Shopping tips*

As you enter a shop, be sure to greet the shopkeeper and politely nod to the other shoppers. The shopkeeper with greet you with a bonjour. At this point, smile! BUT don't touch anything!!! They will ask to help you, and you can respond IN FRENCH "je regarder?", meaning I'm looking? Or would like to look? They will watch you very carefully and may appear stern. Don't worry! If you see something you like, just turn to them and ask, "si'l vous plait?" They will present the item to you.

You may ask to try the item on. Don't be surprised or alarmed if you're presented with a belt, scarf or matching items to the item you're looking at. French women have mastered accessorizing, and love to make sure you've seen all the necessary items. I've learned a lot from letting them dress and demonstrate how to's.

 

 

 

Keep using French! Pull out your phrase book, turn to the shopping section and just read the phonetics. Eventually, many shopkeepers will ask if you would like to speak English. Then, it's ok to switch if you'd like. I like to keep trying so that my French will improve. Sometimes, they'll speak English and I'll try to speak French and we'll help each other. As you spend time and look, you'll find the experience will be wonderful.

Most packages are wrapped as presents. I've found with careful navigating, you'll make an acquaintance for the next time you return. Always leave with a merci, and a kind nod to the shopkeeper.

Remember, these tiny stores really belong to them, and they take great pride in the items they carry. Have fun and don't be scared! (or appear impolite* you may get the dreaded "tisk"!)