Hi all! I have read that during the month of July/August many European cities have huge clothing sales ("summer sales"), similar to Christmas shopping sales here in November/December. This will by my first time in Europe during the month of July (I will be in Italy and then Spain) so I finally get to take advantage of this. Does anyone have any info or good tips? What kind of discounts could I expect? Is it limited to high end retailers?
Thanks!
Posted by
2535 posts
I have casually looked at prices and never found significant savings except for Birkenstocks in Germany which were not on sale but nevertheless a good deal.
Posted by
Toledo, Ohio, US
11613 posts
In Italy sales are 30-70% off, sales start on the first Saturday of July. This also happens in January. Almost all retail stores participate. There are also outlet stores/malls.
Posted by
Frankfurt, Germany
9145 posts
Germany used to have these huge sales in the winter and in the summer, but they stopped doing that a few years ago. Now, they just kind of have sales all the time, though of course, end of season sales are normal. They have to get rid of the winter stuff to make room for the bathing suits.
Posted by
Fontainebleau, France
893 posts
I know you aren't going to France, but for comparison to the other countries, I thought you might want to know how it works there. The summer sales period in France starts the last Wed in June and ends July 30th this year. You will find lots of items on sale, not just clothing. The way it works for most sales is that the discount will get progressively larger as the sales continue. Keep in mind that the prices include the VAT tax and with the exchange rate between $/€, you may find that the items aren't exactly cheap. Still, if you like to shop, it can be fun looking for a good bargain.