Sales 2026: official dates and rules to know

Each year, the 2026 sales attract a huge buying interest: it is the time when prices drop sharply, including in areas such as home equipment, decoration, and lighting. But sales are not just a simple “promotion”: in France, it is a regulated commercial event, with precise rules on dates, the products concerned, price display, and consumer rights. In this article, we clearly review the official dates, regulations, and best practices to shop with confidence.

What is meant by “sales” in France?

Sales are a regulated commercial event, held twice a year, aimed at speeding up the clearance of stock through price reductions. The key point to remember: sales are not “just another promotion period,” because they follow a legal calendar, stock rules, and transparency obligations on prices. It is precisely this framework that makes the sales conditions different from a one-off discount.

Sales vs promotions: what is the difference?

Outside of sales periods, a retailer can run promotions at any time, but they cannot freely use the term “sales.” Stock management rules also differ: during sales, the principle is to sell an already existing stock, whereas promotional operations can be restocked. This is an important distinction to understand why sales are so strictly regulated.

2026 sales dates: winter, summer and exceptions

In 2026, sales periods last four weeks. The exact dates depend on the national calendar, with some exceptions for certain territories. Authorities publish the official calendars and remind the framework set by decree.

Winter sales 2026

For the majority of departments, the winter sales 2026 dates are set from Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at 8 a.m. to Tuesday, February 3, 2026 inclusive. It is the ideal time to find good deals on home equipment and lighting: discover our sales and take advantage of the best opportunities of the season.

Summer sales 2026

The summer sales 2026 dates follow the national rule: they start on the last Wednesday of June at 8 a.m. (or the second last Wednesday if the last falls after the 28th). In practice, this corresponds to a period from Wednesday, June 24, 2026 to Tuesday, July 21, 2026 inclusive in most departments.

Departments and communities: exceptional dates

Certain territories benefit from specific dates. For example, winter 2026 starts earlier in some border departments such as Moselle, Meuse, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and Vosges. In summer, Corsica also applies a shifted calendar: the decree provides for the start of sales on the second Wednesday of July for Corse-du-Sud (2A) and Haute-Corse (2B).

These exceptional dates are explained by local economic and geographical realities. In border areas, the aim is to avoid consumers fleeing to neighbouring countries where sales periods may differ. In Corsica, the shift takes into account the tourist seasonality: summer commercial activity starts later there, allowing traders to sell at normal prices longer before applying discounts. These adjustments remain strictly regulated by decree to ensure a fair legal framework.

If you have any doubt about your department or an overseas community, the simplest is to check the official calendar by territory, as dates may differ (Guadeloupe, Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, Saint-Barthélemy, etc.).

And for e-commerce?

For online sales, the sales dates are aligned with the national dates of traditional trade, regardless of the company’s registered office location.

Sales regulations: what the law allows (and forbids)

The sales regulations mainly cover four elements: the calendar, stock management, price display, and fairness of commercial practices. The idea is simple: allow strong reductions while avoiding “false sales” and protecting the consumer.

Which products can be sold at a discount?

A discounted product must have been offered for sale for at least one month before the start of the sales. This means that an item “just put online” or an immediate novelty must not be sold at a discount under the legal sales framework. Sales can concern new or second-hand goods, and the retailer chooses to discount all or part of their stock.

Stock, restocking and selling at a loss

During sales, the stock must be previously constituted and cannot be renewed with the aim of selling at the discounted price a product that is no longer available. This is a key rule: if an item is sold out, it must not be restocked to continue selling it “on sale.”

Another specificity: during sales, selling at a loss is allowed. This sometimes allows very strong price drops, especially at the end of the period.

Price display: crossed-out price, reference and transparency

The retailer must display the reduced price and a reference price. This reference price corresponds to the price charged for at least 30 days before the start of the sales; in case of successive reductions (first markdown, second markdown), the reference price is the one charged before the first reduction. In short: the “crossed-out price” must not be artificially inflated.

In practice, the buyer’s challenge is to check the consistency between the initial price, the sale price, and the announced discount level. This transparency is a key point for credible reference prices and confident purchases.

Can the word “sales” be used outside the period?

No: outside official periods, the use of the word “sales” (and its derivatives) is forbidden. This is one of the legal markers that distinguish sales from promotions.

Sales conditions: returns, guarantees, after-sales service

A useful reflex: do not confuse “discounted price” with “reduced rights.” In France, sales do not cancel the seller’s obligations regarding conformity and guarantee. Rules on returns mainly depend on the purchase channel (in store or online).

Returns and exchanges: store vs online purchase

In a physical store, the seller is not obliged to accept an exchange or refund, sales or not (unless a commercial gesture is provided by their conditions). However, for distance purchases, the consumer has a 14-day withdrawal right.

Guarantees: your rights remain the same

Discounted products benefit from the same guarantees as others: in case of non-conformity or hidden defect, legal protections apply. In other words, a good deal should not be a “risky purchase” in terms of after-sales service.

Practical advice to make the most of sales without mistakes

Sales can be an excellent time to buy “investment” pieces (durable equipment, design, lighting) or to complete a decoration project. The best strategy is to come prepared: you save time, avoid impulsive buying, and more easily spot real opportunities.

Simple checklist before buying

Before confirming a basket, take 60 seconds to check: size, compatibility (dimensions, use), actual availability, delivery conditions, as well as return conditions if you buy online. Also consider checking the consistency between the initial price and the sale price, as it is one of the best ways to spot a truly interesting discount.

Which types of products to target during sales?

Sales periods are particularly relevant for “stock” products: past collections, end of lines, replaced references, or decorative pieces that are less urgent to buy. For the home sector, it is a good time to target categories such as lighting fixtures, pendants, table lamps, or certain accessories, as discounts can be significant while maintaining guarantees and quality.

Note: this article is informative and does not replace personalised legal advice. For specific cases (professionals, marketplaces, disputed situations), refer to official texts and pages.

Conclusion

Sales are a very regulated but advantageous period, provided you know the rules: calendar, stock, price display, and consumer rights. Keeping these points in mind, you can make real savings without unpleasant surprises, whether in store or online. Remember the essentials: the dates are official, the word “sales” is not free outside the period, and a discounted product remains protected by legal guarantees. To concretely benefit from this period and discover current offers, access our sales selection.