Hermes boutiques in London

[chanel_hermes_lover]

Hello everyone! I'm an Hermès newbie who recently relocated to London from outer town, and have been lurking around the boutique with my newfound interest in their beautiful items. I'm aware of how important the SA relationship is in London but I'm not sure how on earth to even start one? I've been visiting once a week for about two months, and I struggle to see how a conversation can last more than just 5 minutes. You walk in, the door lady asks you want you want, then they pair you up with a person who communicates with you on that very thing you asked for. I've purchased shoes, jewellery, and scarves this way and the whole process until the checkout doesn't even take any longer than 15 minutes.
Scenario 1 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: Yes, here you go. Me: Good I like it thanks, will buy it.
Scenario 2 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: No, it's very popular. We also don't know when these will next come in. Try the website. Me: Oh well. Thanks either way.

I've only been going to one store (NBS), and I've been allocated a new person every time always ending with either one of these two scenarios, feeling equally anticlimactic either way. There is only so much I can add to the interaction besides "how does this look on me..?". Am I missing something here? How do I come to establish this "relationship" that everyone seems to be in? I am quite an introvert so I'd be curious to hear if you have any tips.

To add, I am interested in probably all of their items including perfumes, clothes, home objects, bags (quota+nonquota) etc but I would prefer to be able to share my discovery and purchase process with a dedicated person so that I don't have to entirely repeat myself on my tastes every time to a new SA. I'm not sure if the individual SA commission is applicable in London but if so, then that would be another reason.

I have been shopping my SA since 2021 in NBS and would suggest asking an SA you like whether or not they could share their contact information. I would phase it such as "I would love to shop with you in the future" or "I am considering getting a pair of loafers next time, could I get in touch with you next time I come in" etc.

For my current SA, I actually tried two RTW pieces and was unsure about the second one. My SA offered to hold it for me and that's how we kept in touch! My SA makes shopping so much more enjoyable. Midweek is the best time to go when it's quieter and the SAs have more time to chat. Although London operates on a wishlist system, I do find having an SA is beneficial for that second, third quota bag.

 

[114]

I shop at CP too and have not heard that from my SA there. Unless it’s changed in the last few days. If that’s the case, me and CP will be no more…and I’ll stick with my Paris SA.

I am always encouraged to buy from there, if possible. My CP SA knows I have an SA in Paris. But it was made clear that was an exception because I have frequently shopped in Paris for years way before I shopped at CP and my spend in both stores are similar. Although, my Paris SA luckily does not care about my spend as much (if not at all) as London does and still regularly offers me bags without ridiculous pre-spends or even when I buy nothing for a year plus. But CP for instance would be unhappy if I shopped at Selfridges or Harrods. The only exception is if I really want something and it’s not coming to that store, they will arrange for me to get it at another London store or arrange it to come there or recommend I speak to my Paris SA, if they find the item in stock there and know I am travelling there soon. They also recommend online, if they see the item online and they know it’s not coming into their store. To be honest, I think it can be hit and miss with CP and London stores in general. I have heard various stories from different clients and SAs on how best to get your wish fulfilled. So I just buy only what I really want and see what happens. I have an okay SA, who is currently advocating for my SO. They show me stuff from all areas, as recently as days away, so I am unsure when this change happened. But my Paris SA really goes above and beyond. Whereas my friend shops at CP and gets her two wishes a year get fulfilled every year and she barely buys anything but has a better relationship with her SA. So I think it always comes down to the relationship you have with the SA regarding the wish. But this new rule would indeed make it more difficult to ‘maintain a relationship.’ Hence, why I don’t put much emphasis on my London H ‘relationships’ when my Paris one’s are more authentic and in turn have been more fruitful because of that.

Thanks very much for your response! It’s strange that the same boutique is saying different things.. do you always make an appointment with your SA when you go to CP? When I mentioned making an appointment with my SA they doubled down that my SA is a leather specialist only and not RTW (which is what I was looking for) and I mentioned last summer my SA helped me to buy a jacket and shoes but they said the system has changed ‍♀️ who knows with these things - your response has been very helpful thank you!

 

[oatmilklatte]

Thanks very much for your response! It’s strange that the same boutique is saying different things.. do you always make an appointment with your SA when you go to CP? When I mentioned making an appointment with my SA they doubled down that my SA is a leather specialist only and not RTW (which is what I was looking for) and I mentioned last summer my SA helped me to buy a jacket and shoes but they said the system has changed ‍♀️ who knows with these things - your response has been very helpful thank you!

Because of my numerous issues at the London boutiques, yes I mainly make an appointment with my SA or CP has on Monday mornings a period where you can have an appointment before the store opens with your SA or any SA they appoint you I believe to purchase items. If I am in the area and need something, I also just ask for my SA and wait for her to finish with another client. It really depends on what I am getting. If your leather SA can no longer help you, surely they should just introduce you to an SA there that can help you with other things, no? My SA is not leather (was previously) but she’s not technically RTW either and she helps me with every category including leather. So I would ask your SA to introduce you to another person who can serve you different categories and say you will revert back to them when you want leather goods, if they would prefer that. Thats what I would do in your situation because it makes no sense. My SA would never push me to go to another store or another person. If she can’t help me or has little knowledge of something, she will ask her colleague from a different department but she is always involved in the transaction. So I think if you are sticking with CP, ask for another SA that’s non leather. They should have no issue referring you, if they genuinely cannot serve you due to these rules!

 

[114]

Because of my numerous issues at the London boutiques, yes I mainly make an appointment with my SA or CP has on Monday mornings a period where you can have an appointment before the store opens with your SA or any SA they appoint you I believe to purchase items. If I am in the area and need something, I also just ask for my SA and wait for her to finish with another client. It really depends on what I am getting. If your leather SA can no longer help you, surely they should just introduce you to an SA there that can help you with other things, no? My SA is not leather (was previously) but she’s not technically RTW either and she helps me with every category including leather. So I would ask your SA to introduce you to another person who can serve you different categories and say you will revert back to them when you want leather goods, if they would prefer that. Thats what I would do in your situation because it makes no sense. My SA would never push me to go to another store or another person. If she can’t help me or has little knowledge of something, she will ask her colleague from a different department but she is always involved in the transaction. So I think if you are sticking with CP, ask for another SA that’s non leather. They should have no issue referring you, if they genuinely cannot serve you due to these rules!

Thank you for taking the time to respond! I think that’s a good plan

 

[AmandeDélicieuse]

I have been shopping my SA since 2021 in NBS and would suggest asking an SA you like whether or not they could share their contact information. I would phase it such as "I would love to shop with you in the future" or "I am considering getting a pair of loafers next time, could I get in touch with you next time I come in" etc.

For my current SA, I actually tried two RTW pieces and was unsure about the second one. My SA offered to hold it for me and that's how we kept in touch! My SA makes shopping so much more enjoyable. Midweek is the best time to go when it's quieter and the SAs have more time to chat. Although London operates on a wishlist system, I do find having an SA is beneficial for that second, third quota bag.

That's really helpful. Thank you! It didn't occur to me that I had to proactively ask them about it as the SAs from many other brands reach out to you first. So I just waited all along until they offered but seems I have to be a little more tactful!

 

[lemonlime46]

Does anyone know the current retail price of a Mini Kelly Epsom in GBP

 

[shermes]

Can anyone confirm the new price of a b25 togo? My SO has arrived and the email didn’t state the price like a normal “wishlist” offer. Cannot find the GBP amount on the 2023 prices thread!

 

[hermeslover1703]

Hope someone can help! I saw on my account yesterday in store it said ‘internet account’ under my name when my SA loaded up my profile, I shop in the same store every time (with the occasional internet buy/ or sa ordering for me) but I think I created my account initially online first and then use that account in store with SA’s. I’m just wondering if by it saying ‘internet account’ under my profile it might affect if I i get a quota bag offer, as the allocation team might not see it as I am a regular customer at that store? Thanks

 

[Paridae]

Hello everyone! I'm an Hermès newbie who recently relocated to London from outer town, and have been lurking around the boutique with my newfound interest in their beautiful items. I'm aware of how important the SA relationship is in London but I'm not sure how on earth to even start one? I've been visiting once a week for about two months, and I struggle to see how a conversation can last more than just 5 minutes. You walk in, the door lady asks you want you want, then they pair you up with a person who communicates with you on that very thing you asked for. I've purchased shoes, jewellery, and scarves this way and the whole process until the checkout doesn't even take any longer than 15 minutes.
Scenario 1 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: Yes, here you go. Me: Good I like it thanks, will buy it.
Scenario 2 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: No, it's very popular. We also don't know when these will next come in. Try the website. Me: Oh well. Thanks either way.

I've only been going to one store (NBS), and I've been allocated a new person every time always ending with either one of these two scenarios, feeling equally anticlimactic either way. There is only so much I can add to the interaction besides "how does this look on me..?". Am I missing something here? How do I come to establish this "relationship" that everyone seems to be in? I am quite an introvert so I'd be curious to hear if you have any tips.

To add, I am interested in probably all of their items including perfumes, clothes, home objects, bags (quota+nonquota) etc but I would prefer to be able to share my discovery and purchase process with a dedicated person so that I don't have to entirely repeat myself on my tastes every time to a new SA. I'm not sure if the individual SA commission is applicable in London but if so, then that would be another reason.

I’m an introvert too, and not really a fan of chit chat (although I had to learn to do it because of work). I find it’s easier to hold a conversation on a topic I really like and since it turns out I love handbags and accessories, who better to talk about it with than an SA? I think if I’ve engaged with an unknown SA it’s because we gush about an item. I also find they somehow find it entertaining when I openly mention something doesn’t work on me. From there the ball starts rolling and I can only give the cliche advice to be genuine… SAs are human and have personalities and identities aside of ‘Hermes SA’… much like you are also more than just a ‘Hermes client’.

I think perhaps in your case, it could help if you went in less frequently but get more items in one go? Then you get a longer time to spend with an SA and see if you hit it off. Good luck and don’t feel discouraged, you have lots of SAs to choose from in London. I wish I still lived there!

 

[QuelleFromage]

Hello everyone! I'm an Hermès newbie who recently relocated to London from outer town, and have been lurking around the boutique with my newfound interest in their beautiful items. I'm aware of how important the SA relationship is in London but I'm not sure how on earth to even start one? I've been visiting once a week for about two months, and I struggle to see how a conversation can last more than just 5 minutes. You walk in, the door lady asks you want you want, then they pair you up with a person who communicates with you on that very thing you asked for. I've purchased shoes, jewellery, and scarves this way and the whole process until the checkout doesn't even take any longer than 15 minutes.
Scenario 1 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: Yes, here you go. Me: Good I like it thanks, will buy it.
Scenario 2 - Me: Do you have [item]? SA: No, it's very popular. We also don't know when these will next come in. Try the website. Me: Oh well. Thanks either way.

I've only been going to one store (NBS), and I've been allocated a new person every time always ending with either one of these two scenarios, feeling equally anticlimactic either way. There is only so much I can add to the interaction besides "how does this look on me..?". Am I missing something here? How do I come to establish this "relationship" that everyone seems to be in? I am quite an introvert so I'd be curious to hear if you have any tips.

To add, I am interested in probably all of their items including perfumes, clothes, home objects, bags (quota+nonquota) etc but I would prefer to be able to share my discovery and purchase process with a dedicated person so that I don't have to entirely repeat myself on my tastes every time to a new SA. I'm not sure if the individual SA commission is applicable in London but if so, then that would be another reason.

Many Hermes items have interesting stories behind the design (especially homewares), perhaps use that as an intro? Choose something interesting and ask about the design philosophy or history. You can even research before and say "I heard that this was designed because...., is that true?" (This will also help if the SA is new and does not know which is common at NBS!) For instance, Pierre Hardy's use of black spinels and rose gold in jewelry to pay homage to black box leather and Barenia. You can find all kinds of fun tidbits on the H website as well as here

 

[noreen_uk]

was at selfridges this morning and saw someone was placing an ala-carte
few bags on display but didn't take any pictures but saw sa took herbag out of the box

 

[880]

and I struggle to see how a conversation can last more than just 5 minutes. You walk in, the door lady asks you want you want, then they pair you up with a person who communicates with you on that very thing you asked for.

This is a transactional, one-of way to shop. Very efficient, and possiblu for shoes, belts, scarves, all that you need.

I’m an introvert too, and not really a fan of chit chat

+1.

if you know what you want and don’t deviate, then there is really no reason for a specific SA or an ongoing relationship. Anyone at the store can help. It’s kind of like giving an order to a short order waitress. IMO only, if you want to cultivate a relationship, that means involving the SA in the decision process. Like, I was thinking of trying on x sweater [pick something on the sales floor that is currently available] , but what else do you have that is similar in color, weight, style. or what do you have that goes with [fill in an item currently on the sales floor]. Or, I saw this item last season, and I wanted to know if you have anything similar. My H and chanel SAs say it’s sometimes very hard to help prospective clients who come in armed with a specific list of x,y,and z. often those clients have seen these items on social media, and the specific boutiques may not have any available. They‘re also really tired of everyone asking for the same thing (not that this can always be helped)

The last time I was at Cadogan Place, at least over a year ago, the SA commented on DHs watch, an ALange, bc the SA loved the brand. I commented on the then new geta, etoupe chèvre, but neither the SA nor DH paid much attention to me bc they were deep in watch talk. But, the SA eventually offered it to me (I didn’t take it bc I prefer the Della cavalleria). I saw the same bag at Selfridges? But it was display only there.

It does help to go mid week.

 

[hokatie]

I will be in London next month. I am interested in the B30. Can you buy a B30 in London boutique as a tourist? TIA

 

[shermes]

I will be in London next month. I am interested in the B30. Can you buy a B30 in London boutique as a tourist? TIA

Better chance in Paris. The UK carries a wishlist system for local clientele. I have friends and family from abroad who have tried and been unsuccessful.

 

[hokatie]

Better chance in Paris. The UK carries a wishlist system for local clientele. I have friends and family from abroad who have tried and been unsuccessful.

Thank you! Do you know that can we get the other bags: mini Lindy, geta… Or most bags are on wishlist system only.