everything you need to know to save as much as possible this year

In France, there are two sales periods during the year. Each of them lasts 4 weeks. First of all, there are the winter sales, which start on the second Wednesday of January from 8 a.m. This year, it is therefore from Wednesday January 8 to Tuesday February 4, 2025 that the operation takes place across most of the territory. The summer sales begin on the last Wednesday of the month of June, or the penultimate if the last Wednesday occurs after the 28th. This sales calendar in France concerns both physical stores and online sales platforms. . Internet stores must obey the same rules, even if the headquarters of the group operating the site is in a department allowing exceptional dates or abroad. This commercial operation is a unique opportunity to equip yourself at a lower cost.

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What are the return conditions during the sales?

For any purchase made remotely, you have a 14-day right of withdrawal, with some exceptions. On the other hand, for a purchase made in store, the brand is not obliged to take back your product if it is a simple error in the size chosen or the color which does not suit you. But companies often make commercial gestures in order to satisfy their customers. However, things are different if the sale product is defective. Even during this promotional episode, you have a legal guarantee of conformity if the item presents a defect. You will be able to ask the professionals on site for repairs or exchanges. And if neither option is possible, you have the option of requesting a full refund of your purchase during the sales. Please note, however, that it is important to know that an apparent defect during purchase will not be covered by the legal guarantee of conformity.

What should you pay attention to during the winter sales?

On the internet in particular, it is important to know the seller well. So do not hesitate to find out about the company and consult its general conditions of sale. Check if the mailing address looks real and look at online reviews so you don't get caught out. Also, do not fall into the trap of purchase incentive messages such as “only 20 minutes left to benefit from this limited offer”, or “50 people are viewing this product”. These are “dark patterns” that many sites use to encourage you to buy the item spontaneously. It is also important to check if the item is on sale. It must include a label or notice with the old price crossed out as well as the new price in force. The price displayed must be the lowest charged in the last 30 days. Also, rely on the final price rather than the discount offered. It is also good to know that merchants are not allowed to restock their stocks during sales, which means that they are not restocked: first come, first served.

When are the sales in the European Union?

European Union countries do not offer the same sales periods. Differences in sale dates and VAT rates within the European Union (EU) are due to the sovereignty of member states over commercial and tax laws. Each EU country sets its own rules, adapted to local traditions, consumption habits and the national economic calendar. In Germany, for example, merchants have more freedom than in France where sales are regulated by law. These disparities create commercial diversity within the EU, while respecting the principle of harmonization to promote cross-border trade and protect consumers. It may therefore be interesting to take advantage of sales among our European neighbors. In Belgium, the winter sales are set from January 4 to 31, more or less like in Italy. In Spain, sales are regulated at regional level.

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