Getting into Paris the morning of the Semi-annual Sale is almost like winning the lottery. Seriously. The sales are very strictly regulated by the government and designers and stores are only allowed to have sales and discounts twice a year, once in the summertime (this year it started June 22 and will run until August 2) and once in the winter, shortly after Christmas. The dates of the sales change every year. So is the hype really worth it??
I have gone to many sales, in many different cities and countries – visited the famous “Outlet cities” in Vegas and Paris and all I can say is WOW, Yes the hype is totally worth it! Major designers like Prada, Chloe, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Miu Miu, Givenchy, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin – you name it are all up to 50% off. I couldn’t believe my eyes to see Proenza Shoulder bags in bins like at Forever21 which says 50% off. Crazy! Saint Laurent, Valentino and even Chanel offers sales from 30-50%! Here are 4 tips to truly make the most of your Paris Sale shopping trip!
ONE | Pre-shop
Either online or in the store if you are in Paris previous to the start date of the sale. Pick what you want so you don’t waste your time browsing through one store after the next. Once you have made your selection, takes pictures of the items and maybe the tags so you can show them to the sales associates on the day of the sale.
TWO | Choose the right store
Pre-shopping will help you make the decision of where you will be shopping on the day of the sale. If you have you eyes on a more exclusive item that may only be available at a flagship store rather than a department store, start there to make sure you get the item you want. Most flagship store will be on Rue St. Honore and Rue Montagne. Department stores, like Printemps and Galleries Lafayette are great if you want to purchase multiple items from different designers.
THREE | Wear comfy shoes
It seems like a given but on a shopping trip which may last all day just wear a comfortable pair of shoes. Also cloths that you can easily take off to try some new things. There are obviously countless restaurants around the big shopping streets, but maybe grab a snack and go up to the rooftop of Printemps (Main building) and enjoy a nice break).
FOUR | Get your Tax-Refund
If you will leave the EU after your purchase, make sure to get your tax refund slip for extra savings! Some stores offer this service and money-back right then and there. This is clearly a strategy for the customer to spend more money, but it works for those who want to invest their last dime into more sale items that are really up to 50% off.
Feel free to leave a comment with any questions below!
Happy shopping, Au Revoir.
xx,
