Amazing Paris Department Stores
Some tourists hit Paris soil ready to see every site and museum. And then there are others -- more than you can imagine - who come here on buying sprees. Not that they don't see Paris and eat a good meal or two, but they have come with a "shop 'til you drop" mission.
Some
dedicated shoppers confine their forays to the chic designer streets
which include Av. Montaigne, the rue du Faubourg-Saint-Honore and an
increasing number of streets in the St. Germain area of Paris's Left
Bank. Designer boutiques are exploding in this section of town, which
is causing outcries from the artist community which used to call this
area home.
Those
in a hurry, or simply more comfortable with having an extensive
collection from which to choose, tend to gravitate to one of Paris'
main department stores. Each store has its own style, and people have
their definite favorite when it comes to where they generally shop.
Galeries
Lafayette is probably the best-known of the department stores since
they market world-wide and offer tourists many incentives.
The
50,000-square-meter store, which boasts an Art Nouveau cupola, has
clothes for everyone and every age, as well as accessories, perfumes,
luggage, items for the home and a wide range of other goods. If one is
in doubt as where to find an item, Galeries Lafayette has a "welcome
desk" where there are multilingual hostesses to locate exactly what
your heart desires.
In the
event you want to see the newest Paris fashions, Galeries Lafayette has
a fashion show each Tuesday at 11 a.m. During the tourist season, there
is a second show on Fridays at 2:30 p.m. Advanced reservations are a
must and can be made by calling 01 42 30 35.
Even
though Galeries Lafayette is composed of different departments that
feature individual designers, one can request a personal shopper to
help you "put it all together." This is an "appointment only" service
called Mode Plus so that shoppers can leave the store looking ever so
much more chic.
Eve
Bark, a Paris resident and professional cooking teacher, says that no
trip to Galeries Lafayette would be complete without a stop at
Lafayette Gourmet, the store's department designed for foodies. "It is
an incredible international food market. The quality is superb and the
prices are no more than in a comparable quality store," Eve says. She
also likes eating at one of Lafayette Gourmet's numerous counters
because the food is excellent and "it is some of the best
people-watching around."
Located
across the street from Galeries Lafayette is Le Printemps. Many avid
shoppers visit both stores. Le Printemps is located in a complex of
three buildings which were constructed in 1865. The store is an
architectural treasure and has been classified a historic monument. One
does find some duplications in the two stores but those in-the-know
claim that Le Printemps has one of the best house wares departments in
Paris and do their tableware, accessories and linen purchases here.
Another
department store worth a visit is La Samaritaine. It is also one of
those mega stores which has everything, including a department where
one can get pictures framed. In addition, La Samaritaine has a
first-rate restaurant, "Topary", which was designed by Hilton McConnico
(see his profile in the People section of Bonjour Paris) and boasts one
of the best views of Paris. If you don't have time for a gourmet meal,
at least take the time to go to the brasserie on the 9th floor and walk
upstairs to the roof, which offers a fantastic view of the Seine and
the Left Bank.
Left bank
residents swear by Le Bon Marche, which is the oldest department store
in Paris. It tends to be less crowded than the other department stores.
Now that it has been acquired by LVMH (the luxury goods conglomerate),
the consensus is that the store is targeting the upscale, affluent
shopper who craves to wear this year's most au courant clothes.
Dedicated
shopper Helen Feustel says she always heads there. "The store may have
less of a selection than other department stores but I always come home
with things I love. Plus I find the sales staff more accommodating"
When
you are at Le Bon Marche, take a detour to their food hall. No visitor
can help but be impressed by its quality and selection.
All
these stores are equipped to handle the VAT rebate forms which tourists
must produce when leaving the country. The VAT is currently 19.6% but
non-EC residents (including Americans) are entitled to a partial rebate
(ranging from 13%-15%) which can be credited to a credit card. Or a
check can be sent to your stateside address. One caveat: one needs to
spend 200 Euros per day in one store in order to qualify for
the repayment. This is another reason to make all your minor purchases
in the same store so they can be totaled in order to meet the minimum.
Shopping
is always good in Paris but some times are better than others. Sales
are government regulated and occur three times per year. The summer
sales begin at the end of June and last through July. Winter sales take
place in January. Don't plan on peace and tranquillity should you hit
the stores during these two times of the year. The French are smart
consumers and many of them buy ONLY during these sale periods.
Retail
marketing consultant Natacha Ferdman, who has worked in both New York
and Paris, has the following observations which are worth keeping in
mind for the uninitiated: "Shopping in Paris is different from shopping
in the U.S. The sales staff is not as helpful." Ferdman says this is
partly due to the fact that they are not considered professionals and
also because the French do not look to the staff for advice. "Most
French women shop with a friend who advises them. If a salesperson
pushes someone to buy an item, that will invariably kill a sale."
Ferdman also says that most French people shop where it is convenient; either near their home or office.
Her
comparative evaluations are as follows: "Galeries Lafayette would be
comparable to Bloomingdales. It is the pillar of marketing savvy. Le
Printemps is more varied and has an excellent junior department. La
Samaritaine would be considered Paris' Macys. Le Bon Marche is more of
a cross between Saks and Barneys. It is definitely marketing to the
trendy/chic."
The
one constant in all these stores is that the more money you have, the
better. Or at least a big line of credit on your Visa, American
Express, or Mastercard. These stores don't shun plastic!
Undoubtedly,
many Bonjour Paris readers have their favorite department store or
boutiques. Let us know on our message boards which ones they are, and
why.
Karen Fawcett
Copyright (c) Paris New Media, L.L.C.
Galeries Lafayette 40, BV. Haussmann 75009, Paris metro: Chausee d'Antin-La Fayette
Le Printemps 64, BV. Haussmann 75009, Paris metro: Havre-Caurmatin
La Samaritaine 75, rue de Rivoli 75001, Paris metro: Pont Neuf
Le Bon Marche 22, rue de Sevres 75007, Paris metro: Sevres-Babylone
