I think some stores have a scheme to lower their prices without actually calling it a sale. When I was in Paris last May (Roland Garros!!!!), Galeries Lafayette has something called a "rabais" of 40% on selected items to holders of Galeries Lafayette credit card. May was definitely not a sale season.

And it wasn't just the cheap stuff that qualified for the "rabais": Armani Collezioni, Hugo Boss, D&G, Jean Paul Gaultier, etc.

So I inquired if the an American could take advantage of the "rabais." The salespeople replied "Désolé, juste pour français."

It's too bad because I was in the market for a suit and they had Armani Collezioni suits for only €550!