2026-01-19•8 min read
Best Time to Buy Luxury Goods: 2026 Timing Guide
Timing can save you hundreds or even thousands on luxury purchases. Here's when to buy for maximum savings.
Key Timing Factors
- Price increases - Brands raise prices 1-3 times per year
- Currency exchange - Weak JPY/EUR means bigger savings
- Sales seasons - France has legally mandated sales
- Shopping festivals - Regional events with promotions
When Brands Raise Prices
| Brand | Typical Timing | Avg. Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Chanel | March, September | 8-15% |
| Louis Vuitton | February, September | 3-7% |
| Hermès | January | 3-5% |
| Dior | Variable (1-2x year) | 5-10% |
| Gucci | Variable (1-2x year) | 5-8% |
| Prada | Variable (1-2x year) | 5-8% |
Pro tip: Buy BEFORE price increases. If Chanel typically raises prices in March, buy in January or February.
France Sales Seasons (Soldes)
France has legally mandated sale periods where even luxury stores participate:
- Winter sales: Mid-January to mid-February
- Summer sales: Late June to late July
- Discounts: 30-50% off select items
Note: Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton do NOT participate in public sales. But Gucci, Prada, Saint Laurent, and others do.
Currency Timing
Exchange rates can swing 10-20% in a year. Here's how to time it:
Watch These Rates
- USD/JPY: Above 150 = Great time for Japan shopping
- EUR/USD: Below 1.05 = Great time for Europe shopping
- GBP/USD: Below 1.20 = Consider UK (despite no VAT refund)
Best Months Historically
Currency patterns vary, but historically:
- Yen: Often weakest in spring/summer
- Euro: Can be weak in summer months
- Pound: Unpredictable since Brexit
Regional Shopping Events
| Event | When | Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai Shopping Festival | Dec-Jan | Raffles, some discounts |
| Singapore Great Sale | June-Aug | Department store discounts |
| Hong Kong Summer Sale | July-Aug | Multi-brand discounts |
| Korean Holiday Sales | Chuseok, Lunar NY | Department store promotions |
2026 Timing Recommendations
- January-February: Buy before Chanel/Hermès price increases
- January: Catch end of France winter sales
- June-July: France summer sales + potential weak Euro
- Year-round: Japan when Yen is above 150
Bottom Line
The best time to buy is before price increases and when currencies are favorable. Monitor exchange rates using WiseBuy, buy before announced price hikes, and take advantage of France's sales seasons for participating brands.
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