I have noticed in the past people asking if it is still a bargain to shop in Europe. I think it is and here is my one example. I have been wanting colored wine hocks in my crystal pattern. The brand is Saint-Louis (French). At Neiman Marcus they run about $130.00 USD. I emailed their store in Paris and the same hocks run 89.00 Euros apiece. At todays conversion rate 89 Euros = 84.17 USD. That is still a good savings. So I will be packing very light when I go over in October! The duty will still be minimal. I am even going to check out the department stores and see if the 10 percent tourist discount would apply toward the crystal. If so I will purchase there. I am interested if any of you have found any great savings this summer in Europe....

I guess with import duties you still pay more in the US for luxury goods.

Their are import duties, and I think luxury items have a higher tax than others. Also, Neiman Marcus has a very high markup, in general.

Natalie I agree with you. I think that you can save money in Europe on certain things. Also just from shopping there I find things I cannot find at home. Sometimes I like the item so price is not a consideration (a unique item have not seen before).<BR>But I understand what you are saying. Now that the Euro is in place prices have changed quite a bit.<BR>

I would definitely try the department stores. I bought my wife some champagne glasses at either Printemps or Galeries Lafayette and it was much cheaper than the Baccarrat boutique. Hope this helps someone.<BR>

What on earth is a wine hock?

A hock wine glass is a goblet wine glass with a longer stem than your usual goblet, rather than the usual shape wine glass that is similar to a water glass but smaller.