DH was presentable and stylishly dressed. But he wasn't dripping obvious labels. And this was GV, not FSH.
Treatment in Hermes Stores
- Thread starter Fendi84NJ
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I've found them to be reserved but courteous. One even suggested I empty the contents of my bag to prove all my items would fit in the small Garden Party (they didn't) but I thought SA was great. I took her card so next time I order, I'll buy from her. She told me how sweet she thought that was!!
I've been in 6 different H boutiques, and my experiences have ranged from lukewarm to fabulous.
Copenhagen - This was the first H boutique I was ever in, before I even really knew what the brand was about. I went in with a friend who was thinking of purchasing a bracelet for his mother. Even though were were very young, a kind SA came over to us right away and showed us different bracelets. He even thought we were native Danes (before we looked at him wide eyed when he started speaking rapid fire Danish to us), which I got a kick out of! Would definitely go back if I ever find myself in Copenhagen again.
Manhasset - SA's have always been kind, attentive, and willing to hold items for me. Stock is not always the greatest.
London Heathrow - Was here very early in the morning and there was little to no stock, but the SA was helpful and accommodating in showing me the Orans I was looking at.
FSH - The worst experience I have had at H boutiques hands down. My sister and I each purchased bracelets, but the SA was so rude. Barely spoke to us, did not smile, did not provide any information about colors or style names, and generally could not wait to be rid of us. Granted it was very crowded with tourists and we were only making a small purchase, but still, I did not appreciate this treatment in the flagship store of all places.
Madison Ave - Was promptly ignored. No one even glanced in my direction, even after lingering in scarves for a while. Will not make any purchases from here unless their attitude changes.
KOP - My new favorite store. SA's are lovely and go out of their way to track down items for you. So friendly and approachable. The SM is wonderful too, and devotes the same level of attention to people whether you are purchasing a belt or a Birkin. Will be making all my purchases here from now on.
Copenhagen - This was the first H boutique I was ever in, before I even really knew what the brand was about. I went in with a friend who was thinking of purchasing a bracelet for his mother. Even though were were very young, a kind SA came over to us right away and showed us different bracelets. He even thought we were native Danes (before we looked at him wide eyed when he started speaking rapid fire Danish to us), which I got a kick out of! Would definitely go back if I ever find myself in Copenhagen again.
Manhasset - SA's have always been kind, attentive, and willing to hold items for me. Stock is not always the greatest.
London Heathrow - Was here very early in the morning and there was little to no stock, but the SA was helpful and accommodating in showing me the Orans I was looking at.
FSH - The worst experience I have had at H boutiques hands down. My sister and I each purchased bracelets, but the SA was so rude. Barely spoke to us, did not smile, did not provide any information about colors or style names, and generally could not wait to be rid of us. Granted it was very crowded with tourists and we were only making a small purchase, but still, I did not appreciate this treatment in the flagship store of all places.
Madison Ave - Was promptly ignored. No one even glanced in my direction, even after lingering in scarves for a while. Will not make any purchases from here unless their attitude changes.
KOP - My new favorite store. SA's are lovely and go out of their way to track down items for you. So friendly and approachable. The SM is wonderful too, and devotes the same level of attention to people whether you are purchasing a belt or a Birkin. Will be making all my purchases here from now on.
I don't have a good impression of GV. And this even though I have never enquiried about bags there.
Hi, cafe, I don't know when you were at Manhasset, but two years ago they reopened their VERY expanded boutique. It is at least four times the size that it used to be (6000 sq ft) and stock is MUCH better. In fact, I will now go there for certain items I know I won't find in the city.
My husband got very good service at GV. You should try.
I have a good time there usually - I just don't like how they treated DH as a walk-in. Once they knew who he was they pulled out all kinds of things they had been holding for me. I feel like that store is the nastiest to walk-ins and then there's like this weird 180 for people they randomly decide are clients.
It's ok thanks. I only went to browse a few times before, because the store used to be a hat specialist and still retains the cool fittings. I generally love visiting H stores around the world, but from my own experiences, I am sticking to FSH as my store in Paris.
I understand a lot of people ask SAs for Birkins/Kellys...and I'm sure every single one of them is giving the internal eye roll (or worse).....but how is the best way to ask/work up the conversation naturally?
I don't have a store in my immediate vicinity. The closest one is three hours....which isn't terrible....but not enough to drive regularly just for face to face time. It stinks because I love the brand (not just the bags), but I feel stuck going forward. I do not have a single piece of anything Hermes....while I want to make a online order of various items (a few scarves, shoes, a bracelet or two, and perfume), I'm worried that would affect or take away from me starting/developing a relationship with a SA....so I'm waiting until I take a quick trip to Chicago to see if they have any of those items (or similar ones) in stock.
I don't mind the dressing up for the store, but I feel like I'm on this first-date shuffle where I want to play the cool kid and not the star-gazed desperate fan. I plan on going to the store in July.... I'm not intimidated by it, but I would like to set myself up for success (and not stick my foot in my mouth). Is there a way to causally ask at the end of a purchase about a waitlist without offending the SA? If I lived within an hour of a store, I would just wait until it naturally came up in conversation, but unfortunately, I'm making a special trip to the store that is a decent drive away. This one of a few opportunities to make a good impression. Agh...normally I wouldn't care in any other store, but this one seems to be a game....and I hate games!
Now if I ask or it does come up, .....would they hate me if I tried to produce a pre-made list or should I just know my top choices off the top of my head? While my #1 pick would be a B30/35 Togo Trench GHW (followed by a K28/32 in that combo), I am pretty open to colors, material, and most sizes (except for the smaller 25 size) with my biggest priority being GHW (I just prefer gold over silver in general)
I don't have a store in my immediate vicinity. The closest one is three hours....which isn't terrible....but not enough to drive regularly just for face to face time. It stinks because I love the brand (not just the bags), but I feel stuck going forward. I do not have a single piece of anything Hermes....while I want to make a online order of various items (a few scarves, shoes, a bracelet or two, and perfume), I'm worried that would affect or take away from me starting/developing a relationship with a SA....so I'm waiting until I take a quick trip to Chicago to see if they have any of those items (or similar ones) in stock.
I don't mind the dressing up for the store, but I feel like I'm on this first-date shuffle where I want to play the cool kid and not the star-gazed desperate fan. I plan on going to the store in July.... I'm not intimidated by it, but I would like to set myself up for success (and not stick my foot in my mouth). Is there a way to causally ask at the end of a purchase about a waitlist without offending the SA? If I lived within an hour of a store, I would just wait until it naturally came up in conversation, but unfortunately, I'm making a special trip to the store that is a decent drive away. This one of a few opportunities to make a good impression. Agh...normally I wouldn't care in any other store, but this one seems to be a game....and I hate games!
Now if I ask or it does come up, .....would they hate me if I tried to produce a pre-made list or should I just know my top choices off the top of my head? While my #1 pick would be a B30/35 Togo Trench GHW (followed by a K28/32 in that combo), I am pretty open to colors, material, and most sizes (except for the smaller 25 size) with my biggest priority being GHW (I just prefer gold over silver in general)
I understand a lot of people ask SAs for Birkins/Kellys...and I'm sure every single one of them is giving the internal eye roll (or worse).....but how is the best way to ask/work up the conversation naturally?
I don't have a store in my immediate vicinity. The closest one is three hours....which isn't terrible....but not enough to drive regularly just for face to face time. It stinks because I love the brand (not just the bags), but I feel stuck going forward. I do not have a single piece of anything Hermes....while I want to make a online order of various items (a few scarves, shoes, a bracelet or two, and perfume), I'm worried that would affect or take away from me starting/developing a relationship with a SA....so I'm waiting until I take a quick trip to Chicago to see if they have any of those items (or similar ones) in stock.
I don't mind the dressing up for the store, but I feel like I'm on this first-date shuffle where I want to play the cool kid and not the star-gazed desperate fan. I plan on going to the store in July.... I'm not intimidated by it, but I would like to set myself up for success (and not stick my foot in my mouth). Is there a way to causally ask at the end of a purchase about a waitlist without offending the SA? If I lived within an hour of a store, I would just wait until it naturally came up in conversation, but unfortunately, I'm making a special trip to the store that is a decent drive away. This one of a few opportunities to make a good impression. Agh...normally I wouldn't care in any other store, but this one seems to be a game....and I hate games!
Now if I ask or it does come up, .....would they hate me if I tried to produce a pre-made list or should I just know my top choices off the top of my head? While my #1 pick would be a B30/35 Togo Trench GHW (followed by a K28/32 in that combo), I am pretty open to colors, material, and most sizes (except for the smaller 25 size) with my biggest priority being GHW (I just prefer gold over silver in general)
Is the 3 hour away store, the Chicago store and the store you are visiting in July one and the same? Or all different?
Yes, wait to make purchases with an SA in a store. Your online purchases will not assist in obtaining a b/k from an SA.
There are a couple of ways to go about establishing a relationship with an SA. You could try calling the Chicago store and let them know you will be arriving and your are interested in purchasing some items. If you have certain colors/style, ask if they have that inventory, if they say they don't ask them to suggest alternatives for you to try, etc. I would not go for the ask of a b/k until your second visit....unless your SA is giving you vibes or asks you about an interest in b/k. I would have top choices in mind (not on paper). Let it unfold organically during your first visit. Keep in mind you are also "shopping" for your SA. Your first one may not suit you or serve you as you would hope. That happens to many with H. You want to save the "ask" for an SA you are comfortable and enjoy working with.
Hope this helps!
^^agree. Wait to go to Chicago. Chat with your SA about the things you are buying, about H in general, the things you like, etc. I think you can say that you know they aren't easy to come by, but one day you hope to be able to purchase a bag. You can talk about bags you've seen photos of, what you like about them, ask questions about leathers, colors -- enough to let the SA know you like H, not just for a birkin/kelly. Keep the conversation going whenever you visit. At some point, you can ask for and/or will be offered a bag.
So I ended up going to the store earlier than expected! I did call the store last week to set up an appointment. I told the SA on the phone that I didn't have a designated SA yet and I wanted to start building a relationship. He was super nice on the phone...emailed me and told me to feel free to contact him with questions or photos for inspiration for my upcoming shopping trip in June.
I ended up having to call him back the next day. I just had news that my friend is really sick (the bad kind that is possibly terminal)....she is younger with two little kids so it was unexpected. My friends and I decided to get her an scarf so she could pass it down to her daughter. I called and spoke with the SA and he was more than helpful...saying he was going to send photos of scarves in my requested colors.
Even though he was super nice during both phone calls, he never followed up on his email...Friday-Mondy passed and I was getting ready to make an online order. I was debating to make the drive so I loaded up my online cart with all of the goodies I wanted. I wasn't sure on my bracelet sizing, and I felt like I needed to give him another chance.....so I canceled it before processing and drove into Chicago the next morning. I said on the phone I was going to pop in the following week anyways.
Well...The Chicago store was a-MAZ-ing. The entire staff were so kind. My SA wasn't readily available (but I was expecting that since I didn't have an appointment). I had multiple staff ask if I needed to see anything. A female SA helped me pick out a scarf as I waited for my SA. Like 5-10 min later, he came down and was the nicest SA ever. He helped me find a few bracelets and a scarf for myself....and showed me EVERYTHING in the store....I was there for almost two hours! So appreciative of all the information and history he shared with me. Even though I said I was going to wait for my 'bigger' shopping in June (bags, shoes, etc), he took me a time show me all of the bags I was thinking of (Jypsy, Lindy, GP)....brought me a gorgeous dark green GHW Lindy from the back. Showed me like 3-4 ways to wear the Jypsy (looove how this looks with a twilly, but I'm dying for this one to come out in GHW. I told him if it was in GHW, I would have snatched it up so quickly). Also showed me the shoes, bags, and belts....he even asked for my B/K wish list!
I really liked my SA because I didn't feel like I was playing 'games' with him. He was genuine and kind and really took the time to show his knowledge and love for the brand. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and this was just a pop in visit. He was a little slow with email responses, but I'm just going to keep in mind to follow up with a phone call. I'm so excited to see him in end of June and future visits!
BTW - I went into Chanel and LV while I was in town. Chanel service was ok. I didn't get asked for service until I was near their clothing section...but to their defense, they were a bit busier. They were still welcoming. LV....never again. That place was a madhouse and smelled like weed. I was asked if I needed something, but I just felt like the clientele was very low brow. Definitely different than the Charleston/DC locations I've visited in the past (or even the Oak Brook location for that matter).
I ended up having to call him back the next day. I just had news that my friend is really sick (the bad kind that is possibly terminal)....she is younger with two little kids so it was unexpected. My friends and I decided to get her an scarf so she could pass it down to her daughter. I called and spoke with the SA and he was more than helpful...saying he was going to send photos of scarves in my requested colors.
Even though he was super nice during both phone calls, he never followed up on his email...Friday-Mondy passed and I was getting ready to make an online order. I was debating to make the drive so I loaded up my online cart with all of the goodies I wanted. I wasn't sure on my bracelet sizing, and I felt like I needed to give him another chance.....so I canceled it before processing and drove into Chicago the next morning. I said on the phone I was going to pop in the following week anyways.
Well...The Chicago store was a-MAZ-ing. The entire staff were so kind. My SA wasn't readily available (but I was expecting that since I didn't have an appointment). I had multiple staff ask if I needed to see anything. A female SA helped me pick out a scarf as I waited for my SA. Like 5-10 min later, he came down and was the nicest SA ever. He helped me find a few bracelets and a scarf for myself....and showed me EVERYTHING in the store....I was there for almost two hours! So appreciative of all the information and history he shared with me. Even though I said I was going to wait for my 'bigger' shopping in June (bags, shoes, etc), he took me a time show me all of the bags I was thinking of (Jypsy, Lindy, GP)....brought me a gorgeous dark green GHW Lindy from the back. Showed me like 3-4 ways to wear the Jypsy (looove how this looks with a twilly, but I'm dying for this one to come out in GHW. I told him if it was in GHW, I would have snatched it up so quickly). Also showed me the shoes, bags, and belts....he even asked for my B/K wish list!
I really liked my SA because I didn't feel like I was playing 'games' with him. He was genuine and kind and really took the time to show his knowledge and love for the brand. I couldn't have asked for a better experience, and this was just a pop in visit. He was a little slow with email responses, but I'm just going to keep in mind to follow up with a phone call. I'm so excited to see him in end of June and future visits!
BTW - I went into Chanel and LV while I was in town. Chanel service was ok. I didn't get asked for service until I was near their clothing section...but to their defense, they were a bit busier. They were still welcoming. LV....never again. That place was a madhouse and smelled like weed. I was asked if I needed something, but I just felt like the clientele was very low brow. Definitely different than the Charleston/DC locations I've visited in the past (or even the Oak Brook location for that matter).
It was the same location. Thank you very much, and I'm sorry for not responding sooner. I took every bit of your advice and did not bring up a B/K until he did so. I'm really glad I found an SA that I clicked with. Thank you!