5 Tips for Shopping at Louis Vuitton Stores in Paris

Louis Vuitton is an iconic luxury French fashion brand that is quintessentially Parisian. In fact, the brand was founded in Paris in 1854. (Read more interesting facts about the brand in our piece 5 Fun Facts About Louis Vuitton.)

There are over 10 Louis Vuitton stores in Paris, including those located in department stores like Galeries Lafayette and La Samaritaine. Perhaps the most prominent store location is the flagship Louis Vuitton store at 101, avenue des Champs-Élysées (8th arrondissement).

On the avenue des Champs-Élysées, you’ll find a plethora of upscale shopping, so you can make a full day of it, if shopping is one of your go-to activities in Paris. Here are five tips for making the most of your Louis Vuitton shopping experience. Read the full list below, as number five is the most important tip! 

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1. Arrive early, and consider booking an appointment

Paris is one of the most popular cities for visitors in the world. So, like any activity you want to pursue in Paris, whether it’s visiting the Louvre, seeing Notre Dame, or shopping at Louis Vuitton, you’re wise to arrive at your destination early to minimize wait times. For the especially ambitious, go before the shop doors even open, so you’ll be first in line. 

At some Louis Vuitton stores in Paris, you can even book an appointment. Here is the link to book at appointment at the flagship Louis Vuitton store. Having an appointment will also cut down on your wait time.  

2. Go with a purchase in mind

You know how when you go to the grocery store hungry and without a list your shopping cart quickly fills up with unexpected purchases? It’s for this reason and others that it’s a good idea to go to Louis Vuitton with your purchase in mind before you even cross the shop’s threshold, especially if you’re sticking to a budget and don’t want to spend over a certain amount.

Planning your purchase before you make it is a good way to ensure you stick to your spending limits. Whether you’re wanting to buy a wallet, a purse, or a scarf, having the purchase pre-planned can help and make the buying process easier and more fun.

3. Connect with a sales associate

When in doubt, look to the expert. Always look for a helpful sales associate who can guide you through the buying process with ease and knowledge. There’s no need for you to figure out the ins and outs of luxury handbags on your own when someone else has been trained to do it. Lean on their expertise and trust the expert to know their stuff.

4. Ask relevant questions – of yourself, and of the sales associate

When making any hefty purchase, from house to handbag, it’s smart to ask questions, especially on an investment like a luxury good, which can appreciate in value and be a candidate for resale in the future, if you plan on doing that one day. Ask the sales associate relevant questions, such as tips about caring for the product, and future resale-ability. Ask yourself important questions, too, such as: Is this product versatile? Will I get a lot of use out of it? On what occasions will I use it? Do I already own something similar? Does this fit within my budget?

Don’t forget to thoroughly inspect your purchase, too, before making it, to ensure there aren’t any defects with the item.

5. Get your tax refund form from the store

At the store, if you are a non-EU citizen, you are eligible for a tax refund form. Ask the sales associate for the form when making your purchase. It’s known as the “Formulaire de Détaxe” or “Tax Refund Form,” and you’ll need to show your passport to prove you’re a non-EU resident. The form must be completed and signed; make sure you keep the receipt from your purchase.

When you leave the EU, go to customs, and they will stamp the form. Along with the form, be prepared to show your passport, boarding pass, and the purchased goods to the customs officer. The officer will inspect the purchase and verify that you are exporting the item. So, make sure you keep your Louis Vuitton purchase with you in your carry-on luggage, versus checking it in a checked bag.

Then, submit the form to a tax refund agency (i.e. Global Blue or Wevat) or at an airport refund counter for processing. You can also track the status of your refund with the agency.

Thanks to the tax refund policy, it is almost always less expensive to buy Louis Vuitton (and other French luxury goods) in France than in the U.S., or elsewhere. So, take advantage of the shopping in Paris, especially if you’re someone who loves luxury bags and saving money!

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