What's the best European city or purse shopping?

[thel]

I would go to Paris! Not sure where you are from, but with the weak Euro compared to the US dollar and the VAT refund, prices at Hermes were waaaay lower than in the US or UK. Not sure about Celine, Chanel and Dior. When I looked up pricing for Loewe, it was the same everywhere that uses the Euro. If you are looking for something harder to find, I would go to Paris for French brands for the best selection. Otherwise it might not matter as much.

 

[cecilipurse]

VAT tax refunds can be a little tricky if you've never done one before but luckily there is a lot of information online as well as on the purseforum. As long as you are not an EU citizen you can get refunded the tax price of the purchase. The percent given back varies, but usually its around 11% (at least that was the case in France). You have to claim the item at airport customs (with all the proper documents, etc.) at the last point before heading back to your country of origin.

I only have experience with Celine but in the case of bags, I've usually saved around USD $1000 by purchasing in Paris and claiming the VAT tax refund.

Thank you so much for explaining!

 

[cecilipurse]

I would go to Paris! Not sure where you are from, but with the weak Euro compared to the US dollar and the VAT refund, prices at Hermes were waaaay lower than in the US or UK. Not sure about Celine, Chanel and Dior. When I looked up pricing for Loewe, it was the same everywhere that uses the Euro. If you are looking for something harder to find, I would go to Paris for French brands for the best selection. Otherwise it might not matter as much.

Thanks! I do love Loewe too!

 

[neverending]

Beyond the usual Uffizi, Ponte Vecchio bridge etc (which of course you must visit)

You should also go to the Gucci Museo (I'm hoping to get locked in overnight sometime ) and the leather (and food) lovers market San Lorenzo market (be fussy, haggle and go very early)

I'd second this. Also all around the city center is full of boutiques and shops (Gucci, Celine, etc)

 

[Kabergen22]

Paris all the way!

 

[ladysarah]

I just realized that I probably should've listed the boutiques I'd like to visit the most...
I definitely wanna go to Chanel and Dior (eyeing for a 2.55&Diorama) as well as Celine (box & belt).

Do you guys think this makes a difference in where we should go?

How did it go? Succes? I shop both in Paris and London, on a regular basis. It much depends what ones likes... For example if you are looking for affordable fashion, (but still good quality) there is nothing like top shop boutique in London. Then there is Bond Street For those with money to burn... Paris has many small, relatively unknown well curated boutiques and designers with wonderful collections. You have to know where to go though.