Five things they do not tell you about… shopping in France
Navigating the etiquette, from greeting shopkeepers to market manners
Returns policies may not be as generous as in other countries
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La boutique
Small independent shops are often staffed by their owner, who expects you to say 'bonjour' as you walk in and 'au revoir' when you leave. Fail and you could pay the price of frosty or even non-existent service. Even if you are hyper polite, however, you might find service extremely formal. Je vous en prie, Madame!
Le marché
Street markets are a different matter. Customers are expected to take their time, and chat to the stall holder or at least exchange a few pleasantries. Unless you see other people selecting their own fruit and vegetables, or see plastic baskets for the purpose, do not touch the produce. Je suis à vous!
Les clients
Very old-established shops may still have 'Entrée Libre' on the door, indicating that customers who enter are not obliged to buy anything. But if your intention is simply to flâner (wander aimlessly) or just faire du lèche-vitrine (window-shop), it is polite to say 'On regarde seulement' and rude to touch the goods. Merci à vous!
Read more: Five things they don’t tell you about… school kermesses in France
Le stationnement
Some large shopping malls offer a carte fidelité which gives free parking. Others give free parking with proof of purchase. Check online in advance or ask at the reception desk of the centre commercial, or failing that, the large supermarket which is often found on the ground floor of a shopping mall. Un bon plan!
Le retour
Shops are not obliged to let customers return items unless they are faulty, and usually require a ticket de caisse to do so. Honourable exceptions include Leroy Merlin who will accept returns from their loyalty card holders for any reason, even without a receipt. Charm however, has been known to work miracles. Chouette!
