Chanel at Costco

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#332
How does Costco get Chanel products?

A small Classic style bag usually retails for $4200 but is available at the Harlem Costco for "just" $3600. That's about $600 less than the current retail price. Not exactly spectacular percentage but $600 is a nice savings. In addition, the big box store has the Chanel Hobo Weekender that retailed for over $3000 is "just" $2059. (That's a much better deal, in our opinion.) This bag was part of the 2009 summer collection and the hobo strap can be elongated to be worn as a cross body. I can also hold lots of stuff! http://madisonavespy.blogspot.com/2013/03/chanel-bags-at-costco.html
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#333
They had a really big Chanel makeup palette for sale around Christmas, but they didn't have one out so you could really see the colors, which kept me from buying it (I had it in my cart, but didn't buy it; guess I should have, but I'd just feel bad to return an opened makeup even though I know they have a great return policy; my policy for myself is stricter than the store's policy).
 
#334
My issue with Costco is that the authenticity can be a little iffy (at least that's what history seems to suggest).

Also - and I know I'm probably in the minority - but I actually *like* the exclusivity that Chanel aims for. In the sense that the bags are not widely available, because it makes my hunt much more fun and I feel excited when I finally do find my perfect Chanel. In the same way, I'm actually against Chanel selling their bags online. If you're able to order a Chanel bag as easily as ordering diapers from Amazon, what's the fun in that? Just my opinion. :P
 
#335
I think it's all just a preference. Some love the thrill of the hunt and finding things on sale (some even found mis-marked sale prices on full price items or paid sale prices at department stores that Chanel boutiques are still selling at full price). Some love buying "pre-loved" bags. Some like to buy from resellers, some like to buy from places that charge no tax, and some like to pay full price in a boutique. I've paid full price for all my bags (except my vintage), but I'm fine with someone else paying a sale price on any bag I own. It's the same for clothes; I have paid full price on Chanel RTW only to have it go on sale the next week. I just shrug it off to my timing and how badly I wanted the item at that time. It's Chanel, and I love it, so I don't mind where anyone buys it; it's all good.
 
#336
tutushopper said:
I'm not sure about that myself. Many people get great deals on Chanel bags during sales (bags that still sell for full price at Chanel boutiques often) and everyone is thrilled about that, so I don't see what's wrong with Costco selling Chanel for less. It's really not much different for large stores like Costco versus large stores such as Hirshleifers or Barneys or Webster's or such. I've seen Cartier and Chanel watches at Costco, as well as many other brands (although I've not seen a Chanel bag yet personally). At least at Costco it's not about who you know or being a super VIP to get something on sale; it's out there for everyone to buy.
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Biggest problem with costco is that the employees are not trained in anyway to tell if an item is fake or real (I'm talking specifically about items that are returned). I know this first hand because I purchased a chanel item myself, went to purchase one item, and within the 5 minute span the exact item was back on the shelf (there was a scratch in a specific area which is why i returned it, the one on display had the mark so I am certain it is the same item). While I really loved the easy return, She did not even inspect the bag (for monogram sticker, card, etc)! It makes me question the entire practice... how do they know I didn't return a fake bag? I would stick to department stores and boutiques where these items are more closely monitored.
 
#339
scattersunshine said:
Pic! Rolex in back

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I see the Dior and the Rolex.

I know that Rolex and Dior are sold in authorized dealer shops, and for less than they sell for in Dior boutiques. I researched them quite a bit before I bought mine. I ended up paying more and buying at Dior because the one I wanted was newly released, and I wanted the smaller size. If I'd been happy with the larger size, I could have saved a couple of thousand dollars. So it's not just Costco.

I've also seen Rolex watches for sale in high end jewelry shops, not just in a Rolex store (but it's really fun to walk into that Rolex store and see them all in one place). With Chanel, since they don't have specific "authorized retailers" I don't know how it works, but I've seen the J12 in Costco in California as well as other high end watches. I think the watch market is different than the handbag industry, just as eyeglasses are different. I've not been lucky enough to find a Chanel bag in Costco (or on sale in a department store, for that matter).
 
#340
love2sh0p said:
Biggest problem with costco is that the employees are not trained in anyway to tell if an item is fake or real (I'm talking specifically about items that are returned). I know this first hand because I purchased a chanel item myself, went to purchase one item, and within the 5 minute span the exact item was back on the shelf (there was a scratch in a specific area which is why i returned it, the one on display had the mark so I am certain it is the same item). While I really loved the easy return, She did not even inspect the bag (for monogram sticker, card, etc)! It makes me question the entire practice... how do they know I didn't return a fake bag? I would stick to department stores and boutiques where these items are more closely monitored.
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I see your point. I actually had the reverse happen when we returned a $2000 watch where they were polite about it but closely inspected it. Also if you've ever returned anything at Costco without a receipt, you'd know they have a pain in the butt system where they look up your purchase through member ID. I'm sure they could use the same methodology and look up the dishonest person when the fake was returned by the new person buying it.
 
#342
love2sh0p said:
Biggest problem with costco is that the employees are not trained in anyway to tell if an item is fake or real (I'm talking specifically about items that are returned). I know this first hand because I purchased a chanel item myself, went to purchase one item, and within the 5 minute span the exact item was back on the shelf (there was a scratch in a specific area which is why i returned it, the one on display had the mark so I am certain it is the same item). While I really loved the easy return, She did not even inspect the bag (for monogram sticker, card, etc)! It makes me question the entire practice... how do they know I didn't return a fake bag? I would stick to department stores and boutiques where these items are more closely monitored.
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I don't know how the departments in costco works or if they changed their policy since your experience but a few months ago my mom bought a pretty expensive Diamond necklace and she decided to return it because it sat weird on her neck. They took it and held it and actually had it sent to a third party to further authenticate the piece of jewelry. It took about 2 weeks then they would notify you to come and collect your return. A tad time consuming but I feel more assured that at least with their jewelry they do go to lengths to make sure it's real. I would feel comfortable buying expensive name brand items knowing that.
 
#343
They do not sell Chanel handbags there. However, yes I have seen a Chanel watch being sold there (locked up in their glass display case where all the engagement rings etc are sold.) They also have Cartier, and Tag Heuer to name a few. I think the most expensive watch I saw in their display case was roughly $16k. that day. I have seen Versace, Chloe, Prada, and Fendi wallets & handbags either being sold online or in store (not all year round, normally around the holidays.) I think if you search on their website now only the Fendi & Chloe will pop up. They are definitely all authentic. (Costco is a huge company even selling million dollar engagement rings!) 😊 :) If you ever get a chance to go into Costco definitely check it out.. Love the store! They have so much to offer and stand by all the products they sell. (like Nordstrom, they basically have no return policy on basically everything, and I believe only a handful of items is by a certain time period, but I've seen everything from half eaten foods, used items, down to tv's being returned if for some reason the customer wasn't satisfied.. I walked by and was speechless! I can never walk into Costco and not leave with something.. Haha hope this helps! ;)
 
#345
Oh my! I can't believe they had the pre-fall metallic grey jumbo for a savings of almost $1000! I bought mine in the boutique but would have bought at Costco for that savings in a hot second!!! I'm assuming they only had one and it went fast? Or are they frequently having classics on sale? Sign me up!!!
 
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