It’s definitely not a matter of “if” but “when,” but for me it’s more of a matter of “by how much.” The rumors were of a drastic, substantial increase and that is what is incredibly frustrating. I can do a little increase, but when you’re talking 12-15%, that is price gouging at its finest.
As some of you know I pulled the trigger on the JUC regular as I didn’t want to be caught blind-sighted. However, if the next increase is as high as the rumor goes, it could just put me off entirely. (I want the Clash but there is a limit to how much I can take.)
It seems like all the luxury houses are converging all at once right now (Chanel, Hermes, LV, Dior) and it puts such a bad taste in my mouth. Hence I have stopped shopping from those places. But in the world of fine jewelry, the increases have been modest and more steady over time, which is why I’ve stuck around. However, if Cartier and VCA start imitating Chanel, I will just respectfully bow out as I have enough right now anyway. At some point, you just have to wonder how much longer the consumer will put up with this. I have already heard Chanel’s classic flaps have not sold as well recently due to their insane increases lately.