In Paris? Consider going to a Louis Vuitton boutique. Which one? I recommend the main shop at Champs-Élysées for a unique experience. And some special prices!
A Louis Vuitton Damier staircase at the Louis Vuitton flagship boutique at Champs-Élysées in Paris.
Let me say that I am not promoting materialism. Jesus Himself gave a double warning: “Then He said to them, "Beware, and be on your guard against every form of greed; for not even when one has an abundance does his life consist of his possessions."” Luke 12:15 NASB
We know this to be true especially during times when we experience any kind of substantial loss and we realize that things don't last or can always get lost or stolen. Or when a relationship with a spouse or son or daughter or sibling or parent goes awry or gets broken. Suddenly all the physical possessions don't mean a thing and they cannot fill the void in our hearts. But when God is with us and we are blessed as God can do so, then we experience His sunshine and it's okay to spend a bit, within one's means.
“For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly.” Psalms 84:11 NASB
Indeed, during these times we realize (or we should) that it is Him we seek and not anything material.
“For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside. I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Psalms 84:10 NASB
How different are the prices of Louis Vuitton in Paris? Let me give an example. These men's wallets - in the classic LV Monogram, the original Damier and the Damier graphite all sell for Euro 330. That's approximately SGD 503. I bought an LV Damier graphite in SG last year (pick pocketed in Paris during our trip, but that's for another story!) at SGD 670. That in itself is a 25% discount. Then include your duty free rebate of 12% via credit card (or 10.5% if you want an instant cash rebate) and that brings the price difference versus Singapore to a startling 34%!!! If you're in a country like the Philippines where the brand prices are higher, the difference would effectively be larger. And that could very well spell the difference on whether you would buy an item or not, or whether you'd go for a Louis Vuitton or a Gucci or another brand!
These Louis Vuitton men's wallets go for Euro 330, about 34% lower versus selling prices in Singapore!
You may also find articles that you haven't seen elsewhere. I saw this backpack for the first time in Paris, and it's the lowest priced LV backpack I've encountered. This is a lightweight model versus other LV and comparative backpacks and it's another one to consider.
This Louis Vuitton backpack retails for Euro 1,250 and is the most affordable model they provide. It's not for full size notebook computers but will certainly carry your iPad around town in style.
Because of the good prices, if you can spare by God's grace, it' can be a good opportunity to buy. Here is my wife getting a small LV shoulder bag though she hadn't planned on getting one prior to our trip [or so I think :) ] Oh yes, of course you'll be offered the drink of your choice as a customer, like orange juice.
Buying a new Louis Vuitton bag is certainly an occasion to smile for! And of course you can think of passing your bags to your beloved children (is that an excuse?).
If you consider that Louis Vuitton is about a 150 year old company, and that many of its articles can actually last very long when well cared for, then it could also be thought of as a personal investment.
I also ended up buying an LV logo belt, again because of the very good price, and with the encouragement of my wife [in Filipino - "consentidor" :) ].
The price of the LV belt in Paris is so competitive that it's almost like buying a different belt brand in Singapore.
If you buy an item that can be personalized and hot stamped with your initials, then go ahead and do it. You'll be invited to the top floor where they do this service.
Being at the top floor at the Champs-Élysées boutique where they personalize your item feels like having a private tour of a small LV workshop.
This is a view of the artistic ceiling design at the Champs-Élysées boutique, designed with thousands of shining steel tubes and which can only be viewed when you go to the top floors.
Scene from the Louis Vuitton Champs-Élysées top floor where they personalize your items.
So if you have time and want an enjoyable experience, visit the flagship store. Now if you're in a rush and just want to purchase an LV, you can consider gong to the shop at the Lafayette Galleries. Many if not all the items will be there, but the displays and set-up won't be as lavish. You also have the benefit of processing your duty free rebates at the Galleries while you're there, instead of doing it at the airport.
So that's our story for now, in humility, by God's grace.
Take care in Paris! And enjoy the sights and the history and the art and architecture!
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