London and Paris shopping in summer months - when NOT to go?

[Slewfoot]

Hi Guys,

To all those Europeans, ex-pats and European travelers, is there a specific time in the summer when all places basically shut down? I recall it's sometime in July/August, but can't remember specifics. I may be making a trip to both cities this summer.

Not sure where I want to go in Paris yet, but certainly the usual stops in London such as Savile Row, W. Bill, Jermyn Street, St. James Street etc. and also museums. Would hate to miss them if I'm there. Any information on when not to go is appreciated

Thanks!

 

[bapelolol]

Thread hijack: Where are the best places to shop in Paris during les soldes in January?

 

[ALFAMALE]

I think august is national sale month for France, not sure about London.

 

[HHD]

Sales in Paris usually run through early July through to mid-August. By August, autumn/winter collections are in most shops, if you are a committed early bird, but what remains on the sales racks are slim pickings indeed. Large department stores like Le Bon MarchÃ

and Printemps are open throughout the summer, but many smaller & more interesting boutiques take a 2-3 week break in August.

As for the January sales, well, most places have sales beginning in the second week of the month. Initial reductions are around 30-50 percent. French law prohibits sales before this date, though increasingly shops get round this by offering "private sales" and "special offers", even before Christmas, which was very rare only a decade or so ago.

 

[Not Ed Harris]

In London at least you shouldn't have any trouble with places being closed down over the summer.

As for when the sales are. They can start as early as June and drag on as late as September depending upon the shop. The January sales can start from any time after Christmas, or even before.

Some of the Savile Row tailors also have sample sales just before their main sales start, so keep an eye out in the local papers (the Metro and Evening Standard are both free). I've seen them for Richard James, Kilgour and Gieves & Hawkes at least

Only real issue about when not to go is how busy it's likely to be. You might want to come in September when there won't be quite so many tourists. But then again, it's never that quiet and if you're interested in the sales you might as well come earlier before all the good stuff has gone.

 

[Rolf]

I visisted London for a week or so in early august or something like that and there wasn't much sale to be honest. So if you're going for the sale, I would recommend to travel even earlier. Like early july.

 

[unclesam099]

Originally Posted by Rolf

I visisted London for a week or so in early august or something like that and there wasn't much sale to be honest. So if you're going for the sale, I would recommend to travel even earlier. Like early july.

Late June/Early July = Wimbledon. Hotels can be more expensive and more difficult to find. If you're into tennis, though, it's a fine time to visit.

 

[Slewfoot]

Thanks guys! I don't really care too much about the sales as that will be difficult to time. If that hits then great, but I primarily just want to make sure most shops aren't closed on a specific week. I'll also contact some specific shops to get a better feel for their schedules.

 

[Marcellionheart]

Aquascutum and Austin Reed tend to go on sale in early June. If you're going shopping on Oxford street, sales can start in May too.

In London, unlike on the continent, shops don't tend to be just closed over the summer.