Soldes Soldes Soldes

Like other fashion victims and tourists in the know, I am in Paris this week, searching for the best deals at the famous soldes (winter sale). Prices are 30 to 50% lower than the regular prices. Did you know that France's twice-yearly retail sales account for over a quarter of the sector's turnover? Also did you know that the timing and duration of these sales are regulated by the government? Crazy, eh? (Then again, only a decade ago, it was illegal to shop on Sundays in Canada.)

I found the biggest crowds at the luxury goods counters of the major department stores, Printemps and Galeries Lafayette. There were so many gleeful young women, including students skipping school. Unlike me, there were out to find deals on Gucci handbags, Dior sunglasses and Louis Vuitton gloves!