Paris, the City of Lights, is renowned for its captivating charm and rich history. But did you know that it’s also a shopping haven? In 2018, Paris proudly claimed the title of the third most visited city globally, after Bangkok and London. This remarkable feat is attributed to the city’s abundant cultural treasures, captivating landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre Museum, and Montmartre, and its burgeoning shopping scene.
Shopping in Paris: A Tourist’s Delight
While Paris attracts visitors with its iconic attractions, shopping has quickly become a major draw for international travelers. In recent years, 53% of tourists have indulged in retail therapy during their stay, compared to a mere 26% of French residents. This clearly indicates that shopping has become as popular as exploring the City of Lights itself.
For some, shopping is even the primary reason for visiting Paris. An astounding 15% of tourists explicitly cite shopping as their main motivation for travel, and almost 34% admit they wouldn’t make the trip if they couldn’t shop. Some tourists are so passionate about Parisian shopping that they travel solely for that purpose. Middle Eastern tourists spend an impressive 74% of their time in the capital shopping, while Japanese tourists dedicate 61% of their visit to retail adventures.
The Power of Parisian Shopping
For a long time, shopping has been a driving force behind Paris’s vibrant economy. It’s no surprise that Paris is often referred to as the “capital of shopping and fashion”. The city offers an incredible array of options, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
A Shopping Experience Unlike Any Other
Paris has gone above and beyond to create a world-class shopping experience. From revitalizing commercial spaces to providing support for emerging designers, Paris has cultivated an exceptional commercial density. With over 61,000 businesses (more than London), the city boasts a thriving network of stores concentrated around popular tourist spots, forming a virtuous cycle of culture and shopping. This seamless integration of sightseeing and retail therapy is evident in popular destinations like the One Nation Paris outlet mall.
Parisian Shopping: A Diverse Feast
Beyond its density, Paris offers a mesmerizing diversity of shopping options. Delicacies, fashion items, and “à la française” lifestyle products are among the most sought-after treasures. From renowned names like Comtesse du Barry, Lindt, Maison Foude, and Haribo to fashionable labels like Claudie Pierlot, The Kooples, Sandro, and Zadig & Voltaire, Paris has something for everyone. Whether it’s exploring outlet centers, browsing shops within train stations and airports, or discovering unique creations from local artisans, Paris provides endless possibilities.
Despite the traditional Sunday closures in central Paris, the city’s shopping scene still satisfies 92% of tourists, a remarkable achievement in Europe. However, for those who yearn for a seven-day shopping spree, the One Nation Paris Outlet remains open throughout the week, even on Sundays.
A Thriving Shopping Destination
Paris continues to elevate its shopping experience, drawing a growing number of international shoppers. The General Manager of the Paris Convention and Visitors Office has observed a fascinating trend: “The tourists who spend the most are also those who have experienced the most significant increases in attendance in recent years.” This indicates that Russian, Chinese, Brazilian, and Middle Eastern tourists are not afraid to splurge, especially at outlet malls. On average, these tourists leave behind a staggering 1,700 euros in a Parisian shopping mall!
The exponential growth in Chinese tourists, who have tripled in number between 2013 and 2015, further underscores the importance of shopping for Asian visitors. Many of them allocate a substantial portion of their travel budget to shopping (34% for Chinese tourists), even while navigating substantial expenses for accommodation.
