Ammietwist, I was thinking the same thing about Five Points...pain to get around, at least what I remember of it. Lenox Square is so much easier, but I guess bigger store and hopefully better inventory is the trade off.
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I stopped by their temporary location on Saturday, and there have been construction delays, but they're now thinking that they'll be in by early next summer. The big Hermes' bosses are urging the contractor to finish construction on their space first, and apparently they're trying to comply, as they feel that it will also be good advertisement for the development (Hermes will front on Peachtree Street and be highly visible).
I have no idea of how long a lease term they have for their future location, but I imagine that it would be a minimum of 4-5 years, so a move back to Lenox certainly won't be imminent, especially considering what they'll spend in the build-out (special craftsmen were flown in just to work on the temporary space, so you can just imagine what they'll do for their permanent home.)
I don't think Hermes would ever go back to Lenox anyway even if given that option. They've apparently had a running battle with the mall management, as they refuse to open on Sunday and stay open in the evenings past 6 p.m. I was told that basically, their lease was not renewed. So, they really didn't have a choice, but as the store was cramped and needed a face lift, it seems to be working out for the best. I've seen the design sketches for the new store (designed by Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes' wife's design firm), and it's going to be a fabulous two-story space.
Getting there may be a bit more of a hassle for some, but I'm definitely willing to make the trip. And, Lenox Mall on a Saturday - there's not much worse in terms of near-death traffic experiences! Plus, no money spent at Neiman's while on the way to and from Hermes - definitely an added bonus!
I have no idea of how long a lease term they have for their future location, but I imagine that it would be a minimum of 4-5 years, so a move back to Lenox certainly won't be imminent, especially considering what they'll spend in the build-out (special craftsmen were flown in just to work on the temporary space, so you can just imagine what they'll do for their permanent home.)
I don't think Hermes would ever go back to Lenox anyway even if given that option. They've apparently had a running battle with the mall management, as they refuse to open on Sunday and stay open in the evenings past 6 p.m. I was told that basically, their lease was not renewed. So, they really didn't have a choice, but as the store was cramped and needed a face lift, it seems to be working out for the best. I've seen the design sketches for the new store (designed by Jean-Louis Dumas-Hermes' wife's design firm), and it's going to be a fabulous two-story space.
Getting there may be a bit more of a hassle for some, but I'm definitely willing to make the trip. And, Lenox Mall on a Saturday - there's not much worse in terms of near-death traffic experiences! Plus, no money spent at Neiman's while on the way to and from Hermes - definitely an added bonus!
I think it's running similar to what they had at Lenox and had space for there, jessie. They seem to have more bags on display, though.
I was told that the new permanent space will have much larger rtw and shoe areas that what they have now though.
Oh yeah, they're going to glam it up, but if there's no other major development in the area for an extended period of time, being the fanciest store on the block won't be a big help to them. Also, if the development mostly or totally falls apart, then they've got their contractual out.
I can see the mall's point of view, but given the economy at the moment--especially Georgia's--and the fact that only a few luxury brands aren't seriously hurting, it's cutting the mall's share of the sales. Simon Malls are in SERIOUS trouble with a 3 billion dollar payment due in just a few months, and I think they'll tone down their hystrionics. BTW, to anyone interested, some of the design shots were posted on thestreetsofbuckhead.com. Or at least they were at one time.
Personally, I don't get near Lenox on a Saturday as the worst drivers in the state seem to congregate in Buckhead, and that would include Five Points too. Overall though there's nothing convenient about the new location, especially for tourists, and I really did like having my car within 150 ft. of Hermes. In, out and down to 85 without getting near Peacetree.
I'm willing to bet that the increase in their inventory will be from the lines that they had little or none of in the old location. Specifically home goods, shoes and RTW.
Given my dislike of Five Points, maybe it's a good thing I'm almost done with my Hermes purchasing.
Given my dislike of Five Points, maybe it's a good thing I'm almost done with my Hermes purchasing.
Saturday wouldn't be my first choice either, Ammie, but a very demanding job leaves no time for weekday shopping. It's either Saturday or nothing!
As my house is even closer to Hermes' new location than Lenox, I'm happy about the move. I like being able to avoid the Indy 500, aka I-85.
I've never been to Atlanta myself. But I saw the title of this thread, I had to read it it. Why? Because I've dealt with the Atlanta SA's on numerous occassions over the phone and they have always mean such a help to me. That southern hospitality perhaps, plus just being lovely Hermes SA's too. I was so impressed.
Now in terms of location - I would love to visit their new space, especially if the goods have more room for display. My mouth was watering to read that the new home will be two levels! I'd put up with construction and traffic for such!
I was intrigued by the hours in the former shopping mall location. True, if a mall hours were set late and on Sundays, and you walked by a darkened Hermes - you'd wonder. At least for non-Hermes customers who are not regulars like the rest of us. I don't blame Hermes for not budging. I don't consider Hermes to be the shopping mall character anyway, (not saying Lennox is a "basic" shopping mall either, from what I've heard it's lovely.) And good for them to move to bigger digs rather than tell their SA's that they now are required to work on Sundays. They deserve a regular day off too.
When they open their new space - I'd love to go see it! WHen I have Hermes on my mind- it's like tunnel vision. One can always get Neiman Marcus or Chanel or other such fixes. But when it comes to orange - I don't expect to stall and stop anywhere else. I'm on a mission!
I hope when the new Atlanta store opens, someone will post a picture and the opening date. I'd love to make the trip and meet the SA's who have been so gracious to me!
Maybe a road trip - I can fit more in a car than in a suitcase!
Now in terms of location - I would love to visit their new space, especially if the goods have more room for display. My mouth was watering to read that the new home will be two levels! I'd put up with construction and traffic for such!
I was intrigued by the hours in the former shopping mall location. True, if a mall hours were set late and on Sundays, and you walked by a darkened Hermes - you'd wonder. At least for non-Hermes customers who are not regulars like the rest of us. I don't blame Hermes for not budging. I don't consider Hermes to be the shopping mall character anyway, (not saying Lennox is a "basic" shopping mall either, from what I've heard it's lovely.) And good for them to move to bigger digs rather than tell their SA's that they now are required to work on Sundays. They deserve a regular day off too.
When they open their new space - I'd love to go see it! WHen I have Hermes on my mind- it's like tunnel vision. One can always get Neiman Marcus or Chanel or other such fixes. But when it comes to orange - I don't expect to stall and stop anywhere else. I'm on a mission!
I hope when the new Atlanta store opens, someone will post a picture and the opening date. I'd love to make the trip and meet the SA's who have been so gracious to me!
Maybe a road trip - I can fit more in a car than in a suitcase!
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I stopped by the new location two weeks ago. I like it a lot, the space is bigger, brighter (more inventory too it seems. When I was there they had a Lizzy Kelly, few KPs & So Kellys. I was offered a Parchement Ostrich Birkin. 30cm is a bit small for my liking, but it was mighty pretty). Location is pretty convenient, quick access to lots of restaurants. I especially like the store front/street side parking. There's also a free lot about less than half a block away to park on weekends.
ouija board - Their new location is almost directly across from The Cheesecake Factory/ESPN. If you're traveling down Peachtree Street (passing Lenox Square on your left), make a left at Buckhead Avenue and it's there on your right next to Fado's Irish Pub.
ouija board - Their new location is almost directly across from The Cheesecake Factory/ESPN. If you're traveling down Peachtree Street (passing Lenox Square on your left), make a left at Buckhead Avenue and it's there on your right next to Fado's Irish Pub.
Lenox Square used to be a basic mall. They started out as a strip mall, then it was enclosed, and they had music stores, a movie theater....and everything from Neiman Marcus to a drugstore. The management chose in recent years to go upscale, and Urban Outfitters is about as low as they go--and they're WAY off on one end away from what I call "the luxury wing." Hermes was right next to Neiman Marcus, and on that level you also had St. John, Ralph Lauren, Kate Spade, LV, Cartier, Bulgari, Ferragamo, Godiva...and a few others on that level.
Simon owns this mall as well at the one that's across the street, and that too, has gone luxury. That's where you find Saks, Armani, Versace, Gucci, Tiffany...and like Lenox, they shoved out a lot of the smaller guys.
The reason I hate to see Hermes move down the street is because most of Atlanta's luxury stores were located in one of these two malls, and it was super convenient for both locals and those that traveled in just to shop.
Simon owns this mall as well at the one that's across the street, and that too, has gone luxury. That's where you find Saks, Armani, Versace, Gucci, Tiffany...and like Lenox, they shoved out a lot of the smaller guys.
The reason I hate to see Hermes move down the street is because most of Atlanta's luxury stores were located in one of these two malls, and it was super convenient for both locals and those that traveled in just to shop.
Thanks for the info -- very interesting! I didn't know Lenox used to be a strip mall. I am going to miss being able to pop into Hermès whenever I'm shopping at Lenox, but I will definitely visit the new location.