The price increase seems to be a result of the brand being overexposed. The way I see it is that if you can afford to buy a Chanel - buy one. Why do you have to be of a certain income class or social class?
The problem lies with the replicas - if you stop that, then perhaps your problem will go away. But, even with a price increase, say Chanel comes out with another "IT" bag like the Cabas - don't you all think it will be copied regardless of the fact that it is more expensive? The bag will still be splashed every where and on every one - the elite win because they get it for free or can afford them and the mass wins because they will still have plenty of fakes to choose from.
We, the loyal customers that may not be mega rich or of celebrity stature are the ones that lose.
I remember Gucci and Ralph Lauren going thru the same thing back in the 80's where the GG logo and that Polo horse showed up everywhere - I believe Gucci has made tremendous strides in distancing itself from the replicas - because it can't be helped. How about LVMH? LV has to be THE most copied brand in the world yet they seem to manage to appeal to a variety of income groups and maintain an air of luxury.
It is all about how the company reacts and it should respect its true customer - if it does, no matter how many fakes there are, there will always be a loyal client base.
The problem lies with the replicas - if you stop that, then perhaps your problem will go away. But, even with a price increase, say Chanel comes out with another "IT" bag like the Cabas - don't you all think it will be copied regardless of the fact that it is more expensive? The bag will still be splashed every where and on every one - the elite win because they get it for free or can afford them and the mass wins because they will still have plenty of fakes to choose from.
We, the loyal customers that may not be mega rich or of celebrity stature are the ones that lose.
I remember Gucci and Ralph Lauren going thru the same thing back in the 80's where the GG logo and that Polo horse showed up everywhere - I believe Gucci has made tremendous strides in distancing itself from the replicas - because it can't be helped. How about LVMH? LV has to be THE most copied brand in the world yet they seem to manage to appeal to a variety of income groups and maintain an air of luxury.
It is all about how the company reacts and it should respect its true customer - if it does, no matter how many fakes there are, there will always be a loyal client base.