The Soldes d’Hiver – or Winter Sales in English – officially began in Monaco on 2nd January, giving shoppers who didn’t get their fill during the Christmas period a chance at nabbing some amazing deals from their favourite brands and shops.  

Monaco’s sales periods are set by ministerial decree and are limited to two sessions each year. In 2024, the winter sales will be taking place until 15th February, while the summer dates have already been set for 28th June to 12th August.  

Merchants selling sporting goods, however, have a different schedule this winter. Sales for this sector are delayed until 15th February and will run to 31st March. The summer schedule syncs up with the rest of the retail industry.  

RETAIL COMPETITION 

Monegasque businesses have the jump on the French, whose winter sales don’t begin until 10th January and run only until 6th February.

“We start the sales earlier and we end them later. It is a small advantage,” says Alexandre Pasta, the president of the Union des Commerçants et Artisans de Monaco. “People wait for this period to get good deals.” 

See more: A guide to the best shopping malls in and around Monaco

The competition from online retailers is, nonetheless, still a present threat.  

“We are facing a dilemma. The internet is a source of competition, but merchants are rethinking and expanding their offerings through these channels,” says Pasta. 

But despite these challenges, the retail industry is strong in Monaco and 2023 was a positive year for its shop owners and franchises.  

“We know that Monaco is a diamond and that our merchants will continue to have shops,” he concludes.  

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Photo by Monaco Life