can quickly turn into a trap of compulsive buying. Set yourself a budget, and try to stick to it. And above all, enjoy yourself! After all, the sales are also a chance to treat yourself to something special without feeling guilty.

Voilà, I hope these tips will help you make the most of the sales in France.

See you soon for a new topic, and until then, take care!

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Ressources supplémentaires : 

The Origin of Sales in France 

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