What are the dates of France’s January 2025 sales?
The sales period is highly regulated although some departments will hold them earlier to compete with shops in neighbouring countries
Strict rules surround France’s sales period
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France’s winter sales period (les soldes d’hiver) will differ this year depending on location as eastern departments look to stay competitive against non-French rivals.
The first of the major sales periods in 2025 will run between Wednesday January 8 and Tuesday February 4 for the majority of people, allowing four weeks of high-street deals.
However, in the Meurthe-et-Moselle, Moselle, Meuse and Vosges departments they will start and finish earlier, running from Thursday January 2 to Wednesday January 29.
It is not the first time departments in the east have started winter sales earlier – they also adopted the same approach last year.
This is because the sales period in the neighbouring countries of Germany and Luxembourg begin before the French dates. This can result in French businesses in these border departments having the risk of customers heading across the border if they do not compete at the same time.
In the French overseas departments, the sales are also held at different dates as in metropolitan France.
Why are sales dates important in France?
Unlike in other countries such as the US and UK sales periods are strictly governed by rules in France.
The dates for the sales are set out via decree in the Journal Officiel a few weeks before they begin.
Shops can engage in promotions (selling items at a reduced price from their normal rate) and ventes privées (discounts for special members, such as those with a loyalty card or specifically invited to shop in this period) when they wish.
However, they cannot sell anything at a loss during these sales.
The recent ‘Black Friday’ deals, an American cultural import, are a version of a ‘promotions’, as products must still be sold at a profit.
Read more: Graphic: Black Friday is popular in France but what if goods are faulty?
It is only during the winter sale (and corresponding summer sale, usually held in July) that items can be sold at a loss.
Therefore, the sales are often used to promote older stock before new goods arrive, particularly for larger retailers.
Other rules around the sales include the products having to have been on sale at full price in the month leading up to the sales period. The product should also show both the old price and the new, discounted, price.
Items must also be in good condition and not have hidden defects (vices cachés).
Consumers benefit from the same protection laws as if an item was not discounted, however many stores are reluctant to offer a refund on goods purchased during the sales if a customer simply changes their mind.
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