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Summer Sales in Paris, 2017



There are plenty of reasons to come to Paris: the museums, the beautiful parks, the spectacular restaurants, the pastries, the romance in the air, and so much more.  The twice yearly sales, however, are a huge bonus to a summer or winter vacation.



Les Soldes - you either love or strongly dislike being in Paris during the time of the state regulated sales in France. 






In the U.S., we have sales celebrating Memorial Day, Labor Day, Mother's and Father's Day, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, post Thanksgiving, Christmas, etc. 

In France, the government sets sales dates for twice a year, usually for six weeks starting at the end of June and beginning of January.  So, right before a good chunk of the country goes on vacations and after Christmas.

 
The sales include clothing, shoes, home goods,  luggage, and pretty much everything.


This year, I found myself in Paris in May and again in July.  Everything that I fell in love with in May, but did not buy, was almost half off in July.  Mind you, not everything was still there or available in my size, but I was able to find two great dresses at half the price.  


The sales begin with a reduction of 20%, so not quite incentivizing.  With each passing week, the reductions grow, and reach 50% off by mid July.  Towards the end of the sales period they can reach 60-70% off, but the inventory will be very limited by that time. 


So, for instance, back in May I fell in love with this skirt by MM6, it was 270 Euro.  Now, in July it went down to 162 Euro, and with an additional discount at Galeries Lafayette, and I ended up getting it for 134 Euro.  YAY!












 
La Bon Marche, created special sections of the store devoted solely to Les Soldes, but it is worth browsing through the entire store since there are plenty of sales in each department.

Some smaller stores fill the entire space with racks of sale items, even foregoing fitting rooms.  I found myself, along with a few proper Parisians,  having to throw dresses over our clothing at Antik Batik to see if they fit.

Most stores will take the opportunity to introduce shoppers to the new fall collections.  Those racks are tagged with "Nouvelle Collection" signs, and are not discounted.  













Even Hermes gets in on the action.  The 3 day Hermes sale is not at their stores but at Le Palais De Congres Paris, about a 15 minute walk from Arc de Triomphe.  Sadly, the sale does not include handbags, but there are plenty of beautiful scarves, gloves, shoes, clothing, hats, and bangles to satisfy anyone craving a whole different level of luxury.  This year the Hermes sales lasted from the 5th to the 7th of July. 

Summer Sales for 2017 - June 28 to August 8th.

Happy Shopping.

Joanna












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