Polène handbags

[Punkey]

I'm still bumped about the price increase. The yke is still 220 euros and I believe the price has not gone up. I'm assuming the Dix is one if not the most popular style and they just tried to increase their margins.
On the one hand I'm thinking 60 euros is not much but on the other hand that's almost a week of groceries in Europe.
I know that LV and Chanel have increased their prices by way more but Polene is simply a totaly different target group.
Mansur Gavriel used to be considered entry luxury and then they had a price increase after a price increase. Now they are running a sale on their existing sale. Too be honest, I do not really consider MG entry luxury any more. Let's hope this doesn't happen to Polene and they don't lose touch with their target group.
Polenes prices were always at a sweet spot where people would buy multiple colours in their favourite style, now this seems a little crazy. I'm sure that Polenes sales number are great but only time will tell if they will be able to keep those customers with their new pricing strategy.

 

[Jereni]

I'm in the same situation. I was thinking about getting the dix but it seems as if the dix had the biggest price increase (60 euros). I can't decide on the color (chalk or olive) anyway and believe the bag is a tad too small. The price increase is a no for me now. I am more tempted to get a new model than one of the older ones. Let's see what Polene will launch soon.

Yeah it will be interesting if they launch new styles for spring / summer. Last year I think the Dix was new in May-ish, and then the Tonca and Yke were both after that right? So that’s at least 3 new styles in one year.

I suspect they’ll introduce at least one new thing this year, but at this rate I wonder if they’ll have to retire something just to keep the number of different styles from being too crazy. I think they did retire the Cabas last year.

I bet the following are all under consideration for ‘retirement’:

• The Six belt bag (almost all gone and only showing two colors)
• The Dix hobo (everything’s out of stock except for one color, and I bet this isn’t selling as well)
• The Yke (this is a gamble on my part, since it did show up on Emily in Paris, but they only have three colors and I suspect they might just do a different summer bag instead of continually offering this one.)

 

[Mairaculi]

Yeah it will be interesting if they launch new styles for spring / summer. Last year I think the Dix was new in May-ish, and then the Tonca and Yke were both after that right? So that’s at least 3 new styles in one year.

I suspect they’ll introduce at least one new thing this year, but at this rate I wonder if they’ll have to retire something just to keep the number of different styles from being too crazy. I think they did retire the Cabas last year.

I bet the following are all under consideration for ‘retirement’:

• The Six belt bag (almost all gone and only showing two colors)
• The Dix hobo (everything’s out of stock except for one color, and I bet this isn’t selling as well)
• The Yke (this is a gamble on my part, since it did show up on Emily in Paris, but they only have three colors and I suspect they might just do a different summer bag instead of continually offering this one.)

The Dix is older. I got mine in August 2021 and I know it had been out for at least a few months by then. They just did it in new colors last year.

Concerning the price increases of the Dix: Of course, I'm glad I bought it when I did but knowing how much I love it I would buy it again if I lost mine without a second thought - even for the now higher price. It's my favorite bag of my collection.

I don't see myself buying another Polene, or any handbag really, in the few months, I'm quite happy with my collection. I'm still interested in the Huit or Beri, but not in the currently available colors. But I'm curious to see what they come out with next.

 

[Jereni]

The Dix is older. I got mine in August 2021 and I know it had been out for at least a few months by then. They just did it in new colors last year.

Ah yes you’re right - I confused myself somehow.

 

[sibsib]

I’m going into Paris tomorrow and thought about popping in for a new bag. Then I remembered how annoying they’ve been lately and now the desire is fading quite a bit. If anyone over at Team Polène is reading this: you’re alienating your consumer base.

 

[WillWordForBags]

I'm still bumped about the price increase. The yke is still 220 euros and I believe the price has not gone up. I'm assuming the Dix is one if not the most popular style and they just tried to increase their margins.
On the one hand I'm thinking 60 euros is not much but on the other hand that's almost a week of groceries in Europe.
I know that LV and Chanel have increased their prices by way more but Polene is simply a totaly different target group.
Mansur Gavriel used to be considered entry luxury and then they had a price increase after a price increase. Now they are running a sale on their existing sale. Too be honest, I do not really consider MG entry luxury any more. Let's hope this doesn't happen to Polene and they don't lose touch with their target group.
Polenes prices were always at a sweet spot where people would buy multiple colours in their favourite style, now this seems a little crazy. I'm sure that Polenes sales number are great but only time will tell if they will be able to keep those customers with their new pricing strategy.

You make great points. I totally see the comparison with Mansur Gavriel. I first bought a MG at full price when they were the hot new thing. I would never buy them full price now. In fact, the ones I have kept, I’ve gotten at a great deal.

I miss the feeling I had when I first discovered Polene bags, and they were mostly under $300. It was such a rush to order them without having to feel guilty, and then get pleasantly surprised about how good the quality actually was for the price. It was such a rush.

Seeing most styles in the $400s-$500s is such a different experience now. It’s not about the money entirely, but more about how we perceive it psychologically.

That, and the growing popularity (maybe starting to see the bags everywhere), definitely changes how we feel about the brand.

 

[Love Of My Life]

You make great points. I totally see the comparison with Mansur Gavriel. I first bought a MG at full price when they were the hot new thing. I would never buy them full price now. In fact, the ones I have kept, I’ve gotten at a great deal.

I miss the feeling I had when I first discovered Polene bags, and they were mostly under $300. It was such a rush to order them without having to feel guilty, and then get pleasantly surprised about how good the quality actually was for the price. It was such a rush.

Seeing most styles in the $400s-$500s is such a different experience now. It’s not about the money entirely, but more about how we perceive it psychologically.

That, and the growing popularity (maybe starting to see the bags everywhere), definitely changes how we feel about the brand.

You hit the nail on the head with your comment about how we are perceiving Polene.
I have purchased the Neuf in two colors ( Chalk & Taupe) mainly because I was looking for a
bag that I would describe as a knockaround bag. The price was right for me. The look was
right & still is & the quality was great. I had no issues with peeling & still don't
Still liking the Neuf but feeling Polene is playing the raise the price game, attract a new client base& has
put that "core client" perhaps on the back burner.
This is not the way IMO to build brand loyalty compounded with many quality control issues.
Hoping Polene doesn't get caught up in all of this price gouging & sticks to making a good handbag
for the value as the competition in the bag marketplace builds everyday, JMO

 

[WillWordForBags]

You hit the nail on the head with your comment about how we are perceiving Polene.
I have purchased the Neuf in two colors ( Chalk & Taupe) mainly because I was looking for a
bag that I would describe as a knockaround bag. The price was right for me. The look was
right & still is & the quality was great. I had no issues with peeling & still don't
Still liking the Neuf but feeling Polene is playing the raise the price game, attract a new client base& has
put that "core client" perhaps on the back burner.
This is not the way IMO to build brand loyalty compounded with many quality control issues.
Hoping Polene doesn't get caught up in all of this price gouging & sticks to making a good handbag
for the value as the competition in the bag marketplace builds everyday, JMO

I agree.
Getting the same bag in different colors was a perk we had when prices were lower.

I actually wanted to get a Neuf Mini in Chalk and Taupe too. But I’ve been second guessing it for a while, and then the price increase happened and now I’m even more mindful and rethinking my wish list.

That being said, these prices will only continue to increase, so now is a good a time as any to get our very favorite Polene bags.

 

[WillWordForBags]

Polene Texture Smiley Bag Head Layer Cowhide Ladies Shoulder Crossbody Bag New | eBay

Luggage trend style: smiley bag. Material: imported grain cowhide. leather features: head of cowhide. lining texture: cotton. Outer pocket type: inner patch pocket. Shoulder strap:12 holes adjustable, 95-120cm.

www.ebay.com

And these fakes don’t help either.

 

[Punkey]

A lot of brands have been very transparent about price increases e.g. the skincare brand Frank Body has communicated why they were increasing their prices and when. This gave people a better understanding about their prices and gave consumers a chance to stock up on their favourites. I feel like this was amazing for customer loyalty. I love them for that! When I compare this to Polene I feel like their strategies made a lot of their customers really angry (including me). No communication is also communicating. By just bumping up the prices without saying why it feels as if they are directly saying: we do not care about our customers and our target group.
They were the ones that positioned themselves in the affordable category so as a consumer this change is really tough!
I believe they would sell more with the old pricing strategy. I also think that this may lead to more returns.

 

[ziagouel]

Yeah it will be interesting if they launch new styles for spring / summer. Last year I think the Dix was new in May-ish, and then the Tonca and Yke were both after that right? So that’s at least 3 new styles in one year.

I suspect they’ll introduce at least one new thing this year, but at this rate I wonder if they’ll have to retire something just to keep the number of different styles from being too crazy. I think they did retire the Cabas last year.

I bet the following are all under consideration for ‘retirement’:

• The Six belt bag (almost all gone and only showing two colors)
• The Dix hobo (everything’s out of stock except for one color, and I bet this isn’t selling as well)
• The Yke (this is a gamble on my part, since it did show up on Emily in Paris, but they only have three colors and I suspect they might just do a different summer bag instead of continually offering this one.)

Agreed, it would be nice if they introduced a new style this year but they also plan to open a new store in Tokyo/Asia and start selling jewellery (I think I've read about it somewhere), so depends on where their priorities are ATM. I would definitely welcome a new practical style of bag, something like Numero Deux was. Let's see.
I'd also add the Cyme to "retirement consideration list" - it's sold out (EU)/almost sold out (US) in all colours and I feel like this isn't their popular style either...

 

[Linesel]

Agreed, it would be nice if they introduced a new style this year but they also plan to open a new store in Tokyo/Asia and start selling jewellery (I think I've read about it somewhere), so depends on where their priorities are ATM. I would definitely welcome a new practical style of bag, something like Numero Deux was. Let's see.
I'd also add the Cyme to "retirement consideration list" - it's sold out (EU)/almost sold out (US) in all colours and I feel like this isn't their popular style either...

The Cyme has had quite a revival on Tiktok, especially on the "corporate girlies" (haha) side of there, that's where it came to my attention. Think it might be sold out because of that, they're praising it highly! But I guess it might still be retired. Though I think it would be weird if they don't offer any tote-style bag at all, so maybe they'll be introducing something new along those lines then?

 

[Mairaculi]

I'd also add the Cyme to "retirement consideration list" - it's sold out (EU)/almost sold out (US) in all colours and I feel like this isn't their popular style either...

I have the same feeling. That's why I ordered the Cyme back in December. I knew I wanted it sooner or later, and with free shipping, upcoming price increases and a risk of retirement of the style, I decided sooner it is

 

[Jereni]

I'd also add the Cyme to "retirement consideration list" - it's sold out (EU)/almost sold out (US) in all colours and I feel like this isn't their popular style either...

Oh good call, I didn’t think to check the Cyme page and you’re right - the larger size is out of stock in all colors.

The Cyme has had quite a revival on Tiktok, especially on the "corporate girlies" (haha) side of there, that's where it came to my attention. Think it might be sold out because of that, they're praising it highly! But I guess it might still be retired. Though I think it would be weird if they don't offer any tote-style bag at all, so maybe they'll be introducing something new along those lines then?

Interesting. I sold my small Cyme recently. I posted it on PM and it sold within days. I wonder if this Tiktok thing is why.

I do think it’s a lovely bag and very useful. Was figuring I’d buy it again at some point, depending on if they did more colors in the small size. I had the lilac, and it just didn’t go with as much of my wardrobe as the other pink bags I have.

 

[ann23]

Oh good call, I didn’t think to check the Cyme page and you’re right - the larger size is out of stock in all colors.



Interesting. I sold my small Cyme recently. I posted it on PM and it sold within days. I wonder if this Tiktok thing is why.

I do think it’s a lovely bag and very useful. Was figuring I’d buy it again at some point, depending on if they did more colors in the small size. I had the lilac, and it just didn’t go with as much of my wardrobe as the other pink bags I have.

Hi can the mini cyme stand on a table? Did you find the top handle annoying when you’re wearing it on your shoulder?

And I wonder if medium items like wallet, pouch could fall out easily? Thanks!