I was intrigued to see how good the ‘warehouse’ stores of Paris might be. While nothing replaces the pleasure of being personally fitted for a designer suit in a luxurious ‘cabine’ at the Bon Marche, here’s another side to shopping, the hunt for a great ‘bargain’! If you can’t shop during the sales (February and August) when some items are reduced by 70% head to these great discount shopping streets for permanently discounted stock.
Discount designer shopping
Et Vous
— Normally quite expensive label, they have several stores across Paris and a rather large one on the rue de Rennes, the outlet offers several good quality Tshirts and cardigans but don't expect to find much else, their suits were very dated.
15 rue Turbigo, Etienne Marcel
J'y Troque dépôts-ventes
— For the ultra-luxe brands, second time around clothing, bags and shoes for brands like - Comme des Garçons, Helmut Lang, Prada, Donna Karan. Open Monday to Friday 11am - 7pm. Closed weekends unless you call ahead.
7 rue Villedo, 75001, 1st t: 01 42 86 00 26
Azzedine Alais
— If you're a fan of this Tunisian designer but can't quite afford the retail price tags, this store offer last season's items at around a 50-60% discount. But you still bank on around 300-400 euros for one of those figure hugging tops or dresses.
Metro: Hotel de Ville
18 rue de la Verrerie 4th, t: 01 42 72 19 19
Shopping rue Saint-Placide, St Germain-des-Pres
— If you tire of the big brands like ZARA, H&M, Espirit and NAF NAF on the rue de Rennes, then take a detour down this small street with some interesting designer ‘bargain bins’. There’s an oasis in the form of the ‘Bon Marche’ at the end of the street if you need to get back to 'luxe' shopping.
You’ll find discount designer stores mixed in with some other interesting labels. Recommended are: 'Comme des Femmes' – an interesting mix of Ralph Lauren, Gianfranco Ferre and some nice Lyle and Scott sweaters. From the exterior it doesn’t entice but is worth a look.
Opposite is somewhat an institution for Parisians; 'Mouton à Cinq Pattes', they have three stores all in the same street. You may struggle to find larger sizes (40-44). No. 45 is good for shoes; spotted were some Chloe loafers and Marc Jacobs, under 200 euros.
Work suits and basics can be found the ‘Caroll’ warehouse. Lots of well-priced shirts and tops. Worth a detour.
www.mouton-a-cinq-pattes.info
Boulevard Victor - Mini Prix
— I came across this store on my way to Paris' major exhibition halls, and while it resembles a ‘7/11’ (a late night food store) with its flashing ‘Mini-Prix’ neon sign I was surprised to find a gorgeous pair of Valentino stilettos next to some very groovy Jill Sander platforms and new designs from Burberry all in the vicinity of €150-200.
They also stock a range of designer handbags but I found the collection lacking when I visited in November 2008. There was a small selection of bags by Versace and Gianfranco Ferre. Other labels in shoes were Patrick Cox, Ororo (an elegant Italian brand), Ralph Lauren, Kontessa and Neal Alexandra.
Its not a big shop and it's literally in the middle of nowhere, there are however two other designers stores ‘on route’ which are 'OK'. However, I highly recommend this place for designer shoes, no promises, but it's only 5 metro stops away from the gorgeous shopping in the Madeleine so you can always head straight back but I’m not sure you find a pair of Valentino shoes there for less than 200 euros?
Metro: Balard
27, Blvd Victor, 15th, t: 01-48-28-42-48
Espace NGR
— A real warehouse shopping experience with some 'OK' women's wear -- expect labels like Vanessa Bruno, Converse, Mango and wonderful kids clothing items by label such as Baby Dior. There is an assortment of clothing, homeware and some toiletry items. Very popular with local Parisians as they also sell furniture and linen. They have special 'ventes' each week, which usually last 2-4 days and feature different brands. If you are in Paris for any great length of time it might be worth subscribing to their site for notices. Open Wednesday to Saturday 10am to 7pm. Metro: Chaussee La Muette
www.espace-ngr.fr
40bis, rue Boulainvilliers
Chercheminippes
— Another 'dépôt-vente', you find second time around Agnes B, Vanessa Bruno and many others, but you'll also find, in the same street, children's clothes, menswear, Prêt à porter and much more.
www.chercheminippes.com
102 rue du Cherche-midi 75006 (6th) t: 01 45 44 97 96
Vintage Chanel et Hermès at Scarlett
— The owner, Scarlett, knows the history of all the 'haute-couture' houses. I noted a Chanel dress (price around €800-1000), Hermès gloves (€160) and a lovely pair of Yves-Saint-Laurent shoes at €450. She now has items online.
www.luxeetvintage.24h00.fr
10 rue Clement Marto, 75008 (8th) t: