I recently visited the Milan store and I found it to be a pleasant experience. It wasn’t like oooh ahh let me do this and that but the store was fairly busy and an SA still attended to me even though I was waiting for another SA to purchase with. It’s also super big and well stocked. I told them I recently got a bright color B and would like something neutral when I come back so they put me on their waitlist - I didn’t mind as I couldn’t purchase a bag at that time anyway. However I will say the feeling in northern Italy is definitely a little colder (?) but each SA is different so it depends.
Rome and Milan
- Thread starter MelodyInWonder
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update: I was at Hermes Florence yesterday. The SA was nice but I have no chance to buy a bag from them since they only accept wishes from residents of Tuscany…so last chance is Venice but I am reaaaaallyyy bummed
I don't know where you're based, but your chances of getting waitlisted in Italy for a bag are quite slim, unless you spend quite the important sum and ask straight away for one, if you're lucky they'll sell it to you. My Milan SA, told me that they did sell bags to non locals in August, but they were big spenders hence the offers..
I'm very sorry to hear about your experience in Milan, I know some of the SA's can be difficult to handle, I've had my experience with them too, it's all about finding the right one to click with. I can recommend the boutique in Rome, that's were I do most of my shopping (or better to say, used to..) Florence is also very nice, and beautiful boutique also!!
Hi - what is the current system in italy - can tourists buy bags or is it strictly on wishlist. Any thoughts welcome
In Milan anything is possible, considering that they do sell to costumers that are not locals - but I guess, one has to spend quite the amount before they offer you anything... you can always bribe the SA's, seems like that's the way Milan is operating nowadays... disgusting really!
In my experience, tourists can buy but maybe not a first time visitor? Like if you visit frequently the chances are probably higher
No quota bags for walk ins, be they locals or tourists... I've been a customer for 40 years and the last Birkin I was able to get randomly was over 1 year ago. Since then, everyone has to leave the specs you want to your SA and they call you when the bag comes in.
I want to share my experience from last year (2020) in Rome. I had been in Hermès boutique only once before in different country and was only admiring different items that time. Nothing more. So I decided to visit Hermès boutique in Rome during my short vacation well prepared (studying information about the brand). After talking for a long moment with an SA, I asked straightforward about Birkin. The SA told about waiting lines and "the usual stuff" about high demand. Then she had short conversation with her colleague in Italian and after that she escorted me to the private room to wait. I waited less than couple of minutes and I knew, after my studies from blogs, that it takes usually more time when they are going to offer quota bag. BUT, it was a Birkin 35 in malachite GHW!! I was so stunned of the bag's beauty so of course I bought it. All in all, my first Hermès purchase ever, first time to ask about anything from SA, I was wearing my Zara dress, nothing luxury on me. And I was a tourist and got a Birkin as a walk-in.
I've heard that sometimes this could happen if someone has just rejected the bag offer before or the brand wants to "hook" a new client. What ever it was, I was lucky. And I also believe you'll get treated the same way you treat others.
I've heard that sometimes this could happen if someone has just rejected the bag offer before or the brand wants to "hook" a new client. What ever it was, I was lucky. And I also believe you'll get treated the same way you treat others.
Such a happy story and an amazing example of how everyone’s journey with H (world wide) is unique to them. So happy you got to bring something home from vacation!
Thank you!
It truly was a happy moment and something to remember.Forgot to mention that I have been admiring the brand and it's handbags, especially the Birkin, many many years. I just never had the courage to do anything. Now, I definitely got hooked
You were very very lucky!
Nevertheless, as I said in my previous post, things have changed since 2020, now you cannot get a quota bag unless it's reserved for you.
Same!! My first quota bag was a total surprise and since then I can’t stopThank you!
Forgot to mention that I have been admiring the brand and it's handbags, especially the Birkin, many many years. I just never had the courage to do anything. Now, I definitely got hooked
My husband and I are going to Rome for a few days in November. I definitely want to visit Hermes as I have some items on my list that haven’t been available in Canada. I checked out the Italian site and had two questions.
1. Some of the items I want show they are available in store and gives me an option to reserve them. Has anyone done that before as a tourist?
2. Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Thanks!
1. Some of the items I want show they are available in store and gives me an option to reserve them. Has anyone done that before as a tourist?
2. Do I need to make an appointment in advance?
Thanks!