The Summer 2026 sales kick off on Wednesday, June 24 and run until Tuesday, July 21, 2026 in France. It's a chance to treat yourself and fill the gaps in our wardrobes, while taking advantage of the great deals. But some of these purchases aren’t always well thought out: a defect spotted too late, an ill-fitting size, a change of heart... Normally, these new items you no longer want can be exchanged or refunded. And during sale season, is this privilege still available?
You may have seen in-store signs stating that sale items are "no returns, no refunds". Is this statement legal, or can we force the store to take back our purchase?
A document published by the Direction Générale de la Concurrence, de la Consommation et de la Répression des Fraudes, on the website of the French Ministry of the Economy, specifies that "a sale item benefits from the same guarantees as any other item. Thus, the "no returns, no exchanges" advertisement sometimes found during sales periods does not exempt the retailer from exchanging or reimbursing the item in the event of hidden manufacturing defects. On theother hand, if the item purchased no longer suits you, or if the garment is not in your size but there are no hidden defects, the retailer is not legally bound to exchange it: he can do so on a purely commercial basis."
In other words, any product, even one on sale, must be refunded or exchanged by the retailer if it has a hidden defect. However, if the product has no defect, the store is under no legal obligation to take it back. However, many stores will exchange a product within 15 to 30 days of purchase. Conditions are usually set out at the checkout, at the time of payment.
Note " that a shopkeeper is obliged to apply any exchange or refund provision he has advertised, in any form whatsoever. " If a store promises you an exchange or refund, regardless of the period, then that store is obliged to carry out the transaction.
Finally, you should also know that online purchases " are subject to the same conditions and regulations as in-store purchases. In addition, whether or not the item is purchased on sale, you may return the product to the seller for exchange or refund, without penalty, within seven days of delivery. "
This rule applies to purchases made by telephone or post, but there are a few exceptions: you may not exercise your right of withdrawal in the case of customized and made-to-order products, products that deteriorate or perish quickly (except for food products), open CDs, DVDs and computer software...
During sales periods, it's best to be cautious and avoid impulse purchases that you won't be able to get rid of later!
Summer 2026 sales in Paris: dates and tips for savvy shopping
From June 24 to July 28, 2026, Paris goes into full shopping fever for the summer sales. Handy tips, shopping tricks, and savvy advice to avoid missteps and spot the best deals: here’s everything you need to know to enjoy the discounts without blowing your budget. [Read more]
Dates and Opening Time
From June 24, 2026 to July 21, 2026
Summer 2026 sales in Paris: dates and tips for savvy shopping
