What better excuse to come to Paris this January than the annual winter sales? Unlike the American retail world, sales in France are state-regulated and occur twice a year: once in July and once in January. These biannual sales generally last about six weeks, and they offer a Parisian visitor an unparalleled opportunity to snap up chic designs in clothing, shoes, jewelry, accessories, and housewares, with prices slashed as much as 80%. The 2012 sale season begins Wednesday, January 11 and will last through Tuesday, February 14.
Making the most of Paris sales can become a competitive sport among the locals, so it pays to plan ahead. If you’re in town for a few days before the sales begin, take an afternoon to check out your favorite styles in stores all over the city. You can try things on for size before the stores become crowded with similarly fashion-minded bargain hunters.
Prices are lowered as the sale continues through its six-week run, so waiting until the middle or end of the sale can score you much bigger discounts—although the selection is more limited by that time. No matter when you visit these sales, plan on doing your shopping in the morning during the work week, as the crowds are fairly large later in the day and on weekends.
Hit up the famous Parisian department stores of Galleries Lafayette, Printemps, and Le Bon Marché to admire the gorgeous architecture, Christmas decorations (which remain up for most of January), and for the consummate feeling of luxury shopping. But don’t stop with the big name department stores! Designer boutiques and small shops also slash their prices for the January sale, and some of the best bargains can be found in these stores. Since they must clear their racks for the next season’s collections, these smaller shops are more willing to cut prices to the bone.
For the dedicated shopper in Paris, the ultimate January sales experience will be found on rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the nearby avenue Montaigne by the Champs-Elysées. These two streets are among the most fashionable in the world, as they both house nearly every global fashion designer. After a hearty breakfast, plan on visiting each boutique on these two avenues in turn. You’ll return home decked out in some of the finest couture in the world at a fraction of the original price.
We have Paris furnished apartments and vacation rentals available throughout the month of January. Find the perfect home base for the world’s best shopping with one of our furnished apartments:
Situated on rue du Rocher, this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Champs Élysées – Gare Saint Lazare – Paris (PA-3348) features a beautiful blend of classic and modern. After a long day of shopping, the warm hardwood floors, cozy kitchen, and and big living room will feel very welcoming.
Stay within steps of Galleries Lafayette in this 2 Bedroom Vacation Rental – Opéra – Grands Boulevards – Clichy – Paris (PA-2719). With beautiful exposed brick and roof beams, bright windows throughout, and a view of Sacré Coeur, this apartment will make your January shopping trip to Paris unforgettable.
Live it up on the Left Bank in this bright and airy 1 Bedroom Vacation Rental Invalides (PA-3179). This apartment is two kilometers away from Le Bon Marché department store and features beautiful floor-to-ceiling windows, a coded security system, and a paved courtyard. What a perfect spot for you to put on your own personal fashion show with your new purchases!
Where is your favorite place to shop in Paris?
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