January Sales, Soldes De Janvier

If you are in Paris right now, you are there at a good time! The soldes begin today, Wednesday 9 January. For a brief period twice a year, prices in Paris descend to a level compatible with the income of mere mortals, and people from all over the world come to take advantage. (I once glimpsed J.K. Rowling crossing avenue Montaigne during the January sales. She's Scottish, you know.) 
Here in the Rocky Mountains, where I am for a few more days, everything is on sale too. The difference is that each store owner can choose when to put things on sale, all year long. In France, that is considered too dangerous. Oh non, non, non! This must be regulated!