Discount shops have become popular in Paris.
You can manage high fashion when your budget is low, even in Paris. Paris, the home of couture, need not be expensive if you know the insider's way to getting items deeply discounted. Stock (known in English as discount) stores are the trend in bargain shopping, and they are exploding all over Paris.
Instructions
1. Be fashion savvy by taking a Paris discount shopping tour. Your hotel or the tourist office can arrange this type of specialty tour. They have become extremely popular for tourists who want shop what the Parisians do at a lower price. These tours will take you to the fashion outlets and workshops that only the insiders know. Book early as they fill up quickly. Besides shopping, you will also visit the workshops of new and upcoming designers. After all, even Yves St. Laurent began as a youngster at Christian Dior before he went on his own and became a sought-after designer. Another highlight of this type of tour is attending a sample sale. With the right sizing, you can purchase last year's collections at a discount of up to 70 percent. With the exceptional prices you will obtain, you will come home with a wardrobe you never thought imaginable and at a fraction of the cost.
2. Head to Paris during the sale season and hit the major stores. Just like at home, major department stores have their end-of-season clearance sales. Shoppers looking for bargain prices and irresistible clearances should look for summer wear sales in July and August and winter wear sales in February and March. Not only do department stores have their sales, but so do the famous boutiques along Boulevard Saint Germain. Among the sidewalk cafes and restaurants that abound in this area, you could find that treasure at least a third off the price at a designer clothing store.
3. Stop in Paris outside of the sale season, but don't fret that you'll miss the discounts. There are still bargains to be had at designer depots year round. A designer depot is a resell shop selling near perfect designer and couture clothes. Original owners of these clothes will sell their designer duds for a fee, and the shop owner will then resell them to the consumer at a fraction of the original cost. These shops are not to be confused with Goodwill back in your home town. Parisian designer depots are usually owned and managed by those who have years of experience in the fashion industry, such as former fashion editors and photographers. Their knowledge and expertise is indispensable in helping you make the right choice. Your new staple will become your own classic individual piece for many years. Many of these shops will be listed in the "What's Happening" books given in your hotel room.
4. Take a train outside of the city to Disneyland Paris for the La Vall e Village Mall. Find the latest and trendiest designer clothes at least a third off year round. Many names will be as familiar as ones back home, but at deeply discounted prices. Situated in a relaxed setting, there are more than 130 outlet stores in the mall. To get there, take the RER # 4 train out of Paris towards Marne-la-Vallee Chessy and exit at Val d'Europe/ Serris Montevrain station. A shuttle bus will transport you directly to the mall from the station.
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