I was told by my SA that much fewer HACs are made compared to Birkins and hence, the stores will receive proportionately much lower numbers of HACs. Historically, many customers prefer the birkin (hence the waiting list blah blah) but that is changing as the HAC is gaining popularity (thanks in part to this forum). Usually, as least in Asia (ex Japan), you can see HACs on the shelves at Hermes stores. Birkin - virtually nil.