Experience in Chanel boutique before (and after?) pandemic

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platanoparty

platanoparty

Member
Dec 17, 2020
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#1
In the past, I always purchased Chanel items from department stores. I only began buying from the stand-alone boutiques in the pandemic era and got curious thinking about what the in-store experience was like before? For my in-store purchase a few months ago, I had to make an appointment and was guided by one SA who had to chaperone me. It was a little awkward I admit as she wasn't the most friendly, fortunately I have found a better SA at another location. However, she ships my items to me as I don't live near her.

When getting items from other luxury houses in the past. I was always offered champagne or light snacks (macarons etc) when making a big purchase, so I was curious what was the standard of experience and service received in the "before times"? Additionally, what are some things you might like to see for service in stores once things hopefully go back to normal? Do you think Chanel boutiques live up to the name and price point as far as a luxurious experience goes? TIA for sharing :amuse:
 
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#5
Honestly I’m more into Chanel for the pieces and not the treatment lol. I know they should give excellent customer service given the $$$ we are spending but even before covid a lot of Chanel SAs had a bad rap for sometimes being...not the nicest. That being said, they don’t give champagne or snacks at Cartier anymore but they did give me a full bottle of champ with my purchase during covid. Would never expect the same from Chanel, to be frank.
 
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#6
I had a good laugh thank you @GucciGoneWild !! That is so nice of Cartier and quite generous. I was asking partially because this TikTok video series makes me laugh and the Chanel one (according to my friends) was “quite accurate”. Personally in my city, our Chanel is small and has a questionable staff so everyone shops Neimans instead. I have only been treated exceptionally well once and it was when a SA from Vegas was visiting for training.

@Zeremine I’m with you, I’m so curious to see how luxury shopping evolves after this is over to stay safe and luxurious in experience. Personally, I felt rushed when I had the 1:1 shopping trip and they wouldn’t let my husband and mom in. Totally understandable but I look forward to a more regular shopping experience that’s high touch but not intense.

@shop.aholic88 I believe it’s strongly encouraged as there are long waits to get in the shop now, but not required. Dior and Gucci were like this too when I last visited luxury shops in December.
 
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#7
i was mostly offered coffee (any kind) and water, but that maybe due to me living in a country with predominently muslim population and although we are “secular”, i don’t they want to alianate wealthier clients with more strict beliefs.
 
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#8
Its common in my country to receive bottled water when we step into the luxury brands' boutiques eg. Chanel, Rolex, AP etc. No snacks thou. But that might be due to the fact that I am just a normal customer, not VIP...
 
#9
I didnt even get offered a bottle of water and I bought a Chanel jumbo at retail price last year around Sept. A SA came and stood by us asking us how we are doing while my SA was checking us out and thats about it.
 
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#10
Is it common to be offered champagne at Chanel boutiques in the U.S.? The only snack/beverage I have been offered were macaroons at a Chanel boutique once. Is it bad if you ask your SA for a beverage?
 
#11
creamcamellias said:
Is it common to be offered champagne at Chanel boutiques in the U.S.? The only snack/beverage I have been offered were macaroons at a Chanel boutique once. Is it bad if you ask your SA for a beverage?
Click to expand...

Per this YouTuber in Canada, they did offer and also Evian water bottles along with Macaroons. I really started going into Chanel last year so I dont know about boutiques in USA pre-pandemic.
 
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#12
Pre COVID, during my stops at 8-9 different chanel visits through Europe and the UK- we were offered drinks at every boutique.
In the US, never.
visiting a store is not a fun experience right now. You can’t freely browse and look around, it’s almost like you have to know what you want.
 
#13
Pre-Covid I was offered a bottle of water never Champagne. I always had to look or wait for an Sa. Pandemic temperature checks, hand sanitizer no liquids offered. I like having an Sa assigned when I walk into a store. I'm not waiting online over fifteen minutes to get into any store. My time is valuable. LV seems like they are still doing time slots. Several stand alone Chanel boutiques early weekday mornings I can walk right in. Hopefully better product availability for Chanel once this pandemic is under control.
 
#14
Pre-Covid at standalone boutiques glasses of champagne and bottles of water usually offered by my SAs. Usually I informed my SAs beforehand that I’m swinging by to see her/him for certain items (no appointments). If friends with me, all offered with champagne/water. No snacks, I haven’t seen it in U.S.A or Europe.

Pre-Covid at department stores, no champagne but bottles of water, my regular SAs or any SAs that helped me.

Covid era - Per my SAs, appointments needed at Standalone boutiques due to capacity limitations per local states laws. Items usually shipped to me, rather in person shopping to lower the risks of exposure to covid (that just me). With vaccinations readily available, states laws constantly changing with indoor capacity, probably easier to get into boutiques now.
 
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