Just came back from Hawaii, both stores are lovely and lots of goodies compared to my local store. Since I just got a kelly a month ago so not really into H shopping there but still looking for a constance. No luck this time. I feel Ala moana SAs are nicer in general and willing to check inventory for you. Just my 2 cents that I think you should not tell SAs that you have a relationship with any mainland H stores. They become hesitate when they heard I shop regularly somewhere else.
Hermes Hawaii
- Thread starter Julide
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Yes I agree. The SA's in Hawaii asked me so I told them I had a purchase history in mainland and they told me they could not offer me a B or a K at first bc that was my home store and they don't want to steal customers. I had to explain that I travel a lot and shop when I do.
I did get a Kelly but had to purchase bag under husband's name.
After reading the recent posts on Hawaii stores, I decided to call before I book a ticket. It's a little hard to communicate in English. They wouldn't tell me the inventory they have, Waikiki is better than Ala Mona. The Ala Mona staff jus tkeep saying it's very hard to get a constance, only seen one in couple of months, Birkins, and kellys are very difficult to find, because everybody wants them, she just keep repeating those sentences. When I treid to ask about prepurchase required, she didn't understand.
Is it because of the staff I met? Does any of you have a SA you would recommend? Thank you.
Is it because of the staff I met? Does any of you have a SA you would recommend? Thank you.
My experience was they do not let you prepuchase or purchase over the phone. I was able to get inventory updates but nothing could be held for my arrival. Once you arrive go into the store and touch base with an SA and they should tell you what is coming during your stay.
My SA was wonderful and I had a lovely experience!
Keep in mind a lot depends on timing also, meaning whether they got a recent shipment. Things may go fast and may not even be available when you arrive. If you have no history with the store then it may be hard for them to sell you a coveted item by discussing over the phone.
Yes, I do understand that no purchase can be made over the phone, nor can they hold anything, I just want to get an idea for the inventory. For example, as in the Paris thread, there is the worst month of inventory, and the best, so I just wonder if the same rule applies for Hawaii.
How often do they get the inventory? the staff I talked to at Ala Mona told me only once a week! OMG! so if you are only going to Hawaii for a week (which most people do), then you only get one chance? like if there is nothing in the shipment you like, then you had to go home empty handed? this is a little different from what I read in the thread.
ps. I tried to reply you in the message, but it bunced back telling me that your inbox is full.
I know that even if they tell me they have something I want, it may be gone by the time I get there, I just want to have an idea of whehter they are receiving any constance or not. I am not trying to make any purchase through the phone. So they can't discuss with me what they will receive or have received?
Not sure whether this is off topic, but I am really having a hard time deciding, so would like to ask for your help. For those of you who have been to Paris & Hawaii, which place would you say is better in terms of purchasing B/K/C (especially constances)?
I understand the difference of price between the two places, and that sometimes prepurchase is required for Hawaii stores (3-4000 USD according to previous posts), setting aside the above factors, which place is better? (as I can only choose one to go)
Thank you so much.
I understand the difference of price between the two places, and that sometimes prepurchase is required for Hawaii stores (3-4000 USD according to previous posts), setting aside the above factors, which place is better? (as I can only choose one to go)
Thank you so much.
I personally would NOT book a trip if your sole objective is to purchase a b/k/c...truly....I've been a to both Hawai'i locations..it's truly hit or mIss....lots of jewelry and silks...and slg's ....they cater to tourists remember dear...not hard core H collectors. I would save my $ on the trip....build a relationship.at a nearby boutique and use those funds towards actual purchases...SA's dO not discuss inventory on the phone....they do call me when my long standing wish list items arrive....just remember everyone wants the coveted B/k/c..but Hermes is so much more then that...and I feel true collectors of H, NOT just the coveted bags are highly prized clientele and are treated as such.[emoji8]
Most of H store do the same thing. They did not discuss inventory over the phone since it's always changing unless you're a local customer. As local customer, you can just drive and be at the store and buy the inventory they have the very same day. If you are VIP that's a different story
Regarding delivery, most of H store that I ever went to, they stated they get delivery once a week, at certain Maison may be more. So yes, when you came at the right time you can get a lot of stuff in your wish list. I was offered KC just as walk in and no need to buy anything. While in my local store my SA said that I have to buy different stuff from different department to get one..go figure. LoL
Now, the H craftmans are off in August so it will affect how much and what they will get for all H stores. I think they have to rations the inventory
)I would book the ticket for the purpose of vacation and who knows you may get a surprise for H Hawaii.
Have fun in the sun!!
PS I've never had bad experience at both stores, although I've been reading some bad experience here lately.
Most of H store do the same thing. They did not discuss inventory over the phone since it's always changing unless you're a local customer. As local customer, you can just drive and be at the store and buy the inventory they have the very same day. If you are VIP that's a different story
Regarding delivery, most of H store that I ever went to, they stated they get delivery once a week, at certain Maison may be more. So yes, when you came at the right time you can get a lot of stuff in your wish list. I was offered KC just as walk in and no need to buy anything. While in my local store my SA said that I have to buy different stuff from different department to get one..go figure. LoL
Now, the H craftmans are off in August so it will affect how much and what they will get for all H stores. I think they have to rations the inventory
I would book the ticket for the purpose of vacation and who knows you may get a surprise for H Hawaii.
Have fun in the sun!!
PS I've never had bad experience at both stores, although I've been reading some bad experience here lately.
I read from some TPFers experience that they do share inventory over the phone, so I was trying to find out, but I guess everyone's experience is different. I know when it comes to H, all the rules changes if you are VIP, but I am not. Most of the H stores asked you to do a lot of purchase for the coveted items, like in my country, they require $30,00 USD prepurchase on non leather items. Then I guess August is a bad month just like Paris.
I am having a hard time deciding which place to go for vacation, I can't go to both. That's why I would like to choose one with more chances of success at H, I always like to go to H when travelling. Going to Hawaii or Paris makes no difference, hence the struggel.
The recent experience I have seen shared here are all good, the bad ones are from yelp, quite a few people have bad expereince. I just read one person saying that she asked for a birkin, then a male staff came out to speak to her in an very insulting manner, saying that she need to spend at least $20K. OMG!! I thought they would just nicely tell you how much prepurchase is required.
Deciding between HI and Paris.... Have you been HI and Paris before? If you've been to both, ehmm...such a dilemma.
Although, I think you'll hv a better luck in Paris, unless you want to spend extra money for pre purchase. But $20 grand..,that's crazy!! $3000 is not a lot for H items. If you like H wallet and stuffs, you'll meet the pre purchase requirements with may be 2 items. Sorry if I'm not much of a help here.
Anyway, good luck and hope you have a blast in Paris or HI
)
If you can travel after August, I would pick Paris, for the few reasons, 1) the currency exchange rates, 2) it's Paris (beautiful architecture, wonderful food, lovely fall weather, lovely places to visit), 3) you will be visiting THE flagship store FSH!
Good luck in your decision!
I travel to Hawaii quite a bit and was recently in Paris as well. I would say that Hawaii gets very good inventory of bags. I prefer ala moana versus versus Waikiki because the inventory is better.
I've gotten both my Constance at ala moana. Specifically I just got one yesterday!
But I also have to say spending to build a history is important. Although I don't live here, I've bought a majority of my merchandise from ala moana. Good luck to you!
I've gotten both my Constance at ala moana. Specifically I just got one yesterday!
But I also have to say spending to build a history is important. Although I don't live here, I've bought a majority of my merchandise from ala moana. Good luck to you!
Deciding between HI and Paris.... Have you been HI and Paris before? If you've been to both, ehmm...such a dilemma.
Although, I think you'll hv a better luck in Paris, unless you want to spend extra money for pre purchase. But $20 grand..,that's crazy!! $3000 is not a lot for H items. If you like H wallet and stuffs, you'll meet the pre purchase requirements with may be 2 items. Sorry if I'm not much of a help here.
Anyway, good luck and hope you have a blast in Paris or HI
No, I have only been to Paris four times, never been to Hawaii. I just thought about travelling to Hawaii after reading this thread. But I think Paris has become really hard, and the lining up is really tiring. 3-4000 definitely acceptable, but 20K, ugh..... Thanks for you wishes.