Soldes

Some stores have great huge signs

I am deeply entombed in spreadsheets, and for health reasons, I had to get up and go for a little walk. Otherwise, things freeze up and I have difficulty moving.  I took care of "routine"  things--garbage, recycling, post office, newspaper.  I knew that it was the first day of the winter "Soldes" season....the SALE season, but hadn't given much thought to what that would look like here in Carcassonne.

Some just post a sign on the door

In France, commerce is regulated more tightly than it is in the US.  I don't think that's necessarily a bad thing.  I think the French care very much about the origin of their merchandise.  Yes, you will find plenty made in China here, and produce imported from Spain (which actually isn't very far away) and goods fabricated in emerging countries. But it is a source of pride that things are made here, especially locally.  Look at the way they control the appellation of their wines--bubbly-happy light wine can't be called Champagne unless it's from the Champagne soil.  And believe me, they care VERY much about what food goes on their tables. 

This bare window wishes us a Happy sale season

One of the things regulated is the sale season. There are two--one at the end of winter and one in July, at the end of the summer fashion season. There were clips on the French news last night about the opening of the season, especially at the big department stores selling luxury items in Paris. These are highly anticipated events. I don't think people stand in line at 3 A.M. like they do in some places I won't mention, nor do they trample one another to death, like they have done in those same unmentionable places, but bargain shoppers do attend, especially early on the first day. 

Other stores place a very discreet sign in their front windows

I hadn't given it much thought, as I am not much of a shopper, nor do I need a single thing.  But I was interested in the transformation of the shop windows.  Many of the normally clothed mannequins are now nude and presumably cold behind "Soldes" signs.  As I stretched my legs, I noticed that some stores, like jewelry stores, seem to be exempt and are not advertising anything on sale.  Mostly the sales pertain to apparel--clothing, shoes, handbags....

One of my favorite places--products from the Carcassonne region.  I wonder if the cassoulet casseroles are on sale....

I did wander in and out of some of the stores. People were relaxed, there were extra sales clerks to answer questions and help with selections.  It was pleasant. It almost made me want to buy something.  Almost.