I went to the boutique last night to see if they know when the Merlot will restock. She looked in their system and there were only 4 company wide and she couldn’t order any of them due to the low stock. Also said that Merlot is being phased out. So not likely to restock but she did say they will likely have it in another color. Maybe the green that y’all have been speculating. I’m having major fomo about the Merlot.
Coach Empire 2024
- Thread starter saugalady
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I just received my Navy 40 and she’s stunning! The burnishing definitely isn’t super visible unless it’s under bright enough daylight or natural light.
I haven’t decided if I’ll keep it because it really is heavy. If I do, I may have a cobbler add a few extra holes into the shoulder strap so I can shorten it and wear it more like a large shoulder bag because it feels awkward right now even at the shortest length.
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@pjfirst - I have been wearing my Dark Navy 40 every day since I filled it up with my stuff. Without the decorative chain, I can handle this bag just fine (without any novel inside, that is). It is still overcast! I have not been able to see the burnishing, yet, but I hope I will be able to see it soon. It is a tough decision to make regarding returning the bag, because she is a beauty for sure!
I have noticed that the other colors of the Empire 40 are due to return to the website sometime in March.
I have noticed that the other colors of the Empire 40 are due to return to the website sometime in March.
Extra holes in the long strap makes carrying the 40 on the shoulder tolerable. It does feel awkward otherwise. Your boutique will do it for free. My SA punched 11 extra holes to get it where I wanted it. The excess strap length is kinda annoying but I just tuck the end under that adjustable piece of leather on the side. Hope that makes sense. lol.
Just picked up my Empire 48 in black! This is my first Coach bag and I absolutely love it, the quality is amazing. I was at the South Coast Plaza boutique, my SA mentioned that someone returned every color in the size 40 yesterday. If anyone is looking for a particular color, they might still have it. They also have a size 48 in Maple!
Ooh thanks, this is great to know the SAs can do this! And yeah definitely makes sense loll I was already picturing the extra length just flopping around.
Went to the mall to see if I could see any Empires in store. They had a black 28, maple 40, navy 40 and a black 38. Me and husband both agreed that the 28 was too small and I like the grain on the 40. We liked the navy and we may have walked out with it but my husband didn’t like the scratch on the front of it and said we may as well order a new one that’s not scratched. I did also show him the Merlot and he said it was definitely unique color. Y’all I’m so torn! 
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@ditzydi - You definitely made the right decision not to purchase the scratched navy bag. That is quite a long scratch, and the bag should not even be for sale as new! I was able to spot the subtle burnishing on it, though, due to your excellent photography and ideal lighting in the store.
Choosing a color is difficult, because the design of the bag is lovely and so are the colors. I took a long time to decide on a color, myself. I still want one in Merlot, which is also a neutral, that can go with black or navy or gray clothing (although the brass hardware paired with gray clothing is not ideal in my opinion). I kind of also want one in my usual, preferred color-- classic black, but these are large bags, and they need a considerable amount of storage space. That said, I am sure Coach will come out with more colors for the Empire 40 in the months ahead, making choosing an additional color even more difficult. I don't think I would want an Empire 40 in a light or much lighter color, though, and I cannot wear beige or tan or honey bags with my coloring or wardrobe, no matter how pretty they are. Good luck with your decision. I don't think you can make a wrong color choice.
Choosing a color is difficult, because the design of the bag is lovely and so are the colors. I took a long time to decide on a color, myself. I still want one in Merlot, which is also a neutral, that can go with black or navy or gray clothing (although the brass hardware paired with gray clothing is not ideal in my opinion). I kind of also want one in my usual, preferred color-- classic black, but these are large bags, and they need a considerable amount of storage space. That said, I am sure Coach will come out with more colors for the Empire 40 in the months ahead, making choosing an additional color even more difficult. I don't think I would want an Empire 40 in a light or much lighter color, though, and I cannot wear beige or tan or honey bags with my coloring or wardrobe, no matter how pretty they are. Good luck with your decision. I don't think you can make a wrong color choice.
It was on display. I’m pretty sure it was either a return or got scratched by people handling it in the store.
The more I think about it I am leaning towards the navy. I have bought quite a few brown bags recently and think the navy would be a nice change.
My husband is having more fomo than me about the navy. I told him maybe we should wait to buy it for my birthday in April and then he reminded me that the sa at the mall said there were only 70 left nationwide. Lol. 😂😂😂
Me too! I called customer service, and the lady that I spoke with said that it was already sold out and was released at 12AM EST.
I do find it odd that the website still makes it appear like it hasn't launched yet though.
Well thanks for letting me know I checked last night a little after midnight EST and it was showing the coming soon so I've been checking all day. Hopefully, they'll release it in the same leather as the other Empire bags.Me too! I called customer service, and the lady that I spoke with said that it was already sold out and was released at 12AM EST.
I do find it odd that the website still makes it appear like it hasn't launched yet though.
Well I just opened a chat with customer support and had someone confirm they are still due to launch today. So much misinformation on this bag lol.