On a scale of 0-100 comparing my H shopping experiences at different boutiques, I would rate the ROME stores a negative 1,000,000. Haha. Maybe someone else has had better experience than me, there or in Venice.
Rome and Milan
- Thread starter MelodyInWonder
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Some people will say otherwise but as a frequent traveller to Rome. I will never, repeat, never use a expensive bag or wallet while walking around. I've seen to many snatchers, slashers etc.... A friend of mine was dragged a couple of feet because someone riding in a scooter decided to grab her bag away from her. Not only did she lose her bag, but she had scrapes and bruises all over her body.
Keep most of your money in a very inaccessible spot. Most asian tourists keep it inside their pants, usually in a separate pouch safety pinned on the inside of their clothes. Money in your bag/wallet is for petty cash stuff only.
Keep most of your money in a very inaccessible spot. Most asian tourists keep it inside their pants, usually in a separate pouch safety pinned on the inside of their clothes. Money in your bag/wallet is for petty cash stuff only.
I agree with purselover888 and manilamerc's sentiments.
I go to Rome every year and never had been offered any bags- whether it be a birkin, kelly, or even a toolbox. There is always a special bag on the shelf but with a not for sale reserved sign but I have seen these sold to special customers. The store on Via Condotti is always so crowded like a mini FSH. You have to get on a SA's good side to even see a belt strap. I never spend more than 1,000 euros on each trip and every time the SA I remember from my previous visit is not there but the service is always attentive and helpful but the SA's do reserve the coveted items for not just local clientele but big spending tourists. Rome and Florence are the last two stores in Europe where I would expect a b/k as a walk in but other small Italian cities can be treasures at the right time.
Venice is a charming store with stellar service. If you purchase a few things and the SA's take a liking to you and actually want to show you different items they will be inclined to offer you something if they have it.
As with any tourist populated city it is best to not gather your attention to any flashy jewelry or pricey articles...especially if you are not familiar with certain areas and find your self lost while walking around. I think it would be best to use a cross body bag since you will be traveling with children.
Good luck and have fun!
I go to Rome every year and never had been offered any bags- whether it be a birkin, kelly, or even a toolbox. There is always a special bag on the shelf but with a not for sale reserved sign but I have seen these sold to special customers. The store on Via Condotti is always so crowded like a mini FSH. You have to get on a SA's good side to even see a belt strap. I never spend more than 1,000 euros on each trip and every time the SA I remember from my previous visit is not there but the service is always attentive and helpful but the SA's do reserve the coveted items for not just local clientele but big spending tourists. Rome and Florence are the last two stores in Europe where I would expect a b/k as a walk in but other small Italian cities can be treasures at the right time.
Venice is a charming store with stellar service. If you purchase a few things and the SA's take a liking to you and actually want to show you different items they will be inclined to offer you something if they have it.
As with any tourist populated city it is best to not gather your attention to any flashy jewelry or pricey articles...especially if you are not familiar with certain areas and find your self lost while walking around. I think it would be best to use a cross body bag since you will be traveling with children.
Good luck and have fun!
I am In Venice on vacation and went to the Venice store. It was quite small with limited stock though they did have 2 Cdc's on display ( blue saphir phw and red with phw). They also had the peuple du vent bandanna scarves (red and navy) in a pochette and larger size. There were SLG's (aztec wallet, calvi's) with a "for display only" sign. I didn't see any B's or K's but didn't ask for one as I'm loyal to my local store (Madison NY) and they always have a better selection. There were a bunch of Asians in the store and 2 Asian SA's who looked busy and didn't come over. There was 1 guy in the bag section but I did not talk to him. I did not see any twilly's on display though there seemed to be a box of them in the back. Small scarf section but again, no one offered to help so I didn't stay too long.
Was in Milan yesterday but the H store was closed. I will be in Rome on Wed and then on my way to Florence so will report back.
Was in Milan yesterday but the H store was closed. I will be in Rome on Wed and then on my way to Florence so will report back.
I was lucky to be offered a black kelly but in size 40 last year in Rome but that was after spending quite a hefty sum in the store. According to the SA, they only offer Bs or Ks to regular locals and tourist who spend quite a sum.
I turned down the offer of the kelly because 40 was too big but I came home with a RC constance elan and bicolor Kraft/ Sanguine Lindy 26. Was very happy with the overall service and the SAs were all very friendly.
I just back from Italy last week, went to Florence intend to get Herbag 31 and mini evelyne but no luck at all, the SA said they do not have so my friend and I both bought a H belt, I can said her service is very good and the store in Florence is pretty big and no crowd at all. When I just had 30 min to shop at Capri, I hurriedly went to Hermes, the store is very small , the SA is nice too and I got my Herbag there, only in orange colour and still no luck for mini evelyne but still happy. I did not have change to go to Hermes at Venice cos I cannot find the store . Also did not went to Hermes in Rome cos I think will not have mini evelyne so went to Chanel instead.
i was in rome last month, the SA's there were lovely. obviously i didn't score any bags but i did purchased few bracelets, few necklace, few leather accessories, etc, they could only offer me the croc constance which i had to turn down
Omg! You got offered a croc Constance! Lucky you 'cos I would have grabbed it.
Thank you for sharing your experience. The Hermes boutique in Venice is a bit hard to find. It is off the south end of St Mark. Square. There seems to be an endless maze of small streets but Hermes is located close to all the other designer shops (Chanel, Louis Vuitton)
There are actually two boutiques in Rome. One is on Via Condotti near the Spanish steps and the other is further east.
Ok just got back from the Rome store on via Condotti near the Spanish steps. Overall much better selection than Venice. Saw a bunch of CDC's including a black croc with PHW and a brown (barenia?) with PHW. Scarf selection was limited compared to Madison but I bought a brides de gala maxi twilly in electric blue/orange. Thankfully, a Pheonix scarf was not available. Bags that I saw included a red victoria, red berlingot, red bolide (large size), turqoise SO kelly, double sens, and an orange croc lindy that had a Reserved sign. SLG's included a turqouise Bearn wallet and a blue croc card case. The woman that helped me could not have been nicer but I still felt disloyal when I picked up my twilly.
I did not ask for any B's or K's but I overheard a woman asking for a gold Kelly to which a male SA politely told her there were none available. Overall a pleasant experience. I did not go to the second H location in Rome but may try to go to the Florence store when I'm in Tuscany.
I did not ask for any B's or K's but I overheard a woman asking for a gold Kelly to which a male SA politely told her there were none available. Overall a pleasant experience. I did not go to the second H location in Rome but may try to go to the Florence store when I'm in Tuscany.
Hmmm I didn't notice who the SA was that answered the woman because his back was to me when he answered her. There were several male SA's in the store that I saw --2 dark haired ones and a lighter haired one that rang me up. They all looked fairly young to me but then again, I did not see the face of the SA who was speaking to the woman. The SA that helped me was a young pretty female with dark hair and light brown eyes. I also noticed 3 other female SA's-- a blond woman helping the couple next to me, and 2 Asians, one of which appeared older than the other. Because I am only 5 ft tall, they all looked tall to me!