I visited the sale yesterday, Thursday October 22nd. There was an issue 3 people in front of me while on line. A woman and her mother bribing a couple to feign friendship in order to cut the line, at that point, because it affected me, I walked up to a company employee, who insisted they leave the line and they complied. All in all, my experience wasn't a bad one, with that said, I am a "time equals money" type of gal. The amount of time I spent on line for (I am embarrassed to say-5 hours, I got there at 6:30am and made my way into check-in at 11:30am) saved me $1,355.48.Yes, I did the math!!!
I was an 1.5 hrs late to work, but working in the 'industry' they all understood (another sad reality).
When I got upstairs, there was no chaos, everyone was quite pleasant. Things were buzzing by the scarves and jewelry, but I find that if you are a civilized person you will be treated accordingly. I greeted each SA with a smile and exchanged pleasantries and they personally took care of me as if I was inside an Hermes boutique. Which was nice considering how long I waited on line. It was a pleasant experience, not being rushed and making purchases you may soon later regret.
On the other hand, I knew what I wanted so I was out of the sale in 25 minutes or so. There was no need to belabor the process. I bee-lined to the bracelets first, where I met the most knowledgeable SA, Tina, an older woman who knew Hermes in and out. I told her what color I was looking for, I thought I wanted 3 thin enamel bracelets in the same colorway,different patterns and sure enough upon her suggestion 3 different width bracelets worked best on me. She was so good, other women, who she had assisted earlier, returned to ask her opinion on other items.
As Tina was walking out the door to have her lunch, I asked her if she thought I should get a Twilly to wear with a watch on a more casual day, she told me what she thought would be best for me, which was the 90cm Carre, classic print. I didn't disagree, I thanked her and made my way back to another pleasant SA in the scarf section. She willingly went through several trays and a box of scarves, searching according to my chosen colorway and together we found me the most beautiful 90cm carre, Les Laboratoire des Temps in the most beautiful sage/deep green and grey palette.
There was no line at check out, I paid and was out the door!! Again, I knew what I wanted and got what I came for. I do believe people should be able to browse and carefully shop as they choose and not be timed while shopping, that's such a crude way to spend your money.
The company facilitating the sale, Soiffer Haskin, I find at this sale and others that I have attended to be professional people.
However, for top sales, such as Hermes, they may want to devise a ticketing system to better facilitate such a crowd. This may be a lesson learned for them, we'll see what the future holds next year.
Anyway....I got mousselines..including a special beaded one, twills and some enanels. At these prices, it was hard not to buy more!
