If you are a diehard accro du shopping (shopaholic), a trip to a French shopping center could prove rather dangerous presently. “And why is that?” you may be wondering to yourself. Well, my friends, that would be because the SOLDES are on at the moment!

If you’ve never heard of the soldes, it’s hard to describe just how these monumental sales take place. Twice every year, retailers get rid of their excess stock by marking down nearly all of the merchandise. Les braderies (clearances) are enormously discounted, often to the tune of 50% or more. In turn, the shopping centers are filled with a crush of shoppers all looking to find a great deal on anything from a new sofa to a great pair of jeans.

These enormous sales take place in the summer and winter. The sales period lasts for five weeks, and the official dates are determined by the préfets des départements (officials of the French departments). This time period is known as les soldes fixes, and all retailers participate in this event together. There is also another category of sales called the soldes libres, which take place over a time frame of two weeks. These sales are up to the discretion of the individual retailer, and thus can take place whenever the store chooses to hold them.

Most retailers choose to sell their goods at a progressively lower price as the end of the sales gets nearer. Many stores advertise these prices with large banners declaring another démarque (markdown). If the first markdown price is 50%, the 2nd may be 60%, and the third 70%. Because of the enormous savings these markdowns provide, some shoppers choose to wait until the very end of the soldes to venture into the shopping centers. At this point, the merchandise is at its lowest price. While this strategy can prove effective in finding great deals, many of the items will be épuisé (sold-out) by that point. For most retailers, once the sale stock is gone, the deal is no longer valid. According to French law, the retailer must display the ancien prix (former price) crossed-out, next to the new sale price. This is intended to show the consumer how much money they are saving by purchasing an item that is presently offered on sale.

If you are planning on stock up on French goods during your next vacation, consider visiting during the sales period and you’re certain to find some awesome bargains. On the other hand, the great deals offered may mean you need to buy a second valise (suitcase). Not to worry, the luggage makers participate in the soldes too!