Taking an Hermes break or just slowing down. Feel free to join or give support.

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I realised a couple of years ago that I no longer use and don’t need any of my Hermes bags and passed on all of them bar one to a consignment store. Probably not surprisingly my favourites went first and the one remaining at the store is the one for which I had almost instant buyer’s remorse after picking out on a whim a while ago. The one I have kept is a B40 and it fits all my office paraphernalia, so serves a purpose and will be kept. I don’t need it, but as a small memento of a once much busier existence, why not!
I love reading this. I too will never let go of my B40 made of VN from the 1980s which patina well. It is not flashy, it is big and roomy and functional. (I can see why the original Birkin is a 40). It looks like it has lived a thousand years :heart: Everything else is up for grabs as I am working towards being "collection free" by the time I am 60. (I am in my mid 50s and selling branded bags from where I live is a bit of a logistical nightmare).
 
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I totally agree with this. I went into Chanel, LV, and Dior on a shopping haul this weekend---and the vibe was totally different. The SAs actually greet you and act like they actually want to help you (versus the H SAs making you feel like your are lucky to get access to them).

The other Vuitton SAs (who weren't even my SA) interacted with me as I passed by them, and were not robotic. I was asking my Chanel SA about the XXL Flap and 2 other SAs complimented me on my outift and joked with me about some stuff we had in common. The Dior SA was so helpful in trying to help me find 2 items they didn't have in store, and I looked around to see other SAs smiling and joyfully interacting with their customers. Even customers interacted with each other and exchanged pleasantries in all of the stores.

In Hermes, there is a stark comparison. As many have mentioned here--there is pressure/stress, it's like you are going in there, hoping you "make the cut"---hoping you can somehow impress them, hoping they will "let" you buy something. If they are not helping you at the moment, the SAs walk right by you as if you don't exist and they have no time to exchange basic human pleasantries. Also customers don't really interact with each other--it's like their mind is programmed to only interacting with the SA when they get the privilege of being assisted; and don't want to be "caught" talking to another client.

A very interesting dynamic & culture/ecosystem Hermes has created...
Yes - I have always found it strange that H customers don't interact with each other. Some clueless guy will be buying a scarf for his mother/wife/GF and we scarfies watch silently as the SA says only "Does she like blue?" LOL
 
Yes - I have always found it strange that H customers don't interact with each other. Some clueless guy will be buying a scarf for his mother/wife/GF and we scarfies watch silently as the SA says only "Does she like blue?" LOL
I’ve talked to other H clients and others have talked to me. It usually happens while we’re standing in line to pay or sitting waiting for our respective SAs
 
Yes - I have always found it strange that H customers don't interact with each other. Some clueless guy will be buying a scarf for his mother/wife/GF and we scarfies watch silently as the SA says only "Does she like blue?" LOL
I've only had a few brief conversations with other clients in Hermes. There's a difference between having an excited, energetic conversation about the latest collection at Chanel compared to exchanging pleasantries at Hermes.

Chanel's new tweeds? Lovely! I can chat with other ladies about vintage pieces, compare the new fabric colors, pull out different deals on our phones, compliment each other and the SA on jewelry, grab some shoes and pair them with the jewelry for a cute fit, laugh smile have a good time with strangers. Maybe I'll buy something, maybe not. NO pressure. I look forward to going to the boutique again for the summer release.

Can anyone even comprehend doing this at Hermes?
Having a good time without the only objective to spend?

(in my opinion) chatting at Hermes feels performative to look appropriate for the store.

I really enjoyed the Space Dandy series and the same artist is back with more this year! Heck yeah I want to be energetic and inquire about different colorways, sizes, items by the artist... is there more space stuff? That's my jam! My hobby! All that excitement would get some odd looks from clients and the SA's would distance themselves from me. Moved to the bottom of the list. Too passionate about silks.

I can't be excited in Hermes for Hermes. It sucks.
 
I've only had a few brief conversations with other clients in Hermes. There's a difference between having an excited, energetic conversation about the latest collection at Chanel compared to exchanging pleasantries at Hermes.

Chanel's new tweeds? Lovely! I can chat with other ladies about vintage pieces, compare the new fabric colors, pull out different deals on our phones, compliment each other and the SA on jewelry, grab some shoes and pair them with the jewelry for a cute fit, laugh smile have a good time with strangers. Maybe I'll buy something, maybe not. NO pressure. I look forward to going to the boutique again for the summer release.

Can anyone even comprehend doing this at Hermes?
Having a good time without the only objective to spend?

(in my opinion) chatting at Hermes feels performative to look appropriate for the store.

I really enjoyed the Space Dandy series and the same artist is back with more this year! Heck yeah I want to be energetic and inquire about different colorways, sizes, items by the artist... is there more space stuff? That's my jam! My hobby! All that excitement would get some odd looks from clients and the SA's would distance themselves from me. Moved to the bottom of the list. Too passionate about silks.

I can't be excited in Hermes for Hermes. It sucks.
But why not?? I think you SHOULD be excited and energetic for Hermes in Hermes! I am!! This is why my appts always take 3hrs lol! I think your SA would love talking to a client who is passionate about Hermes, and not just “where’s my bag?” which they must get all day. I always learn interesting information when I talk to my SAs or SM about H. My Paris SA told me there is a story behind every piece, and he always tells me the story and I love hearing it! The materials, how it’s made, the inspiration behind it. It really makes purchasing the piece more meaningful for me.

I have to say I do have a fun time with my SAs at Hermes. My local SA and I joke that I bring my picnic lunch and we cop a spot in the chairs in the middle of the store (my local store doesn’t have private rooms) and literally gab and laugh for an hour before I start looking at anything. Like we are making a scene but we don’t care lol! Last time the SM came over and brought me a glass of champagne and joined us lol.

So I know this is the slowing down thread, and my goal this year is to slow down lol, but doesn’t mean I can’t still have fun when I go to the store. I can still be excited about H products- I just won’t buy as many of them lol! I think many of us on the H forum admire and enjoy many of the offerings from H, which is why we’re on this forum. So if you are like this :yahoo:about Space Dandy you should let it out! Go ahead!!
:flowers:
 
But why not?? I think you SHOULD be excited and energetic for Hermes in Hermes! I am!! This is why my appts always take 3hrs lol! I think your SA would love talking to a client who is passionate about Hermes, and not just “where’s my bag?” which they must get all day. I always learn interesting information when I talk to my SAs or SM about H. My Paris SA told me there is a story behind every piece, and he always tells me the story and I love hearing it! The materials, how it’s made, the inspiration behind it. It really makes purchasing the piece more meaningful for me.

I have to say I do have a fun time with my SAs at Hermes. My local SA and I joke that I bring my picnic lunch and we cop a spot in the chairs in the middle of the store (my local store doesn’t have private rooms) and literally gab and laugh for an hour before I start looking at anything. Like we are making a scene but we don’t care lol! Last time the SM came over and brought me a glass of champagne and joined us lol.

So I know this is the slowing down thread, and my goal this year is to slow down lol, but doesn’t mean I can’t still have fun when I go to the store. I can still be excited about H products- I just won’t buy as many of them lol! I think many of us on the H forum admire and enjoy many of the offerings from H, which is why we’re on this forum. So if you are like this :yahoo:about Space Dandy you should let it out! Go ahead!!
:flowers:
I want to shop with you.
 
I've only had a few brief conversations with other clients in Hermes. There's a difference between having an excited, energetic conversation about the latest collection at Chanel compared to exchanging pleasantries at Hermes.

Chanel's new tweeds? Lovely! I can chat with other ladies about vintage pieces, compare the new fabric colors, pull out different deals on our phones, compliment each other and the SA on jewelry, grab some shoes and pair them with the jewelry for a cute fit, laugh smile have a good time with strangers. Maybe I'll buy something, maybe not. NO pressure. I look forward to going to the boutique again for the summer release.

Can anyone even comprehend doing this at Hermes?
Having a good time without the only objective to spend?

(in my opinion) chatting at Hermes feels performative to look appropriate for the store.

I really enjoyed the Space Dandy series and the same artist is back with more this year! Heck yeah I want to be energetic and inquire about different colorways, sizes, items by the artist... is there more space stuff? That's my jam! My hobby! All that excitement would get some odd looks from clients and the SA's would distance themselves from me. Moved to the bottom of the list. Too passionate about silks.

I can't be excited in Hermes for Hermes. It sucks.
Agreed.

Like I mentioned on Monday...it's almost like you have to look the part for Hermès, almost pageant-like...no chatting, stand tall, shoulders back, chin up. Answer each question completely but brief. Then, and only then, will you be eligible to win your award...if the judges choose you!

On my visit to the store yesterday, a couple was looking at a few bags on display and showed interest in a Picotin. After their SA walked away, I warmly smiled/greeted them and said "Oh you like the Picotin Cargo huh? That's a great bag & I've always admired the Cargo line." The wife looked to her husband for permission to talk and he looked at me and then her (speechless, with a nod) then the wife uttered one word "yes". It was so strange, it was like they were afraid to interact with other human beings and ddidn’t want to get caught engaged in a conversation with another client. :facepalm:
 
But why not?? I think you SHOULD be excited and energetic for Hermes in Hermes! I am!! This is why my appts always take 3hrs lol! I think your SA would love talking to a client who is passionate about Hermes, and not just “where’s my bag?” which they must get all day. I always learn interesting information when I talk to my SAs or SM about H. My Paris SA told me there is a story behind every piece, and he always tells me the story and I love hearing it! The materials, how it’s made, the inspiration behind it. It really makes purchasing the piece more meaningful for me.

I have to say I do have a fun time with my SAs at Hermes. My local SA and I joke that I bring my picnic lunch and we cop a spot in the chairs in the middle of the store (my local store doesn’t have private rooms) and literally gab and laugh for an hour before I start looking at anything. Like we are making a scene but we don’t care lol! Last time the SM came over and brought me a glass of champagne and joined us lol.

So I know this is the slowing down thread, and my goal this year is to slow down lol, but doesn’t mean I can’t still have fun when I go to the store. I can still be excited about H products- I just won’t buy as many of them lol! I think many of us on the H forum admire and enjoy many of the offerings from H, which is why we’re on this forum. So if you are like this :yahoo:about Space Dandy you should let it out! Go ahead!!
:flowers:
Thank you for so perfectly articulating my very feelings! As much as I am striving to be more mindful and considered with my purchases and as such that correlates to a "slowing down", it has not changed whatsoever my enjoyment of visiting stores and SAs, learning and listening about the brand and their experiences, having a great time, and enjoying myself. So, thank you, and perhaps we will share the opportunity to make a scene together one day! :flowers:
 
This thread is about slowing down, and I think clients should listen to their inner voice as to what to do. You are in change of your wallet and what you spend.

If I felt pressure from an SA or SM, I wouldn’t shop that brand at all, and especially not that location. I love to shop and I enjoy time with my SAs (at Chanel, Dior, Hermes, or other brands) regardless of what I purchase. And, my SAs have told me the feeling is mutual.

If a client feels pressure bc of the length of time or perceived spend to get a QB, just remember the SA is not the final word on who gets a bag.* I wouldn’t assign any blame especially to a SA, for many reasons, including the fact that Hermes corporate policy has deliberately restricted production while demand is growing. I would say, if your main goal is a fast track to a QB, go buy an authentic bag at resale. If you don’t love boutique merchandise (on its own merit) you will save money in the end.

ETA : my SAs also mention that they are under pressure from management to increase their numbers and from clients who want the bag. They can only offer the bag that the SM authorizes for them.
 
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But why not?? I think you SHOULD be excited and energetic for Hermes in Hermes! I am!! This is why my appts always take 3hrs lol! I think your SA would love talking to a client who is passionate about Hermes, and not just “where’s my bag?” which they must get all day. I always learn interesting information when I talk to my SAs or SM about H. My Paris SA told me there is a story behind every piece, and he always tells me the story and I love hearing it! The materials, how it’s made, the inspiration behind it. It really makes purchasing the piece more meaningful for me.

I have to say I do have a fun time with my SAs at Hermes. My local SA and I joke that I bring my picnic lunch and we cop a spot in the chairs in the middle of the store (my local store doesn’t have private rooms) and literally gab and laugh for an hour before I start looking at anything. Like we are making a scene but we don’t care lol! Last time the SM came over and brought me a glass of champagne and joined us lol.

So I know this is the slowing down thread, and my goal this year is to slow down lol, but doesn’t mean I can’t still have fun when I go to the store. I can still be excited about H products- I just won’t buy as many of them lol! I think many of us on the H forum admire and enjoy many of the offerings from H, which is why we’re on this forum. So if you are like this :yahoo:about Space Dandy you should let it out! Go ahead!!
:flowers:

I love this! I’ve told my SA before that Hermès is one of my happy places, it’s a joy to be there and shop with him! That makes it so much harder to slow down because I want to go into the store each month but I know I need to because i tend to end up spending more than i intended to haha!
This is why I had to write out a game plan !! 😂 Hopefully I stick to it this year
 
Agreed.

Like I mentioned on Monday...it's almost like you have to look the part for Hermès, almost pageant-like...no chatting, stand tall, shoulders back, chin up. Answer each question completely but brief. Then, and only then, will you be eligible to win your award...if the judges choose you!

On my visit to the store yesterday, a couple was looking at a few bags on display and showed interest in a Picotin. After their SA walked away, I warmly smiled/greeted them and said "Oh you like the Picotin Cargo huh? That's a great bag & I've always admired the Cargo line." The wife looked to her husband for permission to talk and he looked at me and then her (speechless, with a nod) then the wife uttered one word "yes". It was so strange, it was like they were afraid to interact with other human beings and ddidn’t want to get caught engaged in a conversation with another client. :facepalm:
It just occurred to me. That this may be because each customer see the other as a competitor. Which makes this whole thing ever sadder than it already is.
 
Thank you for so perfectly articulating my very feelings! As much as I am striving to be more mindful and considered with my purchases and as such that correlates to a "slowing down", it has not changed whatsoever my enjoyment of visiting stores and SAs, learning and listening about the brand and their experiences, having a great time, and enjoying myself. So, thank you, and perhaps we will share the opportunity to make a scene together one day! :flowers:
I totally agree with this. The fact that I don’t really need anything doesn’t change anything about how beautiful many of the products are or how much I enjoy seeing them. I have a blast when I visit; I love looking at everything, discussing the merits of style and color choices, and seeing how the boutique has put things together. It’s always an adventure and fun, otherwise I wouldn’t bother. I should add that because my boutique is not conveniently located for me I don’t ‘pop in’ on a regular basis, and that imposes a certain amount of shopping discipline, but when I do go it’s a party not a library. 😎
 
Agreed.

Like I mentioned on Monday...it's almost like you have to look the part for Hermès, almost pageant-like...no chatting, stand tall, shoulders back, chin up. Answer each question completely but brief. Then, and only then, will you be eligible to win your award...if the judges choose you!

On my visit to the store yesterday, a couple was looking at a few bags on display and showed interest in a Picotin. After their SA walked away, I warmly smiled/greeted them and said "Oh you like the Picotin Cargo huh? That's a great bag & I've always admired the Cargo line." The wife looked to her husband for permission to talk and he looked at me and then her (speechless, with a nod) then the wife uttered one word "yes". It was so strange, it was like they were afraid to interact with other human beings and ddidn’t want to get caught engaged in a conversation with another client. :facepalm:
Maybe I'm looking too much into it. But that doesn't sound like a healthy situation. Almost hostage-like.
 
Yes - I have always found it strange that H customers don't interact with each other. Some clueless guy will be buying a scarf for his mother/wife/GF and we scarfies watch silently as the SA says only "Does she like blue?" LOL

I've intervened on a couple of occasions, I can't just watch someone throw away their hard-earned money on a past-season scarf that the SA recommends because s/he knows no other client will want it.

I have made more of an effort lately.

Yesterday:

1. I walked-up Bond St and didn't go into H even though I had 30 mins to kill. I have to admit, since I didn't have an appointment, it was more the thought I'd prob be given the runaround for an hour (and hence late) that put me off, but it was good to know there's nothing I actively want at the moment. Where did 'just looking' go in H (and all luxury) SA's are like honed snipers these days? Goodness forbid someone may want to browse and enjoy looking at ranges before going home to consider a £10K purchase.
2. After work I went to a charity auction and didn't buy a vintage blue and gold cw Tigre Royal 45 (est. £100). I almost did because I felt sorry for the scarf :rolleyes: . I bought a donated vintage Vivienne Westwood dress instead and feel guilty enough after another major shopping haul at Bal, Valentino and Burberry on Weds. ;) I'm gonna have to start support threads in every TPF forum soon.
 
I've intervened on a couple of occasions, I can't just watch someone throw away their hard-earned money on a past-season scarf that the SA recommends because s/he knows no other client will want it.

I have made more of an effort lately.

Yesterday:

1. I walked-up Bond St and didn't go into H even though I had 30 mins to kill. I have to admit, since I didn't have an appointment, it was more the thought I'd prob be given the runaround for an hour (and hence late) that put me off, but it was good to know there's nothing I actively want at the moment. Where did 'just looking' go in H (and all luxury) SA's are like honed snipers these days? Goodness forbid someone may want to browse and enjoy looking at ranges before going home to consider a £10K purchase.
2. After work I went to a charity auction and didn't buy a vintage blue and gold cw Tigre Royal 45 (est. £100). I almost did because I felt sorry for the scarf :rolleyes: . I bought a donated vintage Vivienne Westwood dress instead and feel guilty enough after another major shopping haul at Bal, Valentino and Burberry on Weds. ;) I'm gonna have to start support threads in every TPF forum soon.
The struggle is real
 
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