Hermes Istanbul

[conformista]

This is old. Does anyone have updates on Istanbul, inventory, and if you can buy as a walk-in?

I visited two of the three city stores last week, as well as the airport. The stock situation at Istinye is abysmal and the SAs are quite curt. Nisantasi was a more hospitable experience, but I will say that these stores are all very low in stock and you may find it difficult to connect with any SAs. I was offered a Calvi Duo, as well as a painted Calvi in Swift at the Nisantasi store, notably only after a boot and oran purchase. I have been looking for a TPM recently; a search that was quickly squashed by each SA despite purchases in other departments and seeing several on display throughout the stores. I love the pieces that I found for myself and my family and I’ll cherish them as souvenirs from our time here, but I frankly would not repeat the in-store experience. Quota bags are off limits for non-Turkish citizens per one of my SAs. I am a citizen and was offered to start a wishlist. I added a couple of items I didn’t choose to put on my home store wishlist in the U.S., though I doubt I will see anything turn up here given the rest of my experience. I hope this helps.

The airport’s international terminal store, however, is an entirely different story. They had wonderful stock and plenty of bags on display. A lovely SA helped me to try on some different sandals and espadrilles and even offered me a pair of Chypres. I couldn’t decide on a pair, and was running late for my flight, so I thanked her and promised to visit soon. She asked me to wait a moment and came back with a Picotin 22 in Gris Asphalt and GHW. It really was a lovely bag and color but just not what I am looking for at the moment. She was understanding when I passed and asked me to visit on my returning connection layover. I definitely will, as the experience was a pleasure. I highly recommend the airport boutique over any of the city locations, both in terms of stock and SAs.

p.s. To their credit, if you are a fan of rodeos and pegase charms, you will find plenty in a variety of colors and sizes at these boutiques, readily on display in bulk. I suppose these items are not nearly as coveted in this region.

 

[kim az]

I visited two of the three city stores last week, as well as the airport. The stock situation at Istinye is abysmal and the SAs are quite curt. Nisantasi was a more hospitable experience, but I will say that these stores are all very low in stock and you may find it difficult to connect with any SAs. I was offered a Calvi Duo, as well as a painted Calvi in Swift at the Nisantasi store, notably only after a boot and oran purchase. I have been looking for a TPM recently; a search that was quickly squashed by each SA despite purchases in other departments and seeing several on display throughout the stores. I love the pieces that I found for myself and my family and I’ll cherish them as souvenirs from our time here, but I frankly would not repeat the in-store experience. Quota bags are off limits for non-Turkish citizens per one of my SAs. I am a citizen and was offered to start a wishlist. I added a couple of items I didn’t choose to put on my home store wishlist in the U.S., though I doubt I will see anything turn up here given the rest of my experience. I hope this helps.

The airport’s international terminal store, however, is an entirely different story. They had wonderful stock and plenty of bags on display. A lovely SA helped me to try on some different sandals and espadrilles and even offered me a pair of Chypres. I couldn’t decide on a pair, and was running late for my flight, so I thanked her and promised to visit soon. She asked me to wait a moment and came back with a Picotin 22 in Gris Asphalt and GHW. It really was a lovely bag and color but just not what I am looking for at the moment. She was understanding when I passed and asked me to visit on my returning connection layover. I definitely will, as the experience was a pleasure. I highly recommend the airport boutique over any of the city locations, both in terms of stock and SAs.

p.s. To their credit, if you are a fan of rodeos and pegase charms, you will find plenty in a variety of colors and sizes at these boutiques, readily on display in bulk. I suppose these items are not nearly as coveted in this region.

Thank you so much for all the details, it sounds like you found some great stuff. I am looking forward to my trip. I won't be going through the airport, but I will check out the Nisantasi store

 

[deemtee1999]

Hello! I just came back from Istanbul and wanted to share my thoughts on the two locations. For background, while I was born & raised in the US, I can speak Turkish fluently thru my parents. And maybe that was my mistake?

*Hermès Emaar (Asian Side): It's near a luxury apartment complex. I went into the store asking about twillies (mind you in Turkish), the SA said we don't have, then inquired about Calvi, Cheval d'orient cups, etc. And same answer, they don't have anything. Asked if there was anything in stock. Same answer. I went into LV next door and the SA (who used to work at H) says the store is literally a glorified display box. Very bizarre.

*Hermès Airport: There was a bit of a line but quickly got in. I greeted the SA in Turkish - but since she's Arabic we spoke in English. She was really nice and got a hat, scarf, charm, and a bracelet thats always sold out at the H in Miami. I think you have to be really lucky to get a bag as they get swiped up pretty quick. I got her # so hopefully a bag will be in my future.

 

[brunoilcittadino]

I visited two of the three city stores last week, as well as the airport. The stock situation at Istinye is abysmal and the SAs are quite curt. Nisantasi was a more hospitable experience, but I will say that these stores are all very low in stock and you may find it difficult to connect with any SAs. I was offered a Calvi Duo, as well as a painted Calvi in Swift at the Nisantasi store, notably only after a boot and oran purchase. I have been looking for a TPM recently; a search that was quickly squashed by each SA despite purchases in other departments and seeing several on display throughout the stores. I love the pieces that I found for myself and my family and I’ll cherish them as souvenirs from our time here, but I frankly would not repeat the in-store experience. Quota bags are off limits for non-Turkish citizens per one of my SAs. I am a citizen and was offered to start a wishlist. I added a couple of items I didn’t choose to put on my home store wishlist in the U.S., though I doubt I will see anything turn up here given the rest of my experience. I hope this helps.

The airport’s international terminal store, however, is an entirely different story. They had wonderful stock and plenty of bags on display. A lovely SA helped me to try on some different sandals and espadrilles and even offered me a pair of Chypres. I couldn’t decide on a pair, and was running late for my flight, so I thanked her and promised to visit soon. She asked me to wait a moment and came back with a Picotin 22 in Gris Asphalt and GHW. It really was a lovely bag and color but just not what I am looking for at the moment. She was understanding when I passed and asked me to visit on my returning connection layover. I definitely will, as the experience was a pleasure. I highly recommend the airport boutique over any of the city locations, both in terms of stock and SAs.

p.s. To their credit, if you are a fan of rodeos and pegase charms, you will find plenty in a variety of colors and sizes at these boutiques, readily on display in bulk. I suppose these items are not nearly as coveted in this region.

Hey!

I am in Istanbul at the moment and thinking of asking for a few pieces we don’t see much back in Ireland, such Calvi Duos, etc, hopefully the airport store still has a good inventory.

BTW, do you remember how much was the Picotin 22?

Thanks in advance!

 

[ShopshopshopIstanbul]

There is a tremendous amount of commentary online about quota bags in Europe, UK and the US; however, there are absolutely no posts online about the following in Istanbul, Turkey:

1. The Istanbul, Turkey Hermes Wishlist has been closed since 17 April 2023. Right now, you cannot even get on the "wish list." Any insight into this situation? I am not aware of any other Hermes location in the world where the wish list is closed.

2. There are sites that advertise the average pre-spend before getting offered a bag at different locations throughout the world. This is teh ****e: <https://www.banisland.com/blog/2021-hermes-survey>. However, there are no such similar posts or research that covers Istanbul, Turkey. There is scant, if any, posts covering the Turkish market. Looking at Hermes's geographic sales distribution, Hermes does have a decent amount of sales in Turkey so this is really a pity.

3. Any members want to share their insights into the Hermes Wish List situation in Turkey?

4. Any members want to share their average pre-spend and waiting experience on the wish list in Turkey?

5. I have heard, but not confirmed, that certain exotics like Hermes Ostrich have not come to Turkey in over five years. Any comments or insight into the availability of exotics in Turkey would also be appreciated.

I hope this post gets some attention and members actively post about their experience, including the selection of all goods available (not just quota bags), the way SAs treat customers etc.

Come on people!!!!

Looking forward to some active posting here - hopefully....

 

[ShopshopshopIstanbul]

Here is an update:

In April 2024 the wishlist in Istanbul, Turkey reopened- finally after being closed for over one year.

My Hermes journey:

I got on the wishlist in Nisantasi in April on the day the day the wishlist reopened. You have to get on a list to get on the wishlist so be patient. My pre-spend over the past year was close to $40,000: three pieces of fine jewellery, one leather jacket, two pairs of shoes, twillies, a lot of perfume, and clothes (pants and shorts for my son). In June, nearly two months after getting on the wishlist, I got the call and it was a birkin 30 with gold hardware. I OF COURSE accepted and bought it. I think I spent more than the pre-spend because I have friends who have spent only $10k and been offered a bag but I do like the brand. The unspoken prespend requirement for all quota bags is obviously a pain and it would be helpful for SAs to be clear what is necessary but they are very tight lipped...

This was my first offer for a birkin in Istanbul. I hope to get one more this year and then go for an exotic!!!

Oddly, to follow up to my previous post, they do have a Kelly Pochette Ostrich on display but I have never heard of anyone getting offered a Ostrich in Istanbul!

As for getting offered a bag o the spot, it takes manager approval so unless you make an outrageously expensive purchase and the manager is there to greenlight the SAs request don't expect a bag offer by just walking in.

As for the wishlist, it's by appointment o ly. It's better this way because not everyone can get on it but the upside is if you get on it you are likely to get a bag offer.

Anyone else want to share their Istanbul experience?

There is a tremendous amount of commentary online about quota bags in Europe, UK and the US; however, there are absolutely no posts online about the following in Istanbul, Turkey:

1. The Istanbul, Turkey Hermes Wishlist has been closed since 17 April 2023. Right now, you cannot even get on the "wish list." Any insight into this situation? I am not aware of any other Hermes location in the world where the wish list is closed.

2. There are sites that advertise the average pre-spend before getting offered a bag at different locations throughout the world. This is teh ****e: <https://www.banisland.com/blog/2021-hermes-survey>. However, there are no such similar posts or research that covers Istanbul, Turkey. There is scant, if any, posts covering the Turkish market. Looking at Hermes's geographic sales distribution, Hermes does have a decent amount of sales in Turkey so this is really a pity.

3. Any members want to share their insights into the Hermes Wish List situation in Turkey?

4. Any members want to share their average pre-spend and waiting experience on the wish list in Turkey?

5. I have heard, but not confirmed, that certain exotics like Hermes Ostrich have not come to Turkey in over five years. Any comments or insight into the availability of exotics in Turkey would also be appreciated.

I hope this post gets some attention and members actively post about their experience, including the selection of all goods available (not just quota bags), the way SAs treat customers etc.

Come on people!!!!

Looking forward to some active posting here - hopefully....

 

[rumes]

Here is an update:

In April 2024 the wishlist in Istanbul, Turkey reopened- finally after being closed for over one year.

My Hermes journey:

I got on the wishlist in Nisantasi in April on the day the day the wishlist reopened. You have to get on a list to get on the wishlist so be patient. My pre-spend over the past year was close to $40,000: three pieces of fine jewellery, one leather jacket, two pairs of shoes, twillies, a lot of perfume, and clothes (pants and shorts for my son). In June, nearly two months after getting on the wishlist, I got the call and it was a birkin 30 with gold hardware. I OF COURSE accepted and bought it. I think I spent more than the pre-spend because I have friends who have spent only $10k and been offered a bag but I do like the brand. The unspoken prespend requirement for all quota bags is obviously a pain and it would be helpful for SAs to be clear what is necessary but they are very tight lipped...

This was my first offer for a birkin in Istanbul. I hope to get one more this year and then go for an exotic!!!

Oddly, to follow up to my previous post, they do have a Kelly Pochette Ostrich on display but I have never heard of anyone getting offered a Ostrich in Istanbul!

As for getting offered a bag o the spot, it takes manager approval so unless you make an outrageously expensive purchase and the manager is there to greenlight the SAs request don't expect a bag offer by just walking in.

As for the wishlist, it's by appointment o ly. It's better this way because not everyone can get on it but the upside is if you get on it you are likely to get a bag offer.

Anyone else want to share their Istanbul experience?

Hello,

I am from Istanbul. Although I live abroad the country, I come to the city every three months for my cancer treatment. The last time I was at the Istinyepark store in March, I was told there were no bags available. My shopping in Istanbul is usually limited to cosmetics. I usually shop from Europe. Do you think I still have a chance to be put on the wish list?

 

[ShopshopshopIstanbul]

Hi,

Nice to meet you. If you give them a Turkish phone number and tell them you live in Istanbul, Turkey you should be able to get an appointment to get on the wishlist. Bear in mind that you will have to jet over to Istanbul, Turkey if they call you on short notice. Also, remember it's not like they ask to see a passport - you can just say you live here.

In Turkey, they just do not bring out the bags without being on the wishlist system Unless you are going to spend an incredible sum that day and the manager is on tap to approve the sale of a quota bag, don't expect a quota bag. The only realistic way to get a quota bag in Istanbul is through the wishlist system. This applies to celebrities and others in equal measure.

However, if there are any other items you like, the stores do have a wide array of stock of sandals, shoes, clothes, chinaware, and jewellery etc. Note that each store does not and cannot give the stock situation in another store and they seldom give prices over the phone - its kind of their way of forcing customers to frequent the store.

In contrast, in Athens Hermes, a friend spent upwards of 7k Euros on Chinaware and got offered a bag on the spot.

 

[rumes]

Hi,

Nice to meet you. If you give them a Turkish phone number and tell them you live in Istanbul, Turkey you should be able to get an appointment to get on the wishlist. Bear in mind that you will have to jet over to Istanbul, Turkey if they call you on short notice. Also, remember it's not like they ask to see a passport - you can just say you live here.

In Turkey, they just do not bring out the bags without being on the wishlist system Unless you are going to spend an incredible sum that day and the manager is on tap to approve the sale of a quota bag, don't expect a quota bag. The only realistic way to get a quota bag in Istanbul is through the wishlist system. This applies to celebrities and others in equal measure.

However, if there are any other items you like, the stores do have a wide array of stock of sandals, shoes, clothes, chinaware, and jewellery etc. Note that each store does not and cannot give the stock situation in another store and they seldom give prices over the phone - its kind of their way of forcing customers to frequent the store.

In contrast, in Athens Hermes, a friend spent upwards of 7k Euros on Chinaware and got offered a bag on the spot.

I am very pleased and thank you very much for your response.

I will be going for my treatment at the end of July and can try this. I have never tried the Nişantaşı branch, but there was no stock at Istinyepark when I visited. I have my mother’s address in Istanbul, which I can use instead of doing tax-free. However, my current registration in Istanbul is under the country where I live. I suppose I will need to revise it.

 

[ShopshopshopIstanbul]

They will always tell a foreigner there is no stock - but often there isn't. Whatever sandal or clothes item they have on display, they don't have backup stock.

Best of luck with your treatment!

 

[rumes]

They will always tell a foreigner there is no stock - but often there isn't. Whatever sandal or clothes item they have on display, they don't have backup stock.

Best of luck with your treatment!

Thank you so much 💚

 

[shrpthorn]

I will be in transit at IST airport in a few days with several hours for a lay over. Is the boutique there well stocked?
I'm not looking for a bag - only scarfs & maybe a 32 mm belt kit/buckle. I have read such terrible feedback on customer experiences at this store that I'm a little leery of even "trying" to go in.....I am tagging this to @ShopshopshopIstanbul in the hopes that she might be able to advise.

 

[rumes]

I will be in transit at IST airport in a few days with several hours for a lay over. Is the boutique there well stocked?
I'm not looking for a bag - only scarfs & maybe a 32 mm belt kit/buckle. I have read such terrible feedback on customer experiences at this store that I'm a little leery of even "trying" to go in.....I am tagging this to @ShopshopshopIstanbul in the hopes that she might be able to advise.

Ask Mr Alican, he is super friendly.
Good luck 🍀

 

[shrpthorn]

Ask Mr Alican, he is super friendly.
Good luck 🍀

THANKS. Will try for him.

 

[Ashanti_Rose]

Hi everyone,
I was able to visit the H boutique in Istanbul this afternoon and took a few pics at the store to share. The scarves selection was rather disappointing - they still have F/W 2023 designs in stock, and a very few most recent additions (Folies for example). Surprisingly, the prices in Turkey were identical to the US (when converted). Enjoy!