Any information on 2015 price increase?

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#541
Remember not all countries/cultures rate home ownership as a priority. In places like Japan or even HK, many live in very small properties (a lot are even rented) when are are relatively well-off. Many of them would not rate home reno or deco as their priority and rather spend money on something they can "wear" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
 
#544
jmen said:
You mentioned quality of the home construction. As far back as the 70s and possibly before construction can be very questionable. My dad changed careers later in life that took him from office to home refinishing which was right up his forte since he loved to build things like my wooden ships at bath time, our train's village, etc. He was appalled at the slap-dash finishing work back then. In the 90s when DH and I were home buying -- DH's background is plumbing design -- he would head for the basement checking out at the pipes, the materials used -- the actual guts of the building. Meanwhile I'd be looking upstairs at the eye candy being fooled.


Re H, my scarf buying slowed to a crawl at when the price hit $400; need I say how I feel about this new one?
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I agree that build quality has been on an overall decline for some time. I'm afraid it's just another example of declining craftsmanship in all areas. A few years ago, I had a roof leak and needed some plaster repair on a hallway wall. It was so difficult finding someone who was experienced in plastering.
After numerous inquiries, I located an older gentleman who seemed to do all of the needed plaster work in the region. He was excellent, but I worried about what I would do when he retired, because even he said that it was a dying skill and he had no apprentices. Many workers on construction crews now are here today, gone tomorrow. These jobs used to be an art that people spent years refining.

Clearly, one of the things that we all appreciate about Hermes is their dedication to traditional craft. As in all things, this comes with a higher price tag, but the value and quality to justify it. That being said, I suspect that the majority of the price increase is going to the shareholders, and not to the artists, craftspeople and boutique employees. 10% increases would be easier to accept if the employees were sharing in the increased revenue.

What a wonderful story about the boats and train village that your father built for you.. I know they must be very special and treasured pieces!
 
#546
xiangxiang0731 said:
Remember not all countries/cultures rate home ownership as a priority. In places like Japan or even HK, many live in very small properties (a lot are even rented) when are are relatively well-off. Many of them would not rate home reno or deco as their priority and rather spend money on something they can "wear" and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
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I agree that we all have the right to determine our own priorities, it's one of the things that makes communities of people unique and interesting. Overall, the US has been an ownership society, although there have always been major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago with majority rentals.

I think we were merely pointing out that overall priorities have shifted over the past several decades. The conversation really wasn't about home ownership, but rather discretionary spending. More people today are choosing to spend discretionary funds on personal accessories and cars, and less on furnishings, which is a major shift by the American consumer. It's the shift in spending that's driving the demand that allows Hermes to raise prices well above inflation.
 
#547
Monceau said:
I agree that we all have the right to determine our own priorities, it's one of the things that makes communities of people unique and interesting. Overall, the US has been an ownership society, although there have always been major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago with majority rentals.

I think we were merely pointing out that overall priorities have shifted over the past several decades. The conversation really wasn't about home ownership, but rather discretionary spending. More people today are choosing to spend discretionary funds on personal accessories and cars, and less on furnishings, which is a major shift by the American consumer. It's the shift in spending that's driving the demand that allows Hermes to raise prices well above inflation.
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The shift from quality to quantity, IMO, started when the Kardashians are every where, Gossip Girls are looked upon as style icons... Same with jewelries. Younger girls probably prefer larger stones than better quality, smaller stones. Unfortunately, our society turned its focus on "flashing" wealth...
 
#548
Falnangel said:
The shift from quality to quantity, IMO, started when the Kardashians are every where, Gossip Girls are looked upon as style icons... Same with jewelries. Younger girls probably prefer larger stones than better quality, smaller stones. Unfortunately, our society turned its focus on "flashing" wealth...
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I don't get the Kardashian phenomenon - is the family really that interesting?!?!

They are obviously very savvy business people, but I don't understand why people are captivated by them. I've never seen their show and doubt I ever will, but it's clear that they are able to influence a large group of people by what they wear, where they go, etc. As you pointed out, not for the better.
 
#549
Monceau said:
I agree that we all have the right to determine our own priorities, it's one of the things that makes communities of people unique and interesting. Overall, the US has been an ownership society, although there have always been major metropolitan areas like New York and Chicago with majority rentals.

I think we were merely pointing out that overall priorities have shifted over the past several decades. The conversation really wasn't about home ownership, but rather discretionary spending. More people today are choosing to spend discretionary funds on personal accessories and cars, and less on furnishings, which is a major shift by the American consumer. It's the shift in spending that's driving the demand that allows Hermes to raise prices well above inflation.
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Re the car buying trend, I saw an burp, yes burp since it was on Yahoo about the notion that the car industry may be in a soon to burst bubble. Car loans cause people to go deeper into debt and lo an behold the DOW dropped 400 pts yesterday. I fear that the "spin" that the economy is doing better is just that a spin. Until I see long term changes that strengthen the nation, I'm not falling for the spin. Okay Hermes raises prices annually so tis to be expected; however tis the amount of that jump, their logic, if there is one, makes me think I have enough to enjoy for the rest of my days.


Slightly off topic but when DH and I decided we wanted a stone wall and we getting estimates of $8K for a lick and stick wall, 3 ft high and 20 ft long, we began researching how dry stacked walls are built. We went to the stone dealers, picked out what we wanted , had it delivered and we did it ourselves. Honestly, it is pretty darn nice and my guess, a lot nicer than a lick and stick wall for $8K!
 
#551
Falnangel said:
The discussion on aspirational buyers is very interesting. I would probably consider myself an aspirational buyer. I'm professional who works and definitely not rich. I started buying luxury goods in my mid twenties and started off with LV. After LV became the new Coach, I moved on to Chanel. With the recent price increases of Chanel and quality not matching the price increase, I converted myself to H. H is, in general, more expensive than Chanel IMO. However, I also believe H's quality is superior than Chanel. I can afford an H bag or two a year, accessories and silks, but definitely not going H head to toe. I also do my homework before any big purchases to make sure the bag suits my lifestyle, and classics that I can see myself using 20, 30 years later. Echoing many have commented, I will still purchase from H but more carefully and maybe less in quantity.
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Totally agree with everything you've said about aspirational buyers! I classify myself as one too :p

awbrat said:
Spoke to my SA and she mentioned B35 went up about $800 usd so that's less than 10%. I was in a rush and didn't ask for further details. Hope this helps.

Prices on bags definitely went up today in the US.
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Wow, I would be so stoked with an increase of only $800. B35s here increased by around $1900 :crybaby:
 
#553
From the 2014 price thread (no USD prices were posted):

So Kelly 22cm

03/14 Togo CAD$ 7050 + tax
04/14 Togo €4250

So Kelly 26cm

03/14 Togo CAD$7780 + tax
03/14 Ostrich/Canvas Combo RMB 119000
04/14 Togo €4600
 
#554
My SA mentioned K32 now $10400, that's big jump :( but most of stores don't have anything yet though, prob after new prices then they will have more shipments. Still waiting for my B30 forever :(
 
#555
This has been an interesting discussion and I've enjoyed reading everybody's posts.

My "home" store is in Europe though I live in the US, and just to add another comment, I know it is very important for Hermes as well as other luxury brands to continue engaging with their local customers and have a strong base there. These brands don't want all of their customers to be from overseas, each region will typically have their ideal percentage of local/overseas buyers.

In Europe, then local customers are those who live/work in Europe and who earn euros. Obviously the European region as a whole currently isn't doing very well right now...a lot of economic uncertainty and weakness...so I can understand why Hermes wouldn't be moving quickly to close the gap, though I wouldn't personally be surprised with a small increase sometime during the year if the currency continues to depreciate. I know that some brands are already starting to make plans and projections for if/when the Euro and USD hit parity. That will be interesting to watch.
 
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