Saturday, August 22, 2009

Shopping in Paris

It’s difficult to know where to begin to share the secrets of shopping on the streets of Paris. It’s not because there’s a lack of options to meet the interests and budgets of all our travelers, but as a professionally schooled and trained fashion merchandiser and coordinator who spent years in the retail and wholesale fashion industry – I’m still mesmerized by the magnitude of creativity, history and impact the French have had on the personal style of so many Americans and others around the world.

Since even the Parisians know style is personal and a philosophy that one develops over time to fit their own lifestyle and personality, I will only share with you the way to “get in the mood” for your own personal shopping experience – for yourself or whoever else you have placed on your “gift” list. But, if you have a special event coming up in the near future or wish to give unique holiday gifts with a Parisian flair – I suggest you prepare in advance with names and addresses so you can ship direct or send home.

One key to shopping in Paris, is to first people watch, look at how the food is being presented and window shop while keeping in mind –simple sophistication laced with a trace of tradition and a pop of creativity gives the Parisian a sense of undisputed taste in fashion. Take a look around and see what the Parisians are wearing today and you‘ll have a good idea of what American’s will be wearing tomorrow. The art of presentation comes through in all they Parisians do and as a result all the sense are stimulated in the lines, textures and colors of the materials they use.

This is why many shoppers look to find the finest fabric houses and stores where fine linens can be purchased. Not only will the memories and stories that go along with these purchases last a lifetime, but also because of the quality, the gifts you give of this nature will last for generations to come. The French word for fabric is “tissus” and it’s very possible that if you have an eye and appreciation of fabric you’ll need some tissues of your own to dab the tears of joy when you discover the Marche St. Pierre (at the foot of Montmartre below the Sacre Coeur Basilica) – the fabric district in Paris. Since this one area of Paris is a “trip in itself”, I suggest pre-exploratory travels on the Internet using the available maps of the district in addition to visiting Ingrid Midi’s bog (June 15, 2009) about shopping for Fabric in Paris. http://fashionismymuse.blogspot.com/2009/06/shopping-for-fabric-in-paris.html.

One of the places you can find more information about the places to shop is at the official website of the Paris Convention and Visitor’s Bureau http://en.parisinfo.com/paris-shopping/. Here you’ll find an array of information that may well tempt you, but also be overwhelming. Thus, I suggest you simply use this as a tool to familiarize yourself with what you’ll encounter and then let your heart and pocketbook draw you closer to the dream purchases. If you’re interested in the “ins & outs” of shopping on a budget, you might want to read what Rachel Kaplan’s has to say about the subject at http://www.parischicshopping.com/guidebook.html. (Order “Best Buys to French Chic” on-line and save on this purchase too). Another book published several years ago by Maribeth Clement has valuable tips and information --The Riches of Paris: A Shopping and Touring Guide By Maribeth Clemente. Her two decades in the travel business and travel writing, in addition to being a “curious shopper“ gives her website a light and informative edge for creating a great precursor experience when planning a trip to address your personal passions. Check out her book at her website www.bonjourtelluride.com.

On the practical side, it pays to take advantage of advertised “tax free shopping”. For example at PRINTEMPS --Department Store in Paris, you can get and complete tax refund forms in store at the day of the purchase (passport must be presented) and 12% of the total amount of your purchase will be reimbursed. These forms are stamped at the customs Service at the airport and then you mail them back in a pre-paid envelope for reimbursement of your taxes on the credit card, which they were charged. Or, in the case of a reimbursement at the airport, 10% will be deducted from the total amount reimbursed. There are conditions, but it’s fairly easy to meet and worth the few extra steps you’ll take to save enough to spend on yourself touring and dining during the rest of your trip. For more information regarding Printemps, go to http://departmentstoreparis.printemps.com/services/easy_shopping/

Although it’s fairly easy to get the available refunds (once you familiarize yourself with the process), it’s really best to “get a handle” on this subject prior to travelling because it’s one of those things you most often have to mention to the shopkeeper. In addition, you’ll want to be organized in advance to make sure you keep track of all of your purchases. I found a couple of articles and sights that explain this process well and recommend you check these out before traveling abroad. Irene Lynn published an article in 2008 that was particularly informative. You can find her article entitled Tips on Getting the VAT Tax Back When Travelling in Europe” at http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/566389/tips_on_getting_the_vat_tax_back_when.html?cat=3.

The same article recommends includes reference to a site that has even more detailed information about the VAT tax. http://www.globalrefund.com/default.asp. Here you’ll find EASY 1-2-3 Steps to shopping and saving money based on the tourist’s entitlement to claim the taxes back in you export your purchases. The basics of this process are as follows:

REFUND CHEQUE

Ask the shop staff for a Refund Cheque when paying for your purchases.


CUSTOMS STAMP

Show your purchases, receipt and passport to Customs when leaving the country, or at the final point of departure when leaving the European Union, and have your Refund Cheque stamped.


REFUND OFFICE

Show the stamped Refund Cheque, passport and credit card at a nearby Refund Office and ask for an Immediate Refund on your credit card. Alternatively the Refund can be paid in cash.

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