Heyo! As a former newbie to Chanel, I too struggled to find what I wanted and didn't understand why it was so impossible! To be quite honest, with Chanel, it's a race to being the first group that's requesting what you want. Many hardcore Chanel fans know what's coming 3-4 months before it reaches stores or captures the interest of the general public. These folks have been asking their Chanel Sales Associates for these items within those 3 months before release! By the time you find something that some famous Instagramer or Celebrity is wearing, chances are it's very difficult and nearly impossible to get (unless you buy from a reseller).
Without any shopping history, I've been able to request a specific handbag a month in advance, and got it! So here's a few things to keep in mind while trying to score your dream Chanel bag that I've learned by lurking these forums, various Chanel stores, and chatting with friends over the past 8 years..
1.) Always watch the fashion shows Chanel puts on youtube to keep an eye on bags (accessories and clothes) that capture your interest. For instance, the Chanel | Pre-Fall 2020/2021 | Full Show was held two months ago, but isn't meant to hit stores for another month or two (can someone on TPF verify the exact release date for me?). The reason I suggest to do this is because you can grab screenshots on your phone, show your SA and you'll literally be among some of the first folks to inquire about items.
2.) Lurk the Chanel Shopping purseforum! Rolling with the same fashion show I linked above, the Chanel shopping forum has a topic dedicated to that very show! https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/chanel-metiers-darts-2021-21a.1037865/page-11#post-34311802
I highly encourage you to lurk around to get intel on when SA's are ready to receive requests or details on the handbags that weren't shown on the runway (like the brown mini you all love!). By doing this, you'll get a 1-2 month jump on all the other folks that want the same items!
3.) If you're hunting something that's already in stores, find the reference number for your dream bag! This is key because it's the fastest way to have various stores quickly look up if they have your item in stock (and they can also see if it's available across state lines as well). You can find this on the Chanel site, or even asking the kind folks on this forum for help! Once you have the reference #, you can call Nordstrom, Saks, Neimans, or even your local Chanel store via phone and ask them if they have stock.
Super time saving tip: email, or call Chanel Customer Care with the subject line and body including your reference #. They will let you know where there is stock left across ALL stores that carry Chanel within the United States. (see image below for the email that helped me track my HG small classic flap with ghw)
Sigh--- remember when classic flaps were below 5k? LOL
Anyways! Hope this was a helpful post. Please don't hesitate to message me if you have additional questions. I would also like to mention that most Chanel stores won't ship bags to you unless you have sales history. Obviously the NM, Saks, and Nordstrom stores are currently the exception. Good Luck!
Without any shopping history, I've been able to request a specific handbag a month in advance, and got it! So here's a few things to keep in mind while trying to score your dream Chanel bag that I've learned by lurking these forums, various Chanel stores, and chatting with friends over the past 8 years..
1.) Always watch the fashion shows Chanel puts on youtube to keep an eye on bags (accessories and clothes) that capture your interest. For instance, the Chanel | Pre-Fall 2020/2021 | Full Show was held two months ago, but isn't meant to hit stores for another month or two (can someone on TPF verify the exact release date for me?). The reason I suggest to do this is because you can grab screenshots on your phone, show your SA and you'll literally be among some of the first folks to inquire about items.
2.) Lurk the Chanel Shopping purseforum! Rolling with the same fashion show I linked above, the Chanel shopping forum has a topic dedicated to that very show! https://forum.purseblog.com/threads/chanel-metiers-darts-2021-21a.1037865/page-11#post-34311802
I highly encourage you to lurk around to get intel on when SA's are ready to receive requests or details on the handbags that weren't shown on the runway (like the brown mini you all love!). By doing this, you'll get a 1-2 month jump on all the other folks that want the same items!
3.) If you're hunting something that's already in stores, find the reference number for your dream bag! This is key because it's the fastest way to have various stores quickly look up if they have your item in stock (and they can also see if it's available across state lines as well). You can find this on the Chanel site, or even asking the kind folks on this forum for help! Once you have the reference #, you can call Nordstrom, Saks, Neimans, or even your local Chanel store via phone and ask them if they have stock.
Super time saving tip: email, or call Chanel Customer Care with the subject line and body including your reference #. They will let you know where there is stock left across ALL stores that carry Chanel within the United States. (see image below for the email that helped me track my HG small classic flap with ghw)
Sigh--- remember when classic flaps were below 5k? LOL
Anyways! Hope this was a helpful post. Please don't hesitate to message me if you have additional questions. I would also like to mention that most Chanel stores won't ship bags to you unless you have sales history. Obviously the NM, Saks, and Nordstrom stores are currently the exception. Good Luck!