Paris Moins Cher
As Paris is being drenched with a wet, messy snowfall, we look ahead a bit to better days. Spring is still too far off, but there are ways to combat the post-holiday doldrums. This week, the winter sales, or soldes, begin on Wednesday at 8:00 a.m. and will run through 10 February — five weeks in lieu of the usual six. In exchange, merchants may have two supplementary weeks of sales, chosen at their discretion throughout the year. This year, for the first time, the dates will be uniform throughout France.
In light of the dismal economy, the soldes are perhaps more eagerly anticipated than ever this year, by businesses and consumers alike. Starting just after Christmas, those in the know begin their advance reconnaissance in the hope that their choices will be there when the soldes begin, and at a lower price. This is usually the case, because most people are holding off on anything but necessities. But a word of caution is in order. At the same time prices on winter merchandise are being slashed dramatically, merchants take the opportunity to bring out next season’s wares. During last summer’s sales, I walked away with three beautiful tops — and three more that weren’t on sale.
For the next few weeks, this will be a major topic of conversation. Die-hard shopophobes are transformed into confirmed shopaholics. In fact, it takes a major event to keep people away, and sometimes that isn’t enough. Last summer, the sister of a friend, just after having been laid up for six months with a broken clavicle and femur (the result of a bicycle accident), made her way, on crutches, to the opening day of the soldes. “You’re crazy,” her brother told her, to which she replied, “But it’s fun!” And there seems to be universal agreement on that point.
If you can’t make it, there is always the 17th of June. Bonne soldes!
Jan del Monte, blogging from the rue du Cherche-Midi, Paris, France
© 2009 Jan del Monte
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Its a hot day here and the sales started Before Christmas! That is the feeling of the economy here. Its too early to tell yet how the retail sales are. Tourists to Australia numbers are down so that is not good either.
I have to say that I did go to the sales but bought very little for there wasn’t much I needed out there and what there was – I did not like or would not fit! LOL
Jan, let us know what you bought at the sale.
Sales here too in Boston. I wanted a black cashmere goat but even at 75% off, the quality was poor.
Like the photos as usual. Was hoping to see you in late march-april week but plans fell apart.
Well, that does upset me, cigalechanta. April in Paris and meeting you face to face would have been a treat.
I’ll let you all know about the sales on another post — when they are finished next week.