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Stop! Don't turn on your heels and walk out of a Parisian
boutique just because you have received a less than friendly
welcome from a somewhat reserved French salesperson. Breaking
down the icy barriers that sometimes exist between Americans
and French salespeople is not as difficult as you may think
(or may have heard). Like much of life in France, it begins
with a greater understanding of the French and their approach
to serving their clients. In the United States, it is easy
to enter a boutique anonymously and to browse freely and at
your leisure. This is rarely the case in France, which explains
why many Americans sometimes feel bothered or uncomfortable
when dealing with French salespeople.
My Chic Promenade Boutique Tours were created in part
to facilitate shopping experiences for visitors in the French
capital. The presence of someone who not only speaks the language
but, even more important, understands the quirks that make
French shop owners and salespeople tick reassures the shopper
that their little foray will go as smoothly as possible. Some
of my (and my clients') most rewarding exchanges with French
salespeople occurred when I made the effort to engage in conversation
with them. Some of you may balk at this idea, especially if
you have ever been greeted with a rather snooty "Bonjour,
Madame." (Remember that the lack of a bubbly hello
does not mean that the French are unfriendly---it's just a
different approach.) If you feel slightly uncomfortable in
a store because a salesperson is giving you the once-over,
turn the tables and warm up to them. In most instances your
interactions with the salespeople will turn out to be a sort
of game. For example, start off with comments like "I've
come to look at your new collection" (this only works
at the beginning of the seasons), "I've heard you specialize
in so and so," or even something as banal as "It's
good to get in out of the rain." Compliments go even
further in France than in the United States, so if you start
chattering about some element of the décor you're halfway
there. The more you share yourself with them, the more they'll
open up to you.
If you don't feel comfortable uttering a few words in French
(such as cette lampe est superbe!), say it in English,
but if you engage in conversation with the shopkeepers, ask
first whether or not they speak your language. Many Americans
make the mistake of interpreting standoffishness as anti-American
sentiment. Au contraire! The French not only have a
perpetual love affair with Americans, but many also rely upon
American tourists for a large part of their livelihoods.
Now that I've helped to break down the myth of the nasty
Parisian salesperson, it's up to you to break down the myth
of the Ugly American. It is important to treat Parisian
shop owners and salespeople with the respect they merit.
First of all, greetings and salutations are extremely important
in France, so remember to always add Monsieur or Madame
onto a hello, a thank-you, or a good-bye---otherwise
you may be considered impolite. Looking the part is key:
If you go shopping on Avenue Montaigne (the home of French
couture), for example, try to look as elegant as the avenue
itself. It's okay to dress down for sightseeing, but spiff
up your look when you go shopping. Appearances count for
a lot in France, and you should look as chi chi as the boutiques
you intend to visit. Accessorize, put on a dab of makeup,
wear a few baubles, and remember to save your ultracasual
footwear for the museum. (These shoes, though practical,
still aren't part of being well dressed for shopping in Paris.
I, for example, virtually live in sports sandals in my Rocky
Mountain town of Telluride, Colorado, in the summer, but
I can't imagine the day when I would wear them in Paris!) |
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