Manchester Store

Ms Birkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 08:01 AM

Can any of the UK shoppers recommend an SA at the Manchester store please. As a newbie to H, I am abit daunted so it would be good to have a friendly face to guide my through all the H goodies and answer all my silly questions.

Thanks in advance

kellybirkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 08:47 AM

Carol(e?) is the manager and there are several others who work with her including Paul, Bana and Kay. They're all v nice, knowledgable and helpful so please go in without a worry!

Poshhoney · Jul 1st, 2008, 08:48 AM

Hillary is the fountain of all knowledge but to be honest they are all lovely in there. As I'm sure you know, it's pretty tiny downstairs so I find you tend to get assistance (if you want it) from at least 2 SAs at once. And if they are not sure they will always ask Hillary.

Do let us know how you get on. Are you looking for something special?

Ms Birkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 09:00 AM

I really want a Birkin (don't we all?) but I am told the waiting list is closed at the moment

However from reading on the forum I have discovered lots of lovely accessories, so I thought I would start with some of those. I also love the Lindy, so maybe that would bea lovely my first Hermes bag while I wait for the Birkin.

I haven't plucked in the courage to go in to date, so thanks for your words of encouragement, I will be venturing in this week!

kellybirkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 09:08 AM

Ms B, keep hoping, maybe you'll get lucky. My H habit started in 2004 courtesy of the Manchester store when they sourced a 30cm Birkin as my first ever purchase and Carol(e?), Paul, Bana and Kay have kept it going ever since!

Ms Birkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 12:55 PM

I didn't know they could source them, I thought you had to be on the waiting list. I fully intend to treat myself to a lovely wallet and maybe a couple of scarves when I go later this week.

Is it worth asking about sourcing a birkin then do you think or will they just think I am mad?

Les Tambours · Jul 1st, 2008, 01:06 PM

I can't recommend all of them enough; Carole, Kay, Varna, Hillary and the two new younger ladies are sweetness itself. Not forgetting Paul if you stray into gentlemen's goods. Kay is my goddess for sticking with me and ordering my Kelly - if you want bags she and Carole tend to go to Paris for the podiums so know what will be more easily available and Kay tends to be the steward of the leatherbook. Last time we discussed this Birkins were a 3 year wait but there was a smallish curry Lindy on display when I last went in a few weeks ago. Everyone seems to know the small leather goods and the scarves but I know Hillary has just come back from the silk factory at Lyon and is good to talk to about scarves. But then so are Kay and Varna!

Not that I ever go in the shop and talk to these people about stuff, you understand.

In short they are the least snooty bunch of Hermes SAs and are nothing to worry about. If you have a good idea of what you want to start off with you are already doing well. If the waiting list is closed it's probably because they'll be off to Paris to place the order in a few days but the list will open up again afterwards. If you want a Birkin don't be afraid to discuss it - if you want a special order it may well take forever to get to you but if you like what's on offer at the podium you may get something to suit you and which you will treasure far faster than you might think.

If courage fails you give me a PM and I'll come and hold your hand!

Ms Birkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 01:17 PM

Thnks for the words of support, I really appreciate it! I would sooooo like a vert olive green 35cm birkin with palladium hardware (that is my practical head speaking) and my more frivilous side would like a 35cm Birkin in some more outrageous colour (maybe I could save that for my 2nd one

Forgive me for being naive but what are the podiums you mention?

Les Tambours · Jul 1st, 2008, 04:27 PM

OK, the 'podiums' are events held in Paris whereby the managers of the stores are presented with the items and clothes for the forthcoming season so that the managers can buy what they think will sell in their stores. Each season Hermes has a direction so just at the moment the workshops will be producing new bags like the Kelly So in the leathers and colours the company has decided will be its look for the season. If you suggest to your store manager that you might want something with this season's look ( a Kelly So in chocolate Togo for instance - not sure which season is which at the moment) the manager can order one intended for you from the workshop's current production run.

At the same time - whilst they are in Paris - the managers present the list of their clients' special orders. Not all special orders will be accepted -especially if the leather and colour are not available. These are the items with the, some would say, infamous waiting lists.

Now, to me a 35cm Birkin with palladium hardware sounds like a 'reasonable' request.
If you were to take a shine to a colour and leather for this season the manager could order one at the podium and you would get it in months rather than years. There is no harm in asking! However you are best advised to build up to a big purchase like that as a manager, quite justifiably, wouldn't want to blow a major part of the podium budget on an unknown quantity if you are unknown to the store ( cruel world but it makes sense). Do start the conversation though - they know about Birkins 'cos some of them wear them.

Ms Birkin · Jul 1st, 2008, 04:40 PM

Thanks for the update and all your advice, I will definately ask these questions. I wasn't sure whether Vert Olive in Taurillon Clemence leather for a Birkin would be classed as a regular order and therefore easier to come by

I fully appreciate the comment of being an unknown quantity, but hopefully this will be the start of a long and happy relationship with the Manchester store. I am already dreaming of all those lovely H goodies and not just the Birkin, having seen all the lovely bags on this forum, my wish list is growing and growing!

Les Tambours · Jul 2nd, 2008, 04:18 AM

I'm sure you'll be fine. Your dream bag does sound as though it may be special order material even though it isn't esoteric but do enjoy yourself in the store. Enthusiasm and persistence do pay off.

kellybirkin · Jul 2nd, 2008, 06:46 AM

Hi again Ms B. Didn't mean to mislead you with my reference to "source" in that I was on the list but had only been there a few weeks when they (Paul to be exact) rang to say they had EXACTLY what I wanted. If H gave awards, the M store should be a winner in my book!

purdy13 · Jul 5th, 2008, 07:27 PM

I went into the Manchester store for the first time ever today and I have lived and shopped in Manchester for year. For some reason I too never quite had courage previously. I went with my Mum and she bought a scarf and I bought a twilly and we were given wonderful service by a lady whose name unfortunately I don't know! They are extremely friendly and I can't wait to go in again!

Ms Birkin · Jul 6th, 2008, 12:50 AM

Firstly a big thank you to those of you that responded to my initial post with lots of kind words, support and encouragement.

I have now ventured into Hermes Manchester and the sales staff were just as described and couldn't have been more friendly (and very patient answering my many questions).

I bought a 30cm etoupe Lindy and I am loving it

I can't do a reveal at the moment as my camera is away for repairs, so I will save that for my next purchase. I am definately a Hermes convert, its not just the merchandise, the service was faultless.

So thanks again for helping me take my first steps into the world of Hermes!

Les Tambours · Jul 6th, 2008, 12:01 PM

OOOOh - I think I saw an etoupe Lindy in there earlier in the week in swift - splendido!
I'm so glad you, purdy13 and Ms Birkin, had a good time. Over the years going into the store becomes less of a heart thumping ordeal and more of a 'me-time moral support' feeling. If you didn't know what the company was about the store is quite missable in Manchester really as it is far from the glitzy Harvey Nicks/Selfridges side of town. There should be a celebration this autumn for the store's 10th birthday - try and get on the invite list.

Jul 1st, 2008, 08:01 AM	#1
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	Can any of the UK shoppers recommend an SA at the Manchester store please. As a newbie to H, I am abit daunted so it would be good to have a friendly face to guide my through all the H goodies and answer all my silly questions. Thanks in advance

Jul 1st, 2008, 08:47 AM	#2
kellybirkin Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 266	Carol(e?) is the manager and there are several others who work with her including Paul, Bana and Kay. They're all v nice, knowledgable and helpful so please go in without a worry!

Jul 1st, 2008, 08:48 AM	#3
Poshhoney Member Joined: Jan 2008 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 555	Hillary is the fountain of all knowledge but to be honest they are all lovely in there. As I'm sure you know, it's pretty tiny downstairs so I find you tend to get assistance (if you want it) from at least 2 SAs at once. And if they are not sure they will always ask Hillary. Do let us know how you get on. Are you looking for something special?

Jul 1st, 2008, 09:00 AM	#4
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	I really want a Birkin (don't we all?) but I am told the waiting list is closed at the moment However from reading on the forum I have discovered lots of lovely accessories, so I thought I would start with some of those. I also love the Lindy, so maybe that would bea lovely my first Hermes bag while I wait for the Birkin. I haven't plucked in the courage to go in to date, so thanks for your words of encouragement, I will be venturing in this week!

Jul 1st, 2008, 09:08 AM	#5
kellybirkin Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 266	Ms B, keep hoping, maybe you'll get lucky. My H habit started in 2004 courtesy of the Manchester store when they sourced a 30cm Birkin as my first ever purchase and Carol(e?), Paul, Bana and Kay have kept it going ever since!

Jul 1st, 2008, 12:55 PM	#6
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	I didn't know they could source them, I thought you had to be on the waiting list. I fully intend to treat myself to a lovely wallet and maybe a couple of scarves when I go later this week. Is it worth asking about sourcing a birkin then do you think or will they just think I am mad?

Jul 1st, 2008, 01:06 PM	#7
Les Tambours Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 464	I can't recommend all of them enough; Carole, Kay, Varna, Hillary and the two new younger ladies are sweetness itself. Not forgetting Paul if you stray into gentlemen's goods. Kay is my goddess for sticking with me and ordering my Kelly - if you want bags she and Carole tend to go to Paris for the podiums so know what will be more easily available and Kay tends to be the steward of the leatherbook. Last time we discussed this Birkins were a 3 year wait but there was a smallish curry Lindy on display when I last went in a few weeks ago. Everyone seems to know the small leather goods and the scarves but I know Hillary has just come back from the silk factory at Lyon and is good to talk to about scarves. But then so are Kay and Varna! Not that I ever go in the shop and talk to these people about stuff, you understand. In short they are the least snooty bunch of Hermes SAs and are nothing to worry about. If you have a good idea of what you want to start off with you are already doing well. If the waiting list is closed it's probably because they'll be off to Paris to place the order in a few days but the list will open up again afterwards. If you want a Birkin don't be afraid to discuss it - if you want a special order it may well take forever to get to you but if you like what's on offer at the podium you may get something to suit you and which you will treasure far faster than you might think. If courage fails you give me a PM and I'll come and hold your hand!

Jul 1st, 2008, 01:17 PM	#8
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	Thnks for the words of support, I really appreciate it! I would sooooo like a vert olive green 35cm birkin with palladium hardware (that is my practical head speaking) and my more frivilous side would like a 35cm Birkin in some more outrageous colour (maybe I could save that for my 2nd one Forgive me for being naive but what are the podiums you mention?

Jul 1st, 2008, 04:27 PM	#9
Les Tambours Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 464	OK, the 'podiums' are events held in Paris whereby the managers of the stores are presented with the items and clothes for the forthcoming season so that the managers can buy what they think will sell in their stores. Each season Hermes has a direction so just at the moment the workshops will be producing new bags like the Kelly So in the leathers and colours the company has decided will be its look for the season. If you suggest to your store manager that you might want something with this season's look ( a Kelly So in chocolate Togo for instance - not sure which season is which at the moment) the manager can order one intended for you from the workshop's current production run. At the same time - whilst they are in Paris - the managers present the list of their clients' special orders. Not all special orders will be accepted -especially if the leather and colour are not available. These are the items with the, some would say, infamous waiting lists. Now, to me a 35cm Birkin with palladium hardware sounds like a 'reasonable' request. If you were to take a shine to a colour and leather for this season the manager could order one at the podium and you would get it in months rather than years. There is no harm in asking! However you are best advised to build up to a big purchase like that as a manager, quite justifiably, wouldn't want to blow a major part of the podium budget on an unknown quantity if you are unknown to the store ( cruel world but it makes sense). Do start the conversation though - they know about Birkins 'cos some of them wear them.

Jul 1st, 2008, 04:40 PM	#10
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	Thanks for the update and all your advice, I will definately ask these questions. I wasn't sure whether Vert Olive in Taurillon Clemence leather for a Birkin would be classed as a regular order and therefore easier to come by I fully appreciate the comment of being an unknown quantity, but hopefully this will be the start of a long and happy relationship with the Manchester store. I am already dreaming of all those lovely H goodies and not just the Birkin, having seen all the lovely bags on this forum, my wish list is growing and growing!

Jul 2nd, 2008, 04:18 AM	#11
Les Tambours Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 464	I'm sure you'll be fine. Your dream bag does sound as though it may be special order material even though it isn't esoteric but do enjoy yourself in the store. Enthusiasm and persistence do pay off.

Jul 2nd, 2008, 06:46 AM	#12
kellybirkin Member Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 266	Hi again Ms B. Didn't mean to mislead you with my reference to "source" in that I was on the list but had only been there a few weeks when they (Paul to be exact) rang to say they had EXACTLY what I wanted. If H gave awards, the M store should be a winner in my book!

Jul 5th, 2008, 07:27 PM	#13
purdy13 Member Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Manchester UK Posts: 136	I went into the Manchester store for the first time ever today and I have lived and shopped in Manchester for year. For some reason I too never quite had courage previously. I went with my Mum and she bought a scarf and I bought a twilly and we were given wonderful service by a lady whose name unfortunately I don't know! They are extremely friendly and I can't wait to go in again!

Jul 6th, 2008, 12:50 AM	#14
Ms Birkin Member Joined: Jun 2008 Location: Cheshire Posts: 213	Firstly a big thank you to those of you that responded to my initial post with lots of kind words, support and encouragement. I have now ventured into Hermes Manchester and the sales staff were just as described and couldn't have been more friendly (and very patient answering my many questions). I bought a 30cm etoupe Lindy and I am loving it I can't do a reveal at the moment as my camera is away for repairs, so I will save that for my next purchase. I am definately a Hermes convert, its not just the merchandise, the service was faultless. So thanks again for helping me take my first steps into the world of Hermes!

Jul 6th, 2008, 12:01 PM	#15
Les Tambours Member Joined: Feb 2007 Posts: 464	OOOOh - I think I saw an etoupe Lindy in there earlier in the week in swift - splendido! I'm so glad you, purdy13 and Ms Birkin, had a good time. Over the years going into the store becomes less of a heart thumping ordeal and more of a 'me-time moral support' feeling. If you didn't know what the company was about the store is quite missable in Manchester really as it is far from the glitzy Harvey Nicks/Selfridges side of town. There should be a celebration this autumn for the store's 10th birthday - try and get on the invite list.