When I went to buy my foggy grey Alexa I did go to Harrod's first because they take the VAT off immediately for international customers. However they only had one, and the leather was creased very obviously at the top. So I trotted down to the flagship on Bond Street just after lunch time; it was a Monday or Thursday, one of the funny days so the store was practically empty. SA was helpful but not overly so, she got out several bags for me to try on and inspect without so much as a raised eyebrow. I left with my first love neatly packaged up with some sweet Mulberry tags on the paper bag. Now a year or so later she is still practically perfect, as beautiful as the day she was bought.
Sorry for the long story, but basically if you're looking for something different and more 'limited' the flagship is the way to go. They're more likely to have more of the same style of bag in stock and you do get the whole kit and caboodle of the experience.
Some things to be aware of: Don't be afraid to ask to see more bags. For the amount of money you're spending you are entitled to look for perfection. If the SAs are snooty keep in mind you can always head off to another Mulberry store and deprive them their commission.
When inspecting make sure all the hardware is scratch free or protected by plastic. Make sure the zips work smoothly and they don't catch on anything. Similarly make sure the turn lock works to your wishes. Inspect stitching and places where the threads may come loose easily, touch the leather and see if the thickness is right. Check the back and the bottom for stains or deep creases. If you see something and it's only small but it niggles you, ask to see another bag otherwise you'll go home with it and all you'll be able to see is that little imperfection.
As for quality concerns I can only speak from my experience. I do not baby my bags but I do treat them with respect. My year old Lexy is still gorgeous and the Bayswater Clutch which I've been using almost daily for the last eight months looks almost the same as when I bought it. The Mulberry style still very much appeals to me and I'll probably be buying bags from them for years to come.
Thanks for your helpful reply! I think for my first Mulberry I want that experience with having a mulberry carrier bag, buying in the flagship store,... I know that I will take really good care of my handbag, I always have done this even with handbags that weren't expensive at all.
I will definitely ask them to see more of the same style so I can inspect them carefully and see which one is perfect for me.
I was just a bit scared after my whole Taylor sale disaster of having another faulty bag. But when I can pick it out myself I can decide whether the quality looks good to me or not.