Treatment in Hermes Stores

[Notorious Pink]

Very interesting. I'm not too far from Short Hills but have never been there. Perhaps they don't get too many tourists?

My local store is Manhasset and I always look there first, but they know that if they don't have something I will get it at Madison. Sometimes I will see something at Madison and then go see if Manhasset has it too - it's a different clientele, different stock of course - although Manhasset gets a surprising amount of tourists (which I don't understand, I guess they day trip from the city).

I've been at Manhasset for so long I don't really have a regular SA, just whomever happens to be available at the moment, though I have a few favorites. My bag purchases are always through the SM, but everyone is always nice. And everyone is ALWAYS helping the tourists. No one is ever standing around ignoring customers or doing nothing!

 

[missjenn]

I've never been to Short Hills but I do go to Hermes in every city I travel to. I have an SA back home but I would buy from others if there happens to be something available that I like. I've never been treated like I was not being loyal and my own SA even says she understands snatching up something when I see it. I don't have a birkin (yet) but would be interested to see what happens when I do carry it into a non-home store. And I definitely would ask for the manager if any ignorant SA decides to accuse me of carrying a fake. That's just rude

 

[NeboHH]

Manhasset is a unique location because they are the only franchise remaining in the US. The reason why Manhasset is the only franchise is because they adhere to Paris' rules just like the standard boutiques. The SM that helped you is also the owner of that store. Where as the other boutiques have directors that mange their stores. I know this is off topic but as for the influx of tourism in Manhasset, your right. When I left NY, the tourism to Manhasset was just beginning.

 

[Notorious Pink]

Manhasset is a unique location because they are the only franchise remaining in the US. The reason why Manhasset is the only franchise is because they adhere to Paris' rules just like the standard boutiques. The SM that helped you is also the owner of that store. Where as the other boutiques have directors that mange their stores. I know this is off topic but as for the influx of tourism in Manhasset, your right. When I left NY, the tourism to Manhasset was just beginning.

Just FYI, the SM I am talking about is not the owner (Priscilla), but she usually goes to podium with her; if I had meant the owner I would have just said that. I have been a regular customer there for 12 years, and it was the owner who encouraged me to buy my first bag. Of course, that was before all this craziness about buying other things (which I do anyway)!

 

[NeboHH]

Just FYI, the SM I am talking about is not the owner (Priscilla), but she usually goes to podium with her; if I had meant the owner I would have just said that. I have been a regular customer there for 12 years, and it was the owner who encouraged me to buy my first bag. Of course, that was before all this craziness about buying other things (which I do anyway)!

Your right my apologies.

 

[partialtopink]

SH is also my home boutique and I always have a wonderful time there. Yesterday may have been unusual because many of the newer SAs were working and the store seemed busy with walk-ins. Give them another try because if you live in or visit NJ frequently, this would be a good boutique at which to become a regular. Feel free to PM me if you would like a SA recommendation.

Thank you, LadyMartin. I may take you up on that. For now, I think I'll stick with my new SA in LV. He is an absolute doll, and I connected with him well. I think that's part of the reason I hit the H lotto as a walk-in. I just wish LV wasn't so far away!

Does Short Hills find bags for you? I have been loyal to Riverside up until my Vegas trip, but they have never been able to locate anything for me, especially my dream B.

 

[MSO13]

That's just ridiculous, MrsO. Let's hope that's a function of a poor SA or a bad boutique culture that is limited to that store.
I have been buying almost exclusively at an out-of-town boutique, but want to reestablish a connection with a local store, so I'll be interested to see what sort of reception I get. Your info makes me think I will downplay the amount of buying I've done from "the other store" when I revisit my local!

I'm optimistic Mindi as I've had great service at more than a few H stores in my travels but just trying to see if it's an emerging trend or a one off at both these stores.

It seems silly to have to downplay a love for the brand to form a relationship, aren't we ideal customers-already hooked

 

[sparklyprincess]

Werner I'm so happy to hear that but I'm really not looking for an SA in the store. I am really happy with my store and my SA. My point was more that as an obvious fan of the brand I'd love the experience of being welcomed and maybe shown something special or educational that I may not get a chance to see at home rather than be dismissed as I need to stay "loyal" to wherever I got my bag from. How about some pride in "their" store and showing off their great service? After all there plenty of people not happy with their local store who might switch.

I have had two great experience in other locales where the SA saw my interest in the brand as an opportunity to make a sale but hearing that others are having similar negative conversations bothers me. I do understand identifying resale problems is important but I don't think this is what they're doing. It's more like, I'm not going to try for your sale because you obviously spend with another store so don't waste my time.

And this would be fine with me if H's inventory weren't so inconsistent, varied and sometimes totally impossible to find. I love exotic CDCs but it could be 6 months between deliveries at my store, that's what I hunt for at these other stores.

I had the same experience with one SA at the Vegas Crystals boutique. A few years ago I inquired about an ash try and perfume, and each time she told me that it would be better to work with my home store. I was very annoyed. It was just that one SA though. I've since received better service with other SAs at that store.

 

[mrsbagalot1222]

I'm wondering how many of you have had an experience like this:

I went into the Short Hills boutique not too long ago which is not my regular store, carrying my new Kelly and browsing and the SA that greeted me basically gave me a total brush off when I inquired about a few bracelets and scarves. She said something like I must have a SA elsewhere. I had a similar experience in Chicago, I would have happily bought CDCs, scarves etc if only they bothered to show them to me. CDCs are randomly distributed and I had the full blessing of my SA and the Store Mgr of my boutique to snap them up if I ever see them but I think it's a bit odd that I would have to tell all of this to a SA in a store I visit during my travels. I sincerely felt that they were not interested in helping at all, barely engaging in a greeting and never offering assistance in both cases. I love the brand, seeing the store layouts and windows, seeing what things they have on display as my store is very small.

I read that another poster had a similar experience at Short Hills. I don't get it, we're supposed to love the brand but now other stores don't want to sell to people who shop at a specific boutique. What if we're world travelers with SAs all over the world? I'm not but I believe there are many members here who shop at multiple stores. Isn't the thrill of visiting new stores also getting a peek at some of their stock and possibly finding a grail? I'm disappointed if this is an emerging trend, I am loyal to my home store and would never seek items I knew they could get for me and I work in the service industry, I'm not a time waster or just window shopping these stores to order the items at home.

Thoughts?

It's not just Hermes it's short hills mall in general. They've always been that way and most of the stores sales associates act the way that unfortunately most of the consumers who shop in short hills act: snooty, obnoxious, stiff and arrogant. It's a shame because I love that all my favorite stores are in one mall saving me a trip from going into Manhattan but for the most part I just take my money to Garden State Plaza and the Shops at Riverside.

 

[hermes_lemming]

This is the most miserable store IMO. I popped into this store today with my new B in tow. While the SA greeted me with a smile, and "I like your bag", once I inquired about purchasing an item, she immediately quipped "Well who is your SA?" She started grilling me about where I got my B, what the circumstances were, and then proceeded to tell me it's "an old color". My mom was with me and thought she was very rude too. I'm done with the NJ stores. Neither of them seem to get any inventory.

It sounds like she suspected you purchased your B thru a reseller vs an actual H boutique / SA, not that there's anything wrong with it - hence the interrogation.

 

[luckylove]

I'm optimistic Mindi as I've had great service at more than a few H stores in my travels but just trying to see if it's an emerging trend or a one off at both these stores.

It seems silly to have to downplay a love for the brand to form a relationship, aren't we ideal customers-already hooked

Hi! I am so sorry to hear of your negative experience at the boutique. While I have never shopped there, I had nearly an identical experience at the BH boutique. I was in town for a fundraiser and fashion show and wanted to pick up a few gifts in housewares and Slg for the relatives nearby. Despite being well dressed and polite, the older Sa refused to offer any service to me upon learning that I no longer resided there. She refused to show me any item I inquired about and dismissively informed me that I "would be better served at my home boutique!" Well, she is correct... they do provide better service at my home boutique and many other boutiques where I have visited. While I am very loyal to my home boutique, I really hoped to pick up thank you gifts for the relatives that threw a surprise party for me while I was there. I don't know if it's a trend to offer service mainly to local clients or not. More likely, I would think you and I have just had bad luck on occasion in encountering the wrong SA. I have personally witnessed my home boutique offering stellar service even to tourists. I have had truly wonderful experiences in all other locations I visited, so I hope that what you encountered was a rarity! I am so sorry you had to deal with that... I know how disappointing poor service can be. Best wishes!!

 

[Keren16]

It's sad to know about your experience and your uneasiness. It really depends on the SA you encounter. My home store is very friendly regardless where I bought my Hermes. I have bought from other Hermes where the sales associate is doing me a "favor" selling what I want. For the most part Ive had good service. Don't let a negative encounter disillusion you though I do understand you want a good feeling when you leave the store whether you buy or not. Encourages future visits & purchases & recommendations to others

 

[VigeeLeBrun]

I'm wondering how many of you have had an experience like this:

I went into the Short Hills boutique not too long ago which is not my regular store, carrying my new Kelly and browsing and the SA that greeted me basically gave me a total brush off when I inquired about a few bracelets and scarves. She said something like I must have a SA elsewhere. I had a similar experience in Chicago, I would have happily bought CDCs, scarves etc if only they bothered to show them to me. CDCs are randomly distributed and I had the full blessing of my SA and the Store Mgr of my boutique to snap them up if I ever see them but I think it's a bit odd that I would have to tell all of this to a SA in a store I visit during my travels. I sincerely felt that they were not interested in helping at all, barely engaging in a greeting and never offering assistance in both cases. I love the brand, seeing the store layouts and windows, seeing what things they have on display as my store is very small.

I read that another poster had a similar experience at Short Hills. I don't get it, we're supposed to love the brand but now other stores don't want to sell to people who shop at a specific boutique. What if we're world travelers with SAs all over the world? I'm not but I believe there are many members here who shop at multiple stores. Isn't the thrill of visiting new stores also getting a peek at some of their stock and possibly finding a grail? I'm disappointed if this is an emerging trend, I am loyal to my home store and would never seek items I knew they could get for me and I work in the service industry, I'm not a time waster or just window shopping these stores to order the items at home.

Thoughts?

This is the most miserable store IMO. I popped into this store today with my new B in tow. While the SA greeted me with a smile, and "I like your bag", once I inquired about purchasing an item, she immediately quipped "Well who is your SA?" She started grilling me about where I got my B, what the circumstances were, and then proceeded to tell me it's "an old color". My mom was with me and thought she was very rude too. I'm done with the NJ stores. Neither of them seem to get any inventory.

Both of these experiences are nothing short of RUDE and uncalled for IMO.

Have shopped in H globally while carrying an H bag and wearing tons of H loot, and have never had this type of unpleasant experience. If asked about my SA, I would be quite truthful and admit that I am extremely loyal yet open to looking at other H merchandise. If I received any snide comments from an SA, I would leave that store post haste after getting the snarky SA's name and would be sure to follow up with H corporate or the SM of that store.

Just my two cents and I don't like Manhasset in general so I think that I am safe!

 

[Keren16]

Also ... Different stores have varying inventories. Unreasonable to confine purchases to one boutique

 

[Graw]

There is a job opening for assistant manager at the Men Hermes boutique, listing qualities they are searching for including embodying the H spirit. It doesn't list being rude anywhere! So sorry you experienced this ladies.

I'm wondering how many of you have had an experience like this:

I went into the Short Hills boutique not too long ago which is not my regular store, carrying my new Kelly and browsing and the SA that greeted me basically gave me a total brush off when I inquired about a few bracelets and scarves. She said something like I must have a SA elsewhere. I had a similar experience in Chicago, I would have happily bought CDCs, scarves etc if only they bothered to show them to me. CDCs are randomly distributed and I had the full blessing of my SA and the Store Mgr of my boutique to snap them up if I ever see them but I think it's a bit odd that I would have to tell all of this to a SA in a store I visit during my travels. I sincerely felt that they were not interested in helping at all, barely engaging in a greeting and never offering assistance in both cases. I love the brand, seeing the store layouts and windows, seeing what things they have on display as my store is very small.

I read that another poster had a similar experience at Short Hills. I don't get it, we're supposed to love the brand but now other stores don't want to sell to people who shop at a specific boutique. What if we're world travelers with SAs all over the world? I'm not but I believe there are many members here who shop at multiple stores. Isn't the thrill of visiting new stores also getting a peek at some of their stock and possibly finding a grail? I'm disappointed if this is an emerging trend, I am loyal to my home store and would never seek items I knew they could get for me and I work in the service industry, I'm not a time waster or just window shopping these stores to order the items at home.

Thoughts?

That's horrible. She shouldn't say such things to a customer. We shop because we love the product, we don't want to deal with H politics. Clearly, you aren't doing anything wrong by looking at a product. Maybe, she's been burnt in the past by "using her time" to show a customer a product only for them to order it at their home store. You are good! I would have said, oh, I understand if you are busy. Would you be able to get the manager for me so I can see a few things? Thank you [emoji5]️

Manhasset is a unique location because they are the only franchise remaining in the US. The reason why Manhasset is the only franchise is because they adhere to Paris' rules just like the standard boutiques. The SM that helped you is also the owner of that store. Where as the other boutiques have directors that mange their stores. I know this is off topic but as for the influx of tourism in Manhasset, your right. When I left NY, the tourism to Manhasset was just beginning.

Wow, the only US franchise. They are in the perfect location for Hermes.

This is the most miserable store IMO. I popped into this store today with my new B in tow. While the SA greeted me with a smile, and "I like your bag", once I inquired about purchasing an item, she immediately quipped "Well who is your SA?" She started grilling me about where I got my B, what the circumstances were, and then proceeded to tell me it's "an old color". My mom was with me and thought she was very rude too. I'm done with the NJ stores. Neither of them seem to get any inventory.

That is horrible that a SA would interrogate you. What does that mean exactly?!? I think they ask vague questions to try to categorize people.