Shopping and retail options in France: VAT included in displayed prices. Large sales in January and July. Variety of markets, malls, boutiques. Sunday closures for many shops. Supermarkets typically open daily. Hypermarkets offer diverse product selections. Charming local artisan shops prevalent. Online shopping rapidly expanding. Regional products at local markets. Popular loyalty programs and discounts.
VAT included in displayed prices.
In France, the prices displayed in shops and retail outlets typically include Value Added Tax (VAT), which can be at the standard rate of 20%, or the reduced rates of 10%, 5.5%, or the super-reduced rate of 2.1%, depending on the type of goods or services being sold. For more detailed information on how these rates apply to various products and services, you can visit the VAT Manual for France.
Large sales in January and July.
In France, the large sales periods, known as "Soldes," occur in January and July. The winter sales run from January 8 to February 4, and the summer sales take place from June 25 to July 22, offering discounts of up to 70% on various items including fashion, household appliances, and home equipment. To find detailed information on these significant shopping events, you can visit the Tourisme 93 website, which provides insights into the schedules and unique experiences these sales offer.
Variety of markets, malls, boutiques.
France offers a diverse range of shopping options, including traditional markets, large department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Le Printemps, urban shopping malls such as Westfield Forum des Halles and Carrousel du Louvre, and boutique chains in city centers. Additionally, there are out-of-town hypermarkets, factory outlet malls, and hard discount stores, catering to various consumer needs and preferences. For more detailed information, you can visit the Shopping in France guide, which provides a comprehensive overview of the best shopping experiences in the country.
Sunday closures for many shops.
In France, many shops traditionally close on Sundays, although recent changes have allowed some exceptions, such as supermarkets, DIY and gardening shops opening on Sunday mornings, and all types of shops in designated tourist areas and during Christmas shopping weekends. For more detailed information on shopping customs and regulations in France, you can visit the detailed guide on the About France website.
Supermarkets typically open daily.
In France, supermarkets usually operate from about 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM or 9:00 PM, but a common practice is closing on Sundays. However, exceptions exist in larger cities or tourist areas where some supermarkets might open on Sunday mornings. For detailed information about shopping options, visit the French Supermarkets guide on Expatica.
Hypermarkets offer diverse product selections.
Hypermarkets in France, such as those operated by Auchan, Carrefour, Intermarche, and Leclerc, offer a diverse product selection that includes food, clothing, electronics, homeware, and other non-food items, making them similar to the North American model of supermarkets and providing a wide range of products under one roof. To explore more about these extensive shopping options, visit the comprehensive guide provided by Expatica.
Charming local artisan shops prevalent.
In Nice, France, charming local artisan shops like Tresors Publics, Ici Concept Store, and Maison Pampille offer a wide range of handmade, artisanal, and vintage goods, showcasing French savoir-faire and local craftsmanship. Meanwhile, in Paris, boutiques such as Empreintes, La Botte Gardiane, L'Appartement Francais, and Camille Fournet highlight "made in France" products. These shops feature handmade crafts, sustainable designs, and traditional French artisanal skills, providing unique and authentic shopping experiences. For more information on the best independent shops in Nice, you can explore the guide on Lonely Planet, which provides valuable insights into local craftsmanship and artistry.
Online shopping rapidly expanding.
The e-commerce market in France is witnessing an impressive boom, with the market valued at EUR84.32 billion in 2024 and anticipated to soar to EUR120.99 billion by 2029. This growth is fueled by a surge in online transactions, a burgeoning preference for convenience, and the rise of single, comprehensive platforms such as Amazon. Fashion, shoes, and beauty products have emerged as the most sought-after categories among consumers. The French online retail landscape recorded a substantial 10.5% growth in 2023, reaching a staggering EUR160 billion. Notably, fashion has taken the lead as the dominant sector in online shopping. Furthermore, both local players and traditional retailers continue to thrive, showcasing their adaptability to the digital wave. The year 2024 marked a 10% increase in the e-commerce industry's value, amounting to EUR150 billion, driven by high demand in sectors including fashion, consumer electronics, and beauty products. The total number of online transactions saw an 8% hike, with the average transaction value climbing to 68 euros, as detailed in this insightful report on the French e-commerce market trends.
Regional products at local markets.
French local markets offer a diverse array of regional products, including artisanal cheeses like Camembert and Roquefort, freshly baked bread and pastries, seasonal fruits and vegetables, local wines and spirits, high-quality olive oils and vinegars, fresh and dried herbs, handmade crafts, and seafood. These vibrant markets also feature products unique to specific regions, such as lavender from Provence and homemade jams made from local fruits. For more insights on what to buy, visit France Channel TV to discover the rich tapestry of French Lifestyle.
Popular loyalty programs and discounts.
In France, popular loyalty programs include Sephora's Beauty Pass, which offers a tiered rewards system with personalized discounts and event invitations; Carrefour's La Carte Carrefour, which provides points redeemable for discounts and coupons; and Lidl Plus, a digital program offering instant discounts and personalized promotions through its mobile app. These programs enhance the shopping experience with tailored rewards and exclusive offers based on customer purchasing behavior. For more insights, explore the Top Loyalty Programs in France to see how these initiatives are transforming consumer engagements.