Shopping in Paris

[SFA]

Apologies in advance if it seems like I’m cross posting from a similar thread I posted in the “travel” forum. I’m just specifically trying to get some information/tips on whether it is worth shopping in Paris.

My wife and I are planning to visit mid December. We are staying in a hotel around “Rue La Fayette”. My wife has been responsible for the logistics so I am not exactly sure if that narrows down the area. She did tell me we are close to some expansive gallery area with lots of shopping.

From the research (google) I’ve done, it seems like the majority agree that shopping in Paris is very expensive and may not be worth it. Coming from Canada, I am used to things being overpriced and having lack of selection. But I do know we get some of the VAT we pay as a refund. Wife is convinced it is worth it though because of the refund we can get.

I don’t really have a budget per se, but if something is worth getting there I don’t mind spending the money. I know the Carmina shoe store is close to our hotel. I am hesistant on buying a suit when I am there as I am still educating myself on what is going to fit me (I’ve made 2 major purchasing disasters and I am willing to wait now and not rush into something). I’m thinking maybe I can find some dress shirts a pair of quality shoes.

Any stores to visit when I’m there for someone with not much of a wardrobe and looking to build on basics? Things to avoid or places to avoid?

This might seem as a disaster waiting to happen, but I will have two of my favorite people tagging along with us, my 2.5 year old daughter and 7 month old son.

 

[Veremund]

The Galeries Lafayetter is beautiful. Worth a visit even without the shopping. Be certain to visit the Charvet shop at Place de la Vendome!

 

[mebiuspower]

VAT refund is a big scam IMO. There may be some women's stuff worth buying but I couldn't see anything worthwhile for men there.

 

[SFA]



VAT refund is a big scam IMO. There may be some women's stuff worth buying but I couldn't see anything worthwhile for men there.

Can you expand on why you think it is a scam?

 

[mebiuspower]

http://www.styleforum.net/t/342851/vat-refund-companies-in-europe-beware

http://www.styleforum.net/t/215908/getting-tax-refund-at-airport

 

[SFA]



http://www.styleforum.net/t/342851/vat-refund-companies-in-europe-beware

http://www.styleforum.net/t/215908/getting-tax-refund-at-airport

Ah got it. I know I mentioned to my wife that we will need to be diligent and arrive at the airport way ahead of time to get this refund stuff sorted out. The combination of us flying out 2 days before christmas, having our flight time from Paris around 11am and waking up my two kids well in advance to deal with all this will definitly add to the stress level.

I will be careful in what I spend when I am there. No point in going overboard as I usually do when it comes to seeing things and buying things only to realize when coming home that it was a purchase mistake.

 

[poorsod]

There are some old threads on this that require an update. Some stores like Arnys and Old English have closed.

http://www.styleforum.net/t/12884/best-clothing-stores-in-paris

http://www.styleforum.net/t/152267/best-places-to-go-shopping-in-paris

 

[orlylow]

Gonna bump this instead of creating a new thread...

How are brands like APC/Maison Kitsune priced in Paris? Are they any cheaper than online/worth checking out? Any other brands besides those that I mentioned that are worth checking out?

 

[Fuuma]



Gonna bump this instead of creating a new thread...

How are brands like APC/Maison Kitsune priced in Paris? Are they any cheaper than online/worth checking out? Any other brands besides those that I mentioned that are worth checking out?

They are priced cheaper than at non-european online stores, just like pretty much all garments produced in Europe.

 

[orlylow]

They are priced cheaper than at non-european online stores, just like pretty much all garments produced in Europe.

Thanks. Any shops in particular worth checking out or just the official retailers of those brands?

What are some other French brands?

 

[Fuuma]



Thanks. Any shops in particular worth checking out or just the official retailers of those brands?

What are some other French brands?

It really depends what you want to purchase, I mean Givenchy, Balenciaga, Saint Laurent, Lanvin etc are all french brands but so are Pigalle, Kitsuné, APC, Bleu de Paname etc, you're talking about the main fashion capital. Luxury is mainly produced in Italy but design studios are in France...

Anyway my point was that european brands are cheaper in Europe than elsewhere. It can be Rick Owens or Pierre Corthay, it doesn't matter.

 

[jordache jeans]

Thanks. Any shops in particular worth checking out or just the official retailers of those brands?

What are some other French brands?

Just go to the l'eclaireur stores (theres liek 5 or 6 of them, you can pick which ones based on area and brands you like) and le bon marche. The other big department stores are mainly asian tourist stuff.

Also, VAT refund was pretty easy to get for me earlier this year. Most stores will just withhold the vat and give you a form that you scan at the airport at a machine.

 

[Mr Engineer]

Bump...

Any discount shops in Paris? I am looking for a Century 21 in NYC equivalent.

 

[poorsod]

My understanding is that sales are state regulated and happen twice a year.

 

[simian]

My understanding is that sales are state regulated and happen twice a year.

Sales ("soldes") do happen twice a year, and are not that impressive, certainly not compared to what one gets in the US stores. There is generally not much of a sales culture in France.

What you can hope for is this: develop a relationship with owner(s) of smaller boutiques (at least in Paris), and you can expect 15-20% reductions ("remise") very now and then. Not easy to do, and takes time, and doesn't work well if you're a visitor.