Shopping in France is unlike any other shopping experience. Firstly, there’s those magical, creative window displays from the boulangerie to Balenciaga that capture your attention and admiration. France is not however known for its customer service. Many stores can be very slow to serve you (at times even acknowledge your existence). Do what the French do; when you walk in, say in your loudest voice “Bonjour”, it breaks the ice. If they don’t reply you know you’re in trouble!
Also avoid shopping on a Mondays, many stores are closed or open after 2pm. Paris is quiet on Sundays, some stores are open around the trendy Marais or touristy areas such as Champ des Elysèes.
From Tuesday-Saturday most shops open from 10am till 7pm (Department stores 9am till 7pm). But this varies as there are so so many public holidays in France. But act like a Parisian and shop either during the ‘SOLDE’ (sale time Jan 8 2008), at a ‘ventee privee’ or in one of the many discount designer streets.
SHOP
Tourist reduction card and VAT
— There’s a 19.5% VAT on most goods that tourists can reclaim a portion of if they live outside the EU. Some smaller boutiques don’t offer a rebate due the amount of paperwork. But all the major departments stores have offices where you can commence your claim however you’ll need to spend around 180 euros and this won't apply to designer brand names such as Louis Vouitton, Gucci etc.
Before you leave home get organised, take extra copies of your passport to leave with the various stores. A vat form will be required for each purchase.
To claim: When you leave Paris, customs must stamp your forms, so arrive early as everyone else might have the same idea. One copy is retained and you keep one. Then you need to post a form to the retailer (preferably from the airport before you forget and in a pre-paid envelope that you should also recieve!), then wait and hope! The refund is normally credited to your credit card.
Also, before you start shopping at the big department stores, seek out the Welcome Desk and enquire about their tourist benefits. Most offer a further 10% discount shopping card, some free delivery to your hotel and who knows, maybe a glass of champagne after several thousands euros have been spent!
Pic by Amanda Lane
My Paris Poem for shopping
— If you want trendy, hip new designers, groovy bars and bagels go the Marais; if
Luxe is a must then its Louis Vuitton on the Champs-Elysees followed by the Dior, and of course more at Ave Montaigne and Avenue George V now you’re in the The Golden Triangle.
But for the bargains, bumper crowds and bonus shopping its Boulevard Haussmann home to the BIG ones, Printemps, Galleries La Fayette, GAP. If you’re more into originality, orange and definitely not what the neighbours are wearing go to Rue Montmarte and Etienne Marcel, home to the the hip crowd, Miss Sixty, Disabless, Patrick Cox – And if you just want to ‘bag’ a bargain browse the chain stores particularly Monoprix – good quality kids and women’s wear and accessories its ‘moins cher’ and very similar to some of those designs on the main street!
Last, but not least, shop for pure pleasure, the boutiques in St. Germain Des Pres, but I didn’t need to tell you that!
Free Fashion Show?
— Galeries Lafayette offers free fashion shows during the week. Head to the department store every Friday 3pm, 7th floor however you need to book for this 30 min show (English commentary). Try the link below or email : welcome@galerieslafayette.com. You will receive a confirmation.
www2.galerieslafayette.com
Tel: for reservations +33 1 42 82 36 40.
Come shop with Me
— If you would like to be escorted to some great discount designer streets then let me be your escort. I’ll organise a morning or afternoon of shopping for great brands like Cacharel, Sonia Rykiel, Chanel and much more.
Shopping on your own can be a little daunting. I’ll personally assist with all your communications needs, organise sizes and other preferences so you spend more time in the dressing room deciding on your Parisian wardrobe.
We’ll shop for clothes, shoes, rest, then more shopping. Its easy, let me know your preferred dates, preferred brands, I’ll create an itinerary and off we go. I’ll also put together a list of other ‘must see’ shops in Paris to visit at your leisure.
Morning Tour: Allow 3 hours, choose either 9.30am or 2.30pm : Meeting point at your hotel or apartment. Up to 3 persons can be included.
3 hour tour = 150 euros
3 hour with lunch = 185 euros
*Metro included. Afterwards I’ll create a list of other ‘special’ shopping places to visit at your leisure.
Colette
— This hip concept store is where you go when you wan to browse for new and interesting designers. Lots of street-wear, high-end fashion, beauty, gadgets, culture and just a great place to base yourself for a couple of hours, over 700m ² of exploring to be had.
It has recently been renovated and expanded to incorporate a cafe/restaurant and a larger gallery of new and emerging artists. It's fun, creative and well very Parisian.
213 rue Saint-Honoré, 75001 t: 01 55 35 33 90
Bon Marche Rvie Gauche
— Don't miss a trip to this wonderful store, full of glamour and other shopping comforts. Their 'Grande Epicerie' is perfect for lunch or little gift ideas.
Open Monday to Saturday 10am till 7.30pm, Friday and Saturdays till 8pm.
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Mon Dressing Secret
— OK this site is in French but what a great idea. Hire your Gucci bag with your Dolce & Gabbana dress and hit the town. You can choose to hire for a week or a night. You do have to join and, of course, it helps if you can understand French. But if you're in Paris for a month why not walk the Champs des Elysées in your Sunday Designer best!
www.mondressingsecret.com
Les Halles — Once a thriving fresh food marketplace, its been replaced with a sad sort of excuse for mall shopping. Its the antithesis of what shopping in Paris is all about. However, if you need some sports wear, there’s Go Sport and numerous ‘moins cher’ women’s clothing as well as cinemas and restaurants. M: Les Halles. Exterior there are some gardens and the wonderful rue du Jour which leads to the rue Montmarte where you will find boutiques stores and great Paris shopping and bistros.