I went to Dubai recently and I stopped by the Chanel store. The store was empty with maybe 2 customers, yet I was told to wait and join the line. I kindly said, "No, thank you" and kept it moving. Why? Because my time is luxury. I feel like a lot of people seem to forget that. I then purchased a bracelet at VCA with no queue and immediate customer service. Brands are nice, but I guarantee the person and their time are worth much more.
Well said. If I have to wait in line for LV I already feel like shopping for fast fashion. I have a stressful job, no need to add to it in my free time.
Good for you, very classy move you did. Chanel in Beverly Hills is the same way, then they even don’t want to show you variety of choices. Time to get rid of SA, we don’t need them, they are so rude. That’s why I only shop Hermes online
Working as an SA for a famous luxury brand, I also find it awkward to be assigned a client that I have to follow everywhere. I therefore decided to mitigate this awkwardness by actually shopping with my client the way I shop with my friends :"What colours are you in the mood for today?", "Look at that little beauty, what do you think?", "I also have this in green at the back, would you like to take a look at it?", "This would go well with what you're wearing today, you can literally walk out the shop with it and it'll look all perfect", "How about a little Brigitte Bardot moment in your life?" and so on... Some of my peers think it's tacky because to them luxury should not be approchable, let alone friendly, but last time I checked I was #1 salesperson in the shop.
That is literally the job. I was an SA & had the same criticisms yet I was also a top seller. Luxury does not have to be an icy exchange. Good for you.
I popped into Cartier in Prague a couple of years ago while I was on vacation with my mom. This was just after the pandemic and businesses were just starting to open up again. The SA took one look at my mom and I (casually dressed) and just walked the other way without even greeting us. Another gentleman quickly approached us and delivered excellent customer service. He was friendly, courteous, patient and just lovely to talk to. I ended up purchasing my love bracelet from him. You could tell he was ecstatic to be making a sale, as many folks in the customer service industry were hit particularly hard during the pandemic. The look on the other SA’s face when she saw him making the sale was priceless 😏 You could tell she choked on a big slice of humble pie. Never judge a book by its cover, kids!
@@mashakachan9213 My mom and I were speaking Spanish (we are originally from Mexico). And the SA spoke perfect English, as she was having no issues communicating with a better dressed customer 😉
I worked at Saks in Boston when Saks was still very high end. My best regular customer was this lady who would come straight from her morning walk looking super frumpy. The first time I saw her I greeted her pleasantly because I remembered Pretty Woman! Never tried anything on, she always bought tons of Ralph Lauren and knew her size in it. She was very old Boston money. Newbies often ignored her, but it didn’t matter, she would come straight to me and leave after dropping $$$$. We would send it home to her via her chauffeur.
I work at a high end department store that sells designer items, I work in the shoe department. Even if I think a customer isnt going to buy, I give them my best service. Because a good in-store experience could mean they'll come back and remember me when they are ready to buy. Sales associates should consider that these purchases can be hard decisions for customers and be patient with them.
On the flip side, I feel for sales clerks who are grumpy because they have to deal with new money trash with, "I'm the customer, I pay your salary" attitudes. Great service is a two way street. If you want exceptional service, be loyal to the people who you've had a great shopping experience with, make appointments, and buy with them. Be courteous and understanding that they may be juggling multiple customers. If you want undivided attention, ask them when a good time to stop by would be. Two on a Saturday is probably not ideal. True luxury service is about relationships, understanding, and trust. It can't be one sided.
Queuing... Begging brands to take your cash... Quality issues... NONE of that is luxury! Agree with you on the department store experience, it's all Harrods for me now, where I can roam freely! 🤩
Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime. So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies. You voted for it!!!
I used to be really intimidated by stores and I HAVE to thank both my mum, who always made me realise that I am the one buying and spending and the lovely people that work at my Tiffany store, always welcoming me even after school, looking like a mess. To all the people out there who are intimidated, go for it, you have the money, and if you don’t, you deserve to be treated with respect in all situations, (and you have to behave with respect in return), those things don’t make you “not good enough to buy them”, go for it.
I bought myself a pair of Versace Aevitas pointy pumps for my birthday at over 60% off online. I had it delivered on the same day, it arrived at my doorstep 6hrs from when I ordered it. That's luxury to me! Didn't need to get out of my house, drive to the shop etc. Anything that saves me social battery, time and effort is true luxury.
@@happypolish1True. Buying shoes online is extremely risky since there're a lot of nuances, their size, width, breathability and overall comfort. These things can be checked only physically
Here in Japan, where we have almost a "culture of queuing", boutiques such as Chanel and Hermes appear to have adopted the method of taking your mobile number and texting you whenever access becomes available, thereby avoiding the unsightly queues. It still is virtual queuing in a way but at least we can sip a coffee in the cafe nearby.
If I’m going to spend more than thousands on a store I’m not going to any queue exposed to rain, etc. I refuse to make myself go through that lame experience
Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime. So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies. You voted for it!!!
I've done this in Paris to the point where I couldn't feel my toes by standing outside the Hermès store on a cold and drizzling day. And even with the effort of walking up early and finding the place from my hotel I didnt get any bag, so to justify my wasted time, I ended up buying a sandal, belt, and scarf. Never again will I do that unless ofc they have a sale plus discounts on all in store items 😂
This is a really important video in my opinion. We must hold these luxury brands accountable to a certain extent in regards to experience, quality issues, etc. Its not ok to demand a premium price & skimp on the special parts being the exclusivity & benefits of luxury shopping. They can’t have it both ways.
But what is the alternative if you have 10s of people who want to be in store at the same time? You want them to increase prices so even less people can afford it?
I agree! As long as there are quality issues they don't deserve to be paid those ridiculous prices for qualities that are worse than regular brands. I have shoes that I have worn for YEARS almost on a daily basis and I have not paid a ridiculous price for just because it has a "name". Also, I would never line up for ANY store, especially not to pay thousands of dollars on top of that.
@@for833 it’s true I have shoes that I have worn For years and I have not payed a lot for them. I do notice that when I have bought luxury items they break easily and do not last at all. My luxury wallets have fallen apart like a cheap wallets, not even cause I have had cheap wallets that have lasted a very long time as opposed to the luxury ones. I won’t spend the money anymore. It’s nonsense.
Luxury for me means having the money to buy what I want from the comfort of my home after spending hours of research and browsing and having the ability to return something I don’t like when I get it in the mail. I don’t want to feel like I’m letting somebody down by not purchasing anything from them when I know that their livelihood depends on making sales. I don’t want a profile or a relationship with an SA. I just want to buy things and not worry about telling the SA “no” when they send me pictures of something they think I would like. My time and theirs is a luxury i don’t want to waste. True luxury should be enjoyable and stress-free and for me that excludes going to physical luxury stores.
That is your personal experience. Due to my present location, I can only shop online but I prefer the in-store experience. There I can feel the fabric, if any alternations need to be made, they can do the alterations there. Depending on the size and scope of the store, a SA can recommend pieces that might complement the look I'm going for.
I bought boots at Payless years ago for $30. The heel pads wore off after one season of wear. I hesitated, but finally brought the pair to a shoe repair man to get new heel pads (cost $14). A little traumatized by the short wear of the previous heel pads, I asked him whether what he put on would last (an offensive question now that I think about it). But he took it in strides. He assured me that they would, and added "if you never wear the boots, they will last forever". When he said it, it was funny. Reading something similar on the website of a luxury brand is less funny.
I was recently in London and I went to Bond St to the Chanel store and Dior store, and I have to say that my experience at the Dior boutique was exceptional. I went before lunch, no line, met a very nice sells associate, he gave me his business card and told me "when you come back tell them you have an appointment with me because there will be a line" sure enough I came back and the line was down the block. I told the person at the door and he let me in without any issue. If they made me stand in line in the rain, I absolutely would have not go in. I don't stand in line for nothing, to even for a drink lol, I rather be thirsty!
Expecting customers to stand out in the weather is rude and disrespectful. Definitely not a luxury experience. It's like standing in a soup line, except there's a free meal at the end of that line. Thanks so much shining a light on this sad state of affairs!! Love you! 🎉🥰
Lol! My thoughts exactly. It’s insulting. One thing that has shocked me over the last few years is that people will tolerate pretty much anything from perceived authority. They love to follow nonsensical dictates from anyone who is “in charge”. I think our societies have been demoralized and a lot of people are lacking in the self respect department.
Everything you said on this video is spot on! I was in the market for my first Chanel this summer. I went to the Chanel store in Milan and saw a queue. I found it quite strange. It makes no sense to queue up to spend big bucks. This happened again in Monaco. Monaco of all places. I saw people queuing out at the Goyard store. I'm like I don't see how people who have this amount of money to spend are ok with queueing outside for some goods. In the end I got the bag from the Chanel store at selfridges (downstairs, because the Chanel store upstairs are not as welcoming as the one downstairs). I also didn't have to queue when I went as it was close to closing and there weren't any people in the shop. All this to say, it's absurd to queue up to spend your own money.
In the uk if your shoes don’t last a year you can bring them back. evidence I brought an 8 month old pair of shoes back to a primark. They did not want to refund and disappeared for a good 15 mins. Came back with a face like thunder and coughed up my money! If Primarni can do it Chanel should cough up!
Depends on the shoes and how often you wear them. Daily wear is about 8-13 months (that is of wearing about 8 hours a day). You obviously have to take into account your weight, about of wear, style of shoe etc. I’m also in the U.K.
Let's not forget that we live in a world where everyone feels entitled ... there are some def. Great point here, there's a lot of information that is missing also.
I don’t wait in line for luxury shopping at all, nothing says ”my time is not valuable” more than letting a business USE you as advertisement for free.
As salaries for retail staff have come down over the years in real terms, the chase for a commission, is driving some SA's into crazy stalkers. Even a simple try-on of perfume in Selfridges triggers them to pounce on you:) Very off-putting.
Omg, I hate it when I go perfume or makeup shopping and they bombard me with recommendations 🙄 like wtf do you know what I like 🙄 just let me concentrate and shop in peace
When I moved to Canada from the U.K. I ended up with complete Anxiety just going shopping for clothes when I went into stores and the SA would pounce on me before I had even had a chance to look…the amount of times I left and didn’t even look further but felt anxious was not healthy. I love just browsing and I am far happier back in the U.K. shopping being left alone and sometimes I have to find a SA for help if needed ..a much more enjoyable experience when they don’t work on commission.
I brisk walk through perfume/makeup counters in department stores. bec. if you pause for a second, they're all over you. forces me to go to Sephora instead.
I’m also in NYC. I’ve noticed some brands like Chanel and LV will deliberately make you wait outside even if there are no customers inside. I think it’s meant as a psychological trick to make it appear like it’s exclusive. However, for me it’s a turn off and I generally won’t wait anymore. I’ve been saying this for a while now that luxury is no longer luxurious. There are some rare exceptions (for example I find service at Cartier with my SA to be stellar), but they are more and more rare now. Playing the Hermes game, begging to spend money, queuing in line, paying exorbitant prices, worrying about when the next price increase will be…none of this is luxurious.
In Los Angeles, we have had a slew of "smash and grab" burglaries at luxury stores. It is very unfortunate, and i feel bad for the staff who genuinely fear for their lives. So many stores have a security guard, appointments and a queue in order to control the number of people in the store at any given time. I do think this helps deter thieves who rush in as a group...smash cases, grab stuff, shove customers and dash out in their getaway car. So...i know it kinda sucks, but in places like LA/Beverly Hills...it has sadly become a necessity
Many years ago when I was a teenager (late 1970's) I was dating a young man from a very wealthy family. His mother would fly to Paris twice a year for her wardrobe. Back then she would go to Boutiques that were not open to the general public, so one truly had a luxury experience. One had to have an appointment, then at the Boutique you were the only patron. They served her champagne and since I was a young girl had my choice of beverages. So, it was almost like a 1950's movie, where one would have several SA wait on you. Of course, this was a long term customer and she spent a great deal of money there.
@@keepingitkianatural Agreed. There is a larger conversation that likely would get one cancelled on SM about the death of luxury, due to people's unwillingness to acknowledge that there are actually standards to aspire to.
I feel so lucky that at the peak of my fashion consumption fever phase, luxury really was luxury and not so hyper commercialised. No UA-cam and no influencers. Pure Bliss. Now its just entertainment.
Totally agree. I recently got a lot of my wardrobe out of storage and I’ve been absolutely gushing over how beautiful the pieces are. You can’t find that kind of quality design and tailoring in stores these days. I have really been missing sophisticated, feminine clothing. I deliberately bought classic, well made items that would last and I think it was actually a wise investment.
I’ve just come back from Las Vegas and experienced a ‘no 2 stores do the same’ approach even across the same brand. Some stores I couldn’t enter until an SA was free, others you walked in and out as normal and yet the most bizarre was the sneaky assigned SA. Walked into Gucci, started looking around when an SA came up and said she would be my SA and would follow me through the store. She was lovely but it was a little off putting. Also faced some attitude from an SA who didn’t believe they sold something I was looking for and quickly changed her tune once she found it on the brands website 😂. Best experience was Ferragamo, got the ombré little Wanda bag, wonderful SA, received a couple of lovely emails from that store. I think some brands have bought too much into their own hype and forgotten good customer service goes so much further in getting customers to go back to that specific store and brand
I live in Las Vegas and You are spot on we have 4 Chanel stores and they all have a different vibe for sure. And Gucci has a huge employee turn over. No one seems to stay for long.
I LOVE Ferragamo. They are to me a true luxury brand. They are old school and low key. They are a IYKYK brand that hasn’t been been made over done by social media.
When I walked into Hermes in Paris, although there were no queues outside, inside felt like chaos! And let’s not even talk about the cold SAs. Dior, on the other hand was amazing. They always get customer service spot on. Their SAs make the shopping experience feel so special. Luxury doesn’t feel luxurious anymore. At this point, you buy because you love the brand/product! Great video ❤
I used to work at a luxury skincare brand in the ritzy part of town full of designer stores. To see people lining up outside in the height of summer was abysmal. There’s nothing “luxurious” about sweating out half your body weight while standing in line for access to a virtually empty store. Our skincare boutique was one of the few stores in the area that had an “open door” policy, and many people would end up in our store as they waited for their appointment at [insert designer brand here]. We used that to our advantage to give walk-in customers facials on the spot and made a killing selling skincare. They would ALWAYS come back to us and loved us for simply letting them in the door freely. Fun times ❤
It’s worse at luxury outlets!!!..it’s like I am at the outlet why do I have to stand outside in line for 25mins to look at things from either last season or items that wasn’t “cool” enough to go to the main store. That is why I like department stores like Bergdorf or Neimans where I can browse n touch everything luxury without waiting and leave.
One of the main reasons I buy luxury (sometimes against my better judgement) is for the service, I want to be treated to a great day out. The odd lux shopping trip I take for special occasions will include lunch somewhere nice, an excitable friend and flutes upon flutes of complimentary champagne. I don't understand how people shop for luxury like it's H&M (unless they can afford to). So, waiting in line and/or having an unpleasant in-store experience is a big no-no for me. Not every item of clothing you own has to be luxury and if there's something you must have that's luxe, make a day of it when it's time to get it. It's more fun that way.
I agree about the employees breathing down your neck and don't allow you to just walk around and look without being followed around. I love to shop and look around, it's my alone time and one of the ways I decompress. If I'm being followed I feel rushed and I want to get out asap. Plus if there's a line you feel rushed to hurry for the sake of the people in line you don't feel like you can just casually browse slowly and leisurely. I know this is all because shoplifting is at an all time high which has ruined shopping 😭
I feel the same! I used to wander around the Prada store to leisurely gaze and smell the lovely aroma of the freshly vacuumed carpet with the Infusion de Iris scent wafting through. Now, I’m usually alone in the store with a guard staring at me while my SA goes to the store room. It’s very uncomfortable and unpleasant. I don’t feel like I can soak in the luxury environment. I didn’t know this was a thing until a year ago. A year and half ago on another occasion, I peeked into the Prada store (not looking to buy) and a SA (not mine lol) sweetly recognized me and unlocked the doors. I was surprised the doors were locked for anyone in the first place.People deserve the chance to walk in and out an admire. Stupid shoplifters ruined it for law abiding citizens who want to savor and browse without pressure.
@@CRFSUIGENERIS yes!! I love the experience of walking around with my coffee to decompress and take in the store, the smells and the environment and that sets me up to shop and most likely buy something!
@@radiantmasterpiece5649 I agree! :) More likely to buy something after leisurely taking in the environment. At least we experienced it... Memories! Have a great weekend! ;)
Hi Cassie! My daughter in-law and I where at an outlet mall in Canada and Burberry, there was no one in line but us, no one shopping in the store, middle of summer, so hot, and the woman looked us up and down and said we would have to wait a 1/2 hour to enter the store!!😟 We were in "comfortable" outfits, but I guess we weren't suitable for them. Needless to say we didn't wait, and went and spent our money elsewhere where we weren't judged! It was just Burberry for heaven's sake!!! I just don't know what is happening in today's world!!!!💕☺️🇨🇦
I had a luxurious experience at LV when I bought my first bag in 2017. The SA was so sweet…brought us espressos and bottled water and took her time with the sale. Afterwards, I received a beautifully handwritten note from her in the mail. A more recent experience was shameful. The SA told me they didn’t have any boxes…they did, and she could’ve cared less if I had questions. It seemed like I was bothering her even though the store was virtually empty. I want my luxurious experience back!! ❤👜
For anyone wondering about her LOVELY jumper/cardi it's - DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY The Ramona Double Layered Spread Collar Cardigan. I hunted it down and snagged one because it looked so fabulous on Ca$$ie. Love the video as always. Stay fabulous dolls!
Nailing it and bringing home all the points as usual! I refuse to queue to access a luxury store, it simply defeats the purpose. The only place where I get the luxury experience is at Dior, always a pleasure, with no games, and weird tactics. I often feel a bit puff off by the most recognizable luxury items because of the fakes and dupes, and because of flex culture (which is making many luxury goods start looking “basic”.) Perhaps this thought makes me a snob, but why to spend lots of money on an item that is often counterfeited? Lately, I've been searching for new brands, for more unique items that feel slightly more personal and less overexposed.
That lining up stuff and needing to have an appointment, at some luxury boutiques, is for the birds. Being from the generation that I'm from as I'm in my 60s, I never had to go through such over all of the decades that I have done luxury shopping, not even during my annual extended vacation summers and spring times to Paris and other European cities. As for all of the lining up these days, my definition of luxury shopping is not standing in line and feeling like a combination of Black Friday and Disneyland in July. Not for me, at all. I have never even done Black Friday, but I have lined up for Mickey and since a very tiny tot at Disneyland starting in 1958, three years after its opening. My boy Mickey gets a pass, luxury companies don't. Greetings from Los Angeles
There is no way I will be waiting in line! Chanel lost me as a client because of it. Fendi and YSL are the only stores I shop at right now as they just open the freaking door right away.
What a fabulous video! I completely agree, luxury shopping is not a 'luxurious' experience at all. Last year I got a msg that the Chanel bag I was on the waitlist for is now in store and that I can come and collect it the same day. Reached the store and had to wait in queue for three hours when all I had to do was just pay and be out with the bag in two minutes!!!! Recently I also had to queue outside Tiffany to collect a ring I had given for repair. Just could not understand why they wouldn't simply hand me the ring and let me go. It's getting more and more ridiculous.
Very well said, Cassie 👏 Forcing your potential customers to wait in lines is the exact opposite of valuing the customer's time and time is so valuable. I think these brands need to be reminded that making people wait in line does not equal exclusivity. It makes people feel their time is not valued and reminds one of the uncomfortable lines for TSA which is the antithesis of a luxury experience.
"Forcing your potential customers to wait in lines is the exact opposite of valuing the customer's time and time is so valuable." That is the point, for the vast majority of customers they don't care about or value them. Even during COVID certain people never waited in line. They reward big spenders and barely consider one off or seldom purchasers.
Also, I have noticed that the customer service is much better at preloved shops. I think that already says a lot. This is such a great video , I'm here for it! Brands pay attention!
The second hand shops I've gone to in my area give me stink eye when I'm looking at bags . Idk why I'm gentle and respectful of the products and ask politely for the back that's under lock and key.
Yes it spoiled my experience with Goyard last year Christmas. I went to London with intention to buy a bag from Goyard, after 1 hour I was taking by a shop assistant to a very small dark corner inside the shop, with no opportunity to look around, I asked for one handbag and he showed it to me, but I felt like I was only pushed to buy that one without looking around, and I decided not to as experience would be terrible, so for example I thought every time I use this bag, that would remind me that, so I decided not to buy.
With regards to the “assigned SA” , I think the hesitation is a British thing where we have slightly less of a service culture. I experienced this for the first time when my husband lived in Singapore 10 years ago. I went shopping for the afternoon and experienced the allocated SA constantly following me and jumping on me the minute I stopped at anything on all the stores. I remember going home and moaning that I had felt like a suspected shop lifter all afternoon as “they kept following me around!” . He explained that no, this was how it was done in Asia and it wasn’t me! Over the years , I then realised it was there, all over Asia and the US, that this was common and I just had to accept it which I duly did begrudgingly when I travelled . I was so glad though they didn’t do it in the UK as like you , I really hate it and just want to be left to browse and will shout (and happily wait) if I then need assistance! Ever since Covid though in the UK the luxury stores have slipped into it (for obvious reasons at the time) and just fallen into this standardised approach of full out service and never reverted back. I miss the old UK approach of “service be damned , you’ll survive !”😉😂
I am so glad that I am not the only one who thinks this way. because I definitely think it does not look luxurious at all to be standing outside to purchase a $10,000 purse. Makes you lose That special feeling of feeling special ❤
Regarding shoe longevity, it’s important to not wear them on consecutive days. The uppers will absorb sweat as you wear them and it’s important to let them dry out. Ideally, use a cedar shoe tree which will wick the moisture from the leather allowing them to dry quicker. The shoe tree may not apply as much to women’s shoes, but the leather needs time to dry out. This has been a good approach for me with my hand crafted/goodyear welted shoes. My oldest pairs that are still in rotation are 9 years old.
The thing is, in my experince as an SA for a luxury brand, 90% of the time people who say they are browsers have questions or are looking for something, or ideas or just wanna see something nice. We are just trying to help, and its really boring to just stand around a customer thats just browsing and expect us to keep smiling. I get so many 'browsers' who complain about not getting service when theyve shut me off from the beginning by starting with 'im just browsing'. Its a two way streak, if you dont let me engage with you, then I cant give you the service you deserve.
I am SA as well!! And yeah i could relate to this one.. sometime some customers wants a quality service but it is themselves who didn’t really want to be engaged with SA, in this case always SA fault hei 😅.
Your job as an SA is it be available and yes, keep smiling. That is what you get paid to do. The customer doesn’t owe you anything other than politeness and normal human respect, so if they want to look by themselves and browse, let them.
@@s.a.4358 thats absolutely fine. We do absolutely keep smiling even though we let them browse. But browsers cant cant complain that we didnt give them service, because they simply didnt let us.
I once walked into a Hermes store in Bellevue Washington with my baby, and i met with an SA . She asked me what was i looking for... no greeting, no welcoming and looked at my baby all weird too. I told her i was looking at bags and she immediately said we dont have any on display, and if you want to see them you need to book an appointment. She stood in my way making sure i dont keep exploring the store. I later on heard her telling her colleague that she doesnt like black people. I am from the Middle East, im not even black. I just have a darker tone. I never again stepped into the store again. Went and got myself a wonderful watch from omega instead.
Cassie, thank you for pointing out the ridiculousness of queing.... but what's even more insulting is that it's willingly and gladly accepted....where is the buyer's self respect here? 😮
Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime. So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies. You voted for it!!!
I am SA who works for luxury brand. Due to limited SA working in the boutique to serve each client therefore queue is made. Luxury shopping isn’t like fast retail which you could try on your own, it is exclusivity service which made the customer more special, and there was a case where customer are allowed to come in without SA and the floor suddenly become full and it is hard to control the shop floor item and once it lost, it cost thousands dollars.
I just did my first luxury shopping trip in Las Vegas, so I don’t know I had a “real” luxury experience, but I thought it was so dull. Like I know that we’re all into this minimalist trend but I would’ve thought they would want plenty of eye catching pieces and things on the shelves but it was so barren. Like I went to LV and they had no neverfulls on display, all sizes above 0 were in the back so you couldn’t even do the thing of holding it up to yourself. And it’s super intimidating to ask the assistants bc they’re already working on you before you can even decide whether you’re going to buy anything. They didn’t have any costume jewelry or cheaper pieces for you to look at, prolly bc they don’t want us poors coming in for a tiny piece that’s $300. You’d think they’d at least present their unique seasonal stuff somewhere but no. For me, I’d rather shop at Target or Discovery any day of the week.
@@anaerobic they sell it, so yeah. See I’m not a condescending snob that probably spits on poor people like you, so for me spending a few hundred dollars on something like LV hoops or a Gucci belt, is luxury shopping. So thanks for making me feel like a stupid poor person.
@@anaerobic I also just want to say, if my assumption that your bourgeois pig is incorrect, you are An even sadder person than I thought. I’d suggest to you there are better uses for your time than making snide comments about a lower middle class persons opinion about luxury shopping.
When I worked in retail they literally forced us to be all up in customer’s business and basically learn their entire life’s story, no matter the body language. I had to quit because I as a customer HATE that. I couldn’t do it to others. It’s very clear when customers want service and when they don’t, but the owners don’t care 😪
I had one recent experience where I was assigned someone, I was so uncomfortable, I felt like I was identified as someome who was going to shoplift and I bought something just to prove to this awful man that I could afford to be there. NEVER AGAIN on every level
This episode spoke to my soul! You're definitely in your journalist bag with this one. I refuse to queue anymore (I did it once around Christmas when it made sense) but it's off-putting and feels low brow. The Chanel on Prince Street is the worst I've seen but the fact that the Gucci Outlet in Orlando had a 2-3 hour long queue truly blew me away. I made my first Prada purchase that day bc they had no queue and I had a flight to catch. On the flip side, I had a great SA experience in Atlanta the other day that actually restored my faith in luxury shopping. Accidentally texted a Gucci SA pics of a Chanel Sneaker ☠. She sent it to a SA she knows at Saks and let me know they had it. Saks SA calls and says he's holding a couple colorways in my size and I went right up there and picked it up. Flawless from end to end. Gucci SA even double backed to see if it all went well. 10/10 🎉
Great points! These were my exact thoughts when I see people having to queue for “luxury items”. Why is it that only the “VIPS” aka influencers and extremely well to do get that favoritism where they do not need to get in line? Get rid of VIP treatment bc to be honest, it seems that being on your phone and scrolling endlessly while at the comfort of your home, bed or chair while having your own privacy is more luxurious than having to be in a ridiculously long line .
Regarding the „don’t wear the shoes multiple days in a row” thing. This is true for full leather shoes. They soak up sweat and water and not wearing them everyday allows them to dry wich protects the leather, helps them to keep their shape and actually prolongs their life.
Loved this topic, Cassie. In 2012, I was in Galleries Lafayette, and noticed cues for the expensive brands, aka Gucci, LV, Chanel, and the quality of service provided. People tended to line up in the line, and each had a personal assistant. It was above my price range, but I enjoyed looking at the store and clientele thinking, "that would be a wonderful shopping experience!" Fast forward 10+ years. Now every luxury store has cues. Sometimes the cues are in service, sometimes not. And customer service? I just watched a UA-cam bloggers fest in London where 8-10 youtubers got together. Some reported highly rude sales personnel in Hermes (Paris) and Loewe (Bond Street) noting the SA didn't appear interested in the VIP or called them "large." Excuse me? Luxurious? Absolutely NOT in those circumstances. But there are other SAs who are absolutely MARVELOUS! Perhaps luxury needs to be modeled after some London resale boutiques. Make an appointment online noting your preferences, and we will meet you at the door to welcome you into the boutique first showcasing your requests. Luxury. The old way. ???? May cut down on heists as well. ?
I absolutely agree with all your points👍🏻(refused already 20 years ago to even set my name on a list to get maybe one year later a ridiculous expensive heritage brand bag, went in a different store out of season in a ski resort, and was able to get rid of a ridiculous amount of money immediately & carried my wish home😊 ) except one: you can’t , or better shouldn’t, ever wear the same shoe every day. Doesn’t matter what quality (and I agree on poor quality with a lot of designer shoes; unfortunately a big thing at Prada for the last 10 years) it is , handcrafted or not. A shoe has to dry completely out before to be worn again. Means you can wear it around every 3 days.
I went to Bulgari on new Bond Street last month to just try on bags and the customer service was top notch, didn’t feel any pressure and ended up walking out with a little goody and had a great time and it just makes me think that I would love to shop with them again and would make a point to go back into store next time I’m in that part of town. Giving good customer service whether it is to a one time transaction or regular customer goes so far because that single transaction may turn into a repeat purchaser/buyer 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t think sometimes that luxury companies remember that and they wonder why sales drop and we look to other brands for what they should be giving us as customers.
Luxury accessories should be something that can be repaired down the road by the brand as a testament of the value and heritage, just like a luxury car. I find as long and you buy the item in a boutique and have a record within their system: Goyard, FENDI, Hermes and Cartier have the best aftercare repair service ( with a fee ) . LV is hit or miss maybe because they have so many customers, Dior and Chanel are the worst and basically does nothing after being shipped away for 6 month. Lastly Givenchy & Celine have very limited repair capability.
There was this one time my mother and I waited 2 hours in line at Chanel in Paris for them to tell us they don’t have the shoes she wants in stock. I don’t understand why the greeter can’t provide that information upfront so they can shorten the line!!
Everything you said here is spot on TRUE!! I only occasionally ever purchase luxury items (a few bags and jewelry pieces) and only in-store and in person, never online. If the experience is not luxurious in the manner you speak of… no standing in line to enter the hallowed halls of luxury 🤨, being allowed to browse a bit without pressure to immediately make up my mind and hand over my credit card, staff exhibiting friendly and courteous service, then I will walk right back out and if possible, purchase elsewhere. I’ve had the very best service and luxury experiences at the Bulgari store in NYC and at Tiffany & Co directly across the street. And those experiences add to my enjoyment of those few and far-between luxury purchases.
I spent 2hrs queuing at Goyard St Honore Paris while it was raining. When I got in, I got 2 St Louis. The next day, I went again, same queue, I wanted to get 2 Artois but they said the rule was 1 item per person per day so I had to go back tomorrow for the other one. I was like, “I got 2 yesterday” manager said it was a mistake. I said they were changing the rules on the spot. I felt belittled because I was clarifying and manager says, “you are asking the same questions, those are the rules. Why can’t you understand that?” 🙄🙄 There is also a 5 item purchase limit a year, you can buy maximum 2 of the same bags but they have to be different colors. UGH!!! It was tiring and frustrating. I spent €2700 and can spend more but they are making it so difficult.
Excellent video! Totally agree on queues. As noted in other comments, some stores seem to create queues just for the sake of doing it. I live in the US and I need to give a shout out to YSL for their beyond excellent customer service. I had a small issue with a hand bag, 4 months after purchase, and they immediately said pick another bag, no arguing or anything. I had the complete opposite experience at LV. I have since bought and recommended YSL and not bought or recommended a LV product since. There are many options among luxury name brands that want our money. Customer service should be a major factor in a purchase.
I don’t understand all this- A- post pandemic store staff should be grateful there are people that go inside shops and not online as most did in the pandemic. B If you can afford Dior then you can probably afford competitors like Chanel, etc so rude sales people are actually advertising and encouraging people to shop at their competition instead.
It started during Covid when they had to limit the number of people in the store. Shame it seems to have stuck as a habit. We wanted a tie for a wedding and went to Hermes but there was an hour wait for their managed queue. So we went round the corner to Zegna and bought a tie and several other items.
Hard agree Cassie. I've started paying more attention to newer, younger luxury brands that are more fun and creative; Brandon Maxwell, 16Arlington, Laquan Smith etc
Finally somebody said it! Had the same experience at Cartier. I get these type of things online just so I don’t have to go to the store because you can just not walk in anymore, you need to queue or make an appointment regardless of you want to browser or just pick up an order.
honestly so true about everything you pointed out. When you have to start to wonder if the luxury product you bought is even a good quality, says a lot. Seems like it's happening more often. And the SAs have daily/weekly/monthly quotas they are expected to meet regardless of the elements or how the customers feels (unfortunately) and they get forced by the establishments to follow the clients and even almost force them to leave with a purchase. It is a business at the end of the day.
I will never stand in line to spend thousands of dollars. 15-20 years ago you never had to stand in line, so no way am i waiting to spend my hard work or inherited money. No thank you, they should be holding the door for me to enter, not me waiting on them. Thanks for sharing Cassie. They are already wealthy, don't care.
Urgh!!! The queue at Chanel in selfridges at Christmas! I only wanted a choker and a SLG.. I had to queue for 50 mins, only to be put on another wait list, where they send a text and you have minimal time to rush there! I then had to queue again with the other people who got their text! 3 hours’ later, I was in 😂 by this point, my partner had given up on life 😂
I feel like luxury shopping is not what it used to be because of social media. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE THE CONTENT!! So I guess I’m part of the problem lol 😂 however! There is no mystery anymore and now everyone has it all. The Chanel the Hermes it’s just everywhere. It’s not exclusive anymore and there are so many fakes out there it makes harder and harder for people that value the luxury world. Most importantly these brands are downgrading quality and increasing prices!! To be honest it makes me feel less encouraged to even go buy something new and just get something preloved that has better quality. Love you Cassie!!! You’re the best!!
no literally, social media I think has played a big part in the shift in how we perceive these brands/luxury and the overexposure has ruined the allure
Thank you for explaining this. I walked in Saks for the first time in a long while when things opened up, saw this system, and left immediately. I hadn't realized it was widespread.
I agree with everything you’ve said, I hate queuing, SA following around the stores. I’m here to maybe spend my money, I want to look freely!!! If there’s a queue then I aren’t going in that store
Thank you for posting! Its so bad, I pretty much just shop online, or if I want Chanel I just go to a department store and buy the items I want. I had an SA for years at my local boutique but he hasn't been attentive to text when I ask him questions. I also went in to get my bag polished which Chanel used to do at the boutique no problem all the time, and they flat out denied that this was possible and that they ever did that. I also asked for my purchasing history (receipts) which we all know they keep, just so I have a copy of my purchases for the past 5+ years for insurance purposes and they still haven't gotten back to me. Service in stores other than Chanel is pretty irritating with the lines, and the attitudes from SAs. I'd rather order all this online.
Off the top of my head, the first thing that comes to mind is that there are a lot of people posting Instagram stories, or Snapchat stories, or content for their social media whether or not, they plan to buy anything at all. I say this because I was in Dior and I saw two young women inside the store, “shopping” while taking selfies, mirror selfies etc, and it became quite evident to me very quickly that they weren’t really browsing at all. I are people buying luxury? Absolutely but there is a new wave of browsers/content creators.
Not only waiting in stores is what bothers me now, it’s also the “scarcity” of items, I hate chasing for bags or accessories online and in stores… Never happened before. Last month I was in NY and wanted to go check Goyard (I know you’re not a fan), people were there more than 1 hours outside while it was raining!!! Why??? Of course I left
I don't really have luxury budget but when I was in Paris last year I wanted to buy a Polene bag - the queue was insane and the shop inside didn't even look busy. It really turned me off and I just walked away. The principle is if I want to spend hundreds of pounds I don't want to queue up for the pleasure, and also feel pressured with a 1-on-1 sales person to buy something I might not love.
I was in Paris at 18, pre-Euro, and would have gone in LV, but then I saw the line/queue outside which I'd heard was running 3 hours that week. I skipped it entirely. Sports or concert tickets are the extent of my queuing and enjoying it.
This is why I love having a designated SA. I’ve already created some sort of relationship with them where they know what type of buyer I am and I usually seek out the ones that don’t pressure you to buy some thing. I’ve been successful at four fashion houses doing this. I would have to say I’m pretty much lucky because I know everyone’s experience is different but once I vibe with somebody, I’m pretty loyal to them and not waiting in queues is a bonus lol
Good video, and I agree. I absolutely refuse to stand in line to be able to spend my money anywhere else than in front of the super market cashier. They have even started this que-nonsense in Hermes. Speaking of, I bought a pair of Hermes gloves for a friend as a present. After one time out walking/shopping, in Copenhagen (it's not like it's antarctica), in calm snowy winter wonderland weather, they were completely wrinkled up and looked like a dried up kitchen rag. When she went to the store with them, she was told it was basically her fault, because they couldn't tolerate snow. A pair of 1000 US dollar calf skin gloves can't tolerate snow?! What the actual hell?!
Hermes, Coach, Burberry, & LV still has one of the best customer service I have experienced, i feel that other brands had lost its’ magic… in parallel Goyard in Madison is just ridiculous…
Tell it Sista. The whole luxury mania and the queuing at luxury retailers has turned me off. Makes people look like cattle as they oggle over "high fashion" items. Also, being from states, I've noticed a rush of queue'rs storming the doors. The SA's are ready with their catchers mitt, as people like me are pushed aside. Does not curb shoplifting/thieves as they too target those places that "everyone" wants that name: Guicci, Chanel, LV, Lululemon, etc. I'm so glad that I am over my luxury addiction. If I go into a high end store, I will go early and wait no more than 15 minutes. I am not there to beg for business. I am not against the appointment system, but for me I am very careful where I step in and my intention these days with material things.
I think Rimowa luggage is very attractive, but I really don’t understand buying a piece that isn’t going to hold up. I bought a suitcase at Costco, their own brand, a number of years ago. I particularly wanted that bag because I can pack a folded 27 inch dog crate for my travels. Although the outside is nicked up, it has held up perfectly.
The best customer service I consistently receive is at my local Newman Marcus in SF. I pop in to look around and I’m always greeted warmly even after stating, I’m just browsing. I always have so much fun in the shoe department. The last time I tried a pair of Manalo’s, the SA brought out the pair of leather pumps I picked out and a gorgeous cobalt blue suede sling back pumps I didn’t ask for. The SA was a lovely gentleman and told me to just try it on for fun. I had so much fun just prancing around the shoe department and yes, I went home with the blue suede sling backs. I told him that he is now my dedicated shoe man. If you treat me right I will always be loyal to you! I do have dedicated SA at my local LV that I love. She never pressures me to buy and keeps me focused when I’m trying to make a decision. She never tries to upswell me. I’m loyal to her, too. I feel like great service, if you’re buying or not, is a luxury in itself. Do I wait in line for a designer boutique? Absolutely not! Where’s the fun in that, especially if you just want to have a look!
Thank you for talking about this topic, Cassie. You expressed my exact toughts - they make us feel like they are doing us a favour by selling us this very expensive products!
They use this technique to see who are the people with low self worth and who will spend money just to show they can afford the items. People who have self respect won't accept the faulty items at the absurd prices. They don't want discerning customers. Having the cows in a line outside the stores already gets rid of customers who would not put up with this shix
I remember having to wait by the front door at a Gucci in NJ until an SA was assigned to us and like you said she was breathing down my neck the entire time but also not entirely helpful about the products when I did have questions. It made the luxury experience a lot more stressful especially when you can purchase these items online
Bought a Chanel WOC and the turn lock was crooked upon further inspection.. brought it to the store and was told they don’t know if they can fix it because they’re all put on by hand so pieces could be different?? WTF 🤬 SA still sent it in but I was told there were no guarantees and acted like they were doing me a favor when there’s supposed to be a 5 year warranty… still waiting for a verdict 🤨
Back in August, I was in Paris for my birthday for seven days. I went shopping and went into every single store, except Versace. Over two different days, I tried to go into the store, with no queue at all. And they denied me three times. I have no idea if they were just shortstaffed or what the problem was, but I didn’t realize Versace was so Poppin they have to screen their people with no queue.
I can't do overly "enthusiastic" shopping assistants or the stalking shopping assistants, so I just order online. Queuing is also something I would only do for food, but not as often as I would have done when I was younger.
I feel like I have been to Dior stores in multiple cities, I live in New York and the store and sales associates are nice. I have shopped in Paris, Paris airport, Florence. The SAs are so consistent and nice. Even when you buy something or not. The first purchase at Dior was such a nice experience and because it was my first more expensive bag, I went to multiple stores to see the right size and color. Everywhere the service was equally helpful. Chanel has always been a problem, you kinda have to go in there with the attitude I am here as a customer and I need to like something. Otherwise, it just doesn't work.. I have waited in Chanel for hrs, I always went with appointment, so I have waited inside the store sometime for hrs if not 30mins. Which is kind of consistent across countries lol
My husband has been saying this about Chanel for years! What’s worse is that once inside, clients are often treated poorly by SAs. It’s refreshing to see that others agree.
I totally agree with everything you’re highlighting in this video. This is actually a very important topic 👌🏽 well done Cassie your videos are always so on point.
I went to a Fendi store and was asked to wait outside (there was no que and only a couple of customers in the store) until an SA was available. No thank you. I went a different Fendi store about 30 minutes away and met a wonderful SA who was very nice and incredibly helpful.
This was brilliant!!! I completely agree! I refuse to stand outside and wait in line to spend thousands of dollars. And then once you are in the staff don't even care you are there! Christian dior being one of the worst experiences. So ridiculous
Amina hasn’t changed. I tried to give the brand a second chance and ordered a pair this year. The leather was wrinkled on one shoe around the crystals and damaged on a spot when I took them out of the box
I went into LV once wearing very casually (tshirt shorts and slippers). I had received my very first salary and coincidentally passed by a LV. I was like why not use this first salary and get my mum a branded wallet! I went into feeling pretty conscious cause I knew that I was wearing too casually and boy did the SAs made me feel even worse. Blantant ignore, judgey eyes, I was looking for a wallet but nobody approached me and it was quite hurtful, frankly. One finally did and she was pretty okay, went through some designs with me. The most epic part was that the moment I said I wanted to purchase the wallet, she immediately changed, telling me to have a seat, and then getting me a drink. Treated me as if I have blessed her (with money i suppose). It's quite bizzare and awkward and still leave a bad taste in my mouth, so many years after. 😐
If In-n-Out can provide a consistent customer experience and reliable product inventory for a $5 hamburger, LVMH can do it for $5,000 handbags. Inconsistent service is a deliberate strategy these brands use to create artificial scarcity so aspirational customers spend money on items they don’t really want. The best places to buy these brands is inside international airports (duty free & not run by the brand) and on consignment. Or avoid the snooty brands altogether and just buy quality pieces from mid range brands that sell at department stores.
Just recently I had a lay-over is Paris, decided to go to the Chanel store. I had queue on the list 20-30min, Decided to go for dinner, got the text to come back to the store, so left my dinner mate only to wait for another 15 mins before I finally had to tell the associate that I had to leave to catch my flight. Needless to say it wasn't a good experience and I was highly disappointed. Previously before Covid I had a wonderful experience at the same Chanel store. If the most Luxurious thing in the world is time, these Luxury stores need to NOT WASTE IT!
I went to Bicester Village in July and there were queues outside Dior and Gucci, even though inside the store it looked virtual empty. I was only after a card holder 😂
Last year I was in Paris and waited for almost an hour at the LV store, the only reason was because I was buying a gift for my niece who graduated from College! I’m in London now and I decided to check out the new LV items but I didn’t really care of anything at the store. The LV at Harrods had maybe 7 customers and most of them were just passing the time! Things are definitely not the way they were a year ago!
Cabbage Patch dolls used to be handmade. Fabric face, unique painted eyes, cashmire wool hair, obscenely expensive&rare, waiting list to get them. They got so popular, they started cheap mass production, the lines stretched for miles. Then they went out of style. Your "luxury label mall stores" are now in the mass production phase. Just a heads up.
I recently bought an Audi A4, a luxury vehicle. The experience was less than luxury and I felt disappointed. This is a car I have dreamt of for many years, so I went ahead with the purchase even though the sales associate's (Brand Specialist as they are called) attitude left a lot to be desired. I then received a standard follow-up email from the General Manager thanking me for my purchase and inviting me to provide any feedback on the experience. So I set up a call with her and explained the whole experience to her and expressed my disappointment. She agreed with me that my experience left a lot to be desired and committed to making it up to me. It has been a week now and I have not heard back from her. I am going to wait one more week and then decide what to do. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, happy to hear them. Thanks.
Well it might be too late now, but there is more than one Audi dealership. I'd look them up and return the car you bought. Email corporate and explain why.
I went to Dubai recently and I stopped by the Chanel store. The store was empty with maybe 2 customers, yet I was told to wait and join the line. I kindly said, "No, thank you" and kept it moving. Why? Because my time is luxury. I feel like a lot of people seem to forget that. I then purchased a bracelet at VCA with no queue and immediate customer service. Brands are nice, but I guarantee the person and their time are worth much more.
🙌🏽💖💖
Well said👏
Facts
Well said. If I have to wait in line for LV I already feel like shopping for fast fashion. I have a stressful job, no need to add to it in my free time.
Good for you, very classy move you did. Chanel in Beverly Hills is the same way, then they even don’t want to show you variety of choices. Time to get rid of SA, we don’t need them, they are so rude. That’s why I only shop Hermes online
Working as an SA for a famous luxury brand, I also find it awkward to be assigned a client that I have to follow everywhere. I therefore decided to mitigate this awkwardness by actually shopping with my client the way I shop with my friends :"What colours are you in the mood for today?", "Look at that little beauty, what do you think?", "I also have this in green at the back, would you like to take a look at it?", "This would go well with what you're wearing today, you can literally walk out the shop with it and it'll look all perfect", "How about a little Brigitte Bardot moment in your life?" and so on... Some of my peers think it's tacky because to them luxury should not be approchable, let alone friendly, but last time I checked I was #1 salesperson in the shop.
Love that! ❤
You are making it personal. That is truly luxurious.
If you did that for me, I would never shop anywhere else!
That is literally the job. I was an SA & had the same criticisms yet I was also a top seller. Luxury does not have to be an icy exchange. Good for you.
That'd be a fun experience!
I popped into Cartier in Prague a couple of years ago while I was on vacation with my mom. This was just after the pandemic and businesses were just starting to open up again. The SA took one look at my mom and I (casually dressed) and just walked the other way without even greeting us. Another gentleman quickly approached us and delivered excellent customer service. He was friendly, courteous, patient and just lovely to talk to. I ended up purchasing my love bracelet from him. You could tell he was ecstatic to be making a sale, as many folks in the customer service industry were hit particularly hard during the pandemic. The look on the other SA’s face when she saw him making the sale was priceless 😏 You could tell she choked on a big slice of humble pie. Never judge a book by its cover, kids!
That was definitely like The Pretty Woman Julia Robert’s moment! I love it!
The first guy probably spotted Americans and didn't speak English, so he asked for somebody who does speak English to service you.
@@mashakachan9213 My mom and I were speaking Spanish (we are originally from Mexico). And the SA spoke perfect English, as she was having no issues communicating with a better dressed customer 😉
@@Elizabeth26.2 , sorry to hear. But it is her loss 🤷♀️
I worked at Saks in Boston when Saks was still very high end. My best regular customer was this lady who would come straight from her morning walk looking super frumpy. The first time I saw her I greeted her pleasantly because I remembered Pretty Woman! Never tried anything on, she always bought tons of Ralph Lauren and knew her size in it. She was very old Boston money. Newbies often ignored her, but it didn’t matter, she would come straight to me and leave after dropping $$$$. We would send it home to her via her chauffeur.
I work at a high end department store that sells designer items, I work in the shoe department. Even if I think a customer isnt going to buy, I give them my best service. Because a good in-store experience could mean they'll come back and remember me when they are ready to buy. Sales associates should consider that these purchases can be hard decisions for customers and be patient with them.
You sound like an amazing sales associate! I appreciate that as a shopper. I’m always loyal to SAs like you! 😊
I wouldn’t tolerate that for one moment. If they want my ?thousand pounds they can earn it in a way that allows me to keep my self respect.
On the flip side, I feel for sales clerks who are grumpy because they have to deal with new money trash with, "I'm the customer, I pay your salary" attitudes. Great service is a two way street.
If you want exceptional service, be loyal to the people who you've had a great shopping experience with, make appointments, and buy with them. Be courteous and understanding that they may be juggling multiple customers. If you want undivided attention, ask them when a good time to stop by would be. Two on a Saturday is probably not ideal. True luxury service is about relationships, understanding, and trust. It can't be one sided.
I’ve definitely done that a couple of times by going back to friendly sales whom I didn’t buy from but who were very helpful to me.
Yes!! As a customer, I cherish these kind of salespeople! I remember them and being a loyal person, they are first on my list when I'm ready to buy!
Queuing... Begging brands to take your cash... Quality issues... NONE of that is luxury! Agree with you on the department store experience, it's all Harrods for me now, where I can roam freely! 🤩
Sellers can only do what the customer accepts. The consumer has a lot of power - the power of the purse.
True!!
Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime.
So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies.
You voted for it!!!
Yup this is on the customers
I used to be really intimidated by stores and I HAVE to thank both my mum, who always made me realise that I am the one buying and spending and the lovely people that work at my Tiffany store, always welcoming me even after school, looking like a mess. To all the people out there who are intimidated, go for it, you have the money, and if you don’t, you deserve to be treated with respect in all situations, (and you have to behave with respect in return), those things don’t make you “not good enough to buy them”, go for it.
Your Mum is right! And yes I totally agree 🙌🏽💖💖
I bought myself a pair of Versace Aevitas pointy pumps for my birthday at over 60% off online. I had it delivered on the same day, it arrived at my doorstep 6hrs from when I ordered it. That's luxury to me! Didn't need to get out of my house, drive to the shop etc. Anything that saves me social battery, time and effort is true luxury.
It works only when you know and sure your shoes size 😉
@@happypolish1True. Buying shoes online is extremely risky since there're a lot of nuances, their size, width, breathability and overall comfort. These things can be checked only physically
Here in Japan, where we have almost a "culture of queuing", boutiques such as Chanel and Hermes appear to have adopted the method of taking your mobile number and texting you whenever access becomes available, thereby avoiding the unsightly queues. It still is virtual queuing in a way but at least we can sip a coffee in the cafe nearby.
I'd take that over standing in line like it's lucky bag day at shibuya 109 lol
@@neffyg35 😄 I wouldn't mind queuing for lucky bag day at shibuya 109 lol
But why do they need your mobile number just because you enter their store?
@@yagushkaso that they can contact you once an SA is available to help you. It’s way better than standing in a line!
If I’m going to spend more than thousands on a store I’m not going to any queue exposed to rain, etc. I refuse to make myself go through that lame experience
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Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime.
So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies.
You voted for it!!!
I've done this in Paris to the point where I couldn't feel my toes by standing outside the Hermès store on a cold and drizzling day. And even with the effort of walking up early and finding the place from my hotel I didnt get any bag, so to justify my wasted time, I ended up buying a sandal, belt, and scarf. Never again will I do that unless ofc they have a sale plus discounts on all in store items 😂
This is a really important video in my opinion. We must hold these luxury brands accountable to a certain extent in regards to experience, quality issues, etc. Its not ok to demand a premium price & skimp on the special parts being the exclusivity & benefits of luxury shopping. They can’t have it both ways.
This!!!
But what is the alternative if you have 10s of people who want to be in store at the same time? You want them to increase prices so even less people can afford it?
@@a.sydney5036they should figure it out
I agree! As long as there are quality issues they don't deserve to be paid those ridiculous prices for qualities that are worse than regular brands. I have shoes that I have worn for YEARS almost on a daily basis and I have not paid a ridiculous price for just because it has a "name". Also, I would never line up for ANY store, especially not to pay thousands of dollars on top of that.
@@for833 it’s true I have shoes that I have worn For years and I have not payed a lot for them. I do notice that when I have bought luxury items they break easily and do not last at all. My luxury wallets have fallen apart like a cheap wallets, not even cause I have had cheap wallets that have lasted a very long time as opposed to the luxury ones. I won’t spend the money anymore. It’s nonsense.
Luxury for me means having the money to buy what I want from the comfort of my home after spending hours of research and browsing and having the ability to return something I don’t like when I get it in the mail. I don’t want to feel like I’m letting somebody down by not purchasing anything from them when I know that their livelihood depends on making sales. I don’t want a profile or a relationship with an SA. I just want to buy things and not worry about telling the SA “no” when they send me pictures of something they think I would like. My time and theirs is a luxury i don’t want to waste. True luxury should be enjoyable and stress-free and for me that excludes going to physical luxury stores.
🎉 this 💯
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That is your personal experience. Due to my present location, I can only shop online but I prefer the in-store experience. There I can feel the fabric, if any alternations need to be made, they can do the alterations there. Depending on the size and scope of the store, a SA can recommend pieces that might complement the look I'm going for.
I bought boots at Payless years ago for $30. The heel pads wore off after one season of wear. I hesitated, but finally brought the pair to a shoe repair man to get new heel pads (cost $14). A little traumatized by the short wear of the previous heel pads, I asked him whether what he put on would last (an offensive question now that I think about it). But he took it in strides. He assured me that they would, and added "if you never wear the boots, they will last forever". When he said it, it was funny. Reading something similar on the website of a luxury brand is less funny.
I was recently in London and I went to Bond St to the Chanel store and Dior store, and I have to say that my experience at the Dior boutique was exceptional. I went before lunch, no line, met a very nice sells associate, he gave me his business card and told me "when you come back tell them you have an appointment with me because there will be a line" sure enough I came back and the line was down the block. I told the person at the door and he let me in without any issue. If they made me stand in line in the rain, I absolutely would have not go in. I don't stand in line for nothing, to even for a drink lol, I rather be thirsty!
There’s no reason they can’t do virtual queues. They just like how the physical queues make them look popular and in demand.
I think it looks trashy.
They want to be Apple
Expecting customers to stand out in the weather is rude and disrespectful. Definitely not a luxury experience. It's like standing in a soup line, except there's a free meal at the end of that line. Thanks so much shining a light on this sad state of affairs!! Love you! 🎉🥰
Spot on!!!!!
Lol! My thoughts exactly. It’s insulting. One thing that has shocked me over the last few years is that people will tolerate pretty much anything from perceived authority. They love to follow nonsensical dictates from anyone who is “in charge”. I think our societies have been demoralized and a lot of people are lacking in the self respect department.
Everything you said on this video is spot on! I was in the market for my first Chanel this summer. I went to the Chanel store in Milan and saw a queue. I found it quite strange. It makes no sense to queue up to spend big bucks. This happened again in Monaco. Monaco of all places. I saw people queuing out at the Goyard store. I'm like I don't see how people who have this amount of money to spend are ok with queueing outside for some goods. In the end I got the bag from the Chanel store at selfridges (downstairs, because the Chanel store upstairs are not as welcoming as the one downstairs). I also didn't have to queue when I went as it was close to closing and there weren't any people in the shop. All this to say, it's absurd to queue up to spend your own money.
It doesn't matter how much it costs: if my shoes don't last a year, I'm upset
🙌🏽🙌🏽
In the uk if your shoes don’t last a year you can bring them back. evidence I brought an 8 month old pair of shoes back to a primark. They did not want to refund and disappeared for a good 15 mins. Came back with a face like thunder and coughed up my money! If Primarni can do it Chanel should cough up!
Depends on the shoes and how often you wear them.
Daily wear is about 8-13 months (that is of wearing about 8 hours a day).
You obviously have to take into account your weight, about of wear, style of shoe etc.
I’m also in the U.K.
Let's not forget that we live in a world where everyone feels entitled ... there are some def. Great point here, there's a lot of information that is missing also.
Same!! I have pairs from middle class brands that last me several years.
I don’t wait in line for luxury shopping at all, nothing says ”my time is not valuable” more than letting a business USE you as advertisement for free.
As salaries for retail staff have come down over the years in real terms, the chase for a commission, is driving some SA's into crazy stalkers. Even a simple try-on of perfume in Selfridges triggers them to pounce on you:) Very off-putting.
Omg, I hate it when I go perfume or makeup shopping and they bombard me with recommendations 🙄 like wtf do you know what I like 🙄 just let me concentrate and shop in peace
When I moved to Canada from the U.K. I ended up with complete Anxiety just going shopping for clothes when I went into stores and the SA would pounce on me before I had even had a chance to look…the amount of times I left and didn’t even look further but felt anxious was not healthy. I love just browsing and I am far happier back in the U.K. shopping being left alone and sometimes I have to find a SA for help if needed ..a much more enjoyable experience when they don’t work on commission.
I brisk walk through perfume/makeup counters in department stores. bec. if you pause for a second, they're all over you. forces me to go to Sephora instead.
I’m also in NYC. I’ve noticed some brands like Chanel and LV will deliberately make you wait outside even if there are no customers inside. I think it’s meant as a psychological trick to make it appear like it’s exclusive. However, for me it’s a turn off and I generally won’t wait anymore. I’ve been saying this for a while now that luxury is no longer luxurious. There are some rare exceptions (for example I find service at Cartier with my SA to be stellar), but they are more and more rare now. Playing the Hermes game, begging to spend money, queuing in line, paying exorbitant prices, worrying about when the next price increase will be…none of this is luxurious.
Do they do this to people with walking sticks? Like the elderly or those like me with a disability?
I can’t stand up for very long as I’m disabled so I’d be sitting on the pavement like a homeless person not the image they’d want!
In Los Angeles, we have had a slew of "smash and grab" burglaries at luxury stores. It is very unfortunate, and i feel bad for the staff who genuinely fear for their lives. So many stores have a security guard, appointments and a queue in order to control the number of people in the store at any given time. I do think this helps deter thieves who rush in as a group...smash cases, grab stuff, shove customers and dash out in their getaway car. So...i know it kinda sucks, but in places like LA/Beverly Hills...it has sadly become a necessity
since the shoes dont last they almost have to come back
Many years ago when I was a teenager (late 1970's) I was dating a young man from a very wealthy family. His mother would fly to Paris twice a year for her wardrobe. Back then she would go to Boutiques that were not open to the general public, so one truly had a luxury experience. One had to have an appointment, then at the Boutique you were the only patron. They served her champagne and since I was a young girl had my choice of beverages. So, it was almost like a 1950's movie, where one would have several SA wait on you. Of course, this was a long term customer and she spent a great deal of money there.
Emphasis on the "open to the general public". Inclusivity is the antithesis of luxury.
@@keepingitkianatural Agreed. There is a larger conversation that likely would get one cancelled on SM about the death of luxury, due to people's unwillingness to acknowledge that there are actually standards to aspire to.
@@mtngrl5859Please share I’d love to hear your opinion on this.
I feel so lucky that at the peak of my fashion consumption fever phase, luxury really was luxury and not so hyper commercialised. No UA-cam and no influencers. Pure Bliss. Now its just entertainment.
Hear Hear! Me too, those were the days :)
Totally agree. I recently got a lot of my wardrobe out of storage and I’ve been absolutely gushing over how beautiful the pieces are. You can’t find that kind of quality design and tailoring in stores these days. I have really been missing sophisticated, feminine clothing.
I deliberately bought classic, well made items that would last and I think it was actually a wise investment.
This is quite an ironic comment, commenting on a UA-cam video complaining about youtubers / influencers
@@nikkismith2858 I wasn’t complaining. I was comparing.
I’ve just come back from Las Vegas and experienced a ‘no 2 stores do the same’ approach even across the same brand. Some stores I couldn’t enter until an SA was free, others you walked in and out as normal and yet the most bizarre was the sneaky assigned SA. Walked into Gucci, started looking around when an SA came up and said she would be my SA and would follow me through the store. She was lovely but it was a little off putting. Also faced some attitude from an SA who didn’t believe they sold something I was looking for and quickly changed her tune once she found it on the brands website 😂. Best experience was Ferragamo, got the ombré little Wanda bag, wonderful SA, received a couple of lovely emails from that store. I think some brands have bought too much into their own hype and forgotten good customer service goes so much further in getting customers to go back to that specific store and brand
I live in Las Vegas and You are spot on we have 4 Chanel stores and they all have a different vibe for sure. And Gucci has a huge employee turn over. No one seems to stay for long.
I LOVE Ferragamo. They are to me a true luxury brand. They are old school and low key. They are a IYKYK brand that hasn’t been been made over done by social media.
When I walked into Hermes in Paris, although there were no queues outside, inside felt like chaos! And let’s not even talk about the cold SAs. Dior, on the other hand was amazing. They always get customer service spot on. Their SAs make the shopping experience feel so special. Luxury doesn’t feel luxurious anymore. At this point, you buy because you love the brand/product! Great video ❤
I used to work at a luxury skincare brand in the ritzy part of town full of designer stores. To see people lining up outside in the height of summer was abysmal. There’s nothing “luxurious” about sweating out half your body weight while standing in line for access to a virtually empty store. Our skincare boutique was one of the few stores in the area that had an “open door” policy, and many people would end up in our store as they waited for their appointment at [insert designer brand here]. We used that to our advantage to give walk-in customers facials on the spot and made a killing selling skincare. They would ALWAYS come back to us and loved us for simply letting them in the door freely. Fun times ❤
It’s worse at luxury outlets!!!..it’s like I am at the outlet why do I have to stand outside in line for 25mins to look at things from either last season or items that wasn’t “cool” enough to go to the main store. That is why I like department stores like Bergdorf or Neimans where I can browse n touch everything luxury without waiting and leave.
Yes!!
One of the main reasons I buy luxury (sometimes against my better judgement) is for the service, I want to be treated to a great day out. The odd lux shopping trip I take for special occasions will include lunch somewhere nice, an excitable friend and flutes upon flutes of complimentary champagne. I don't understand how people shop for luxury like it's H&M (unless they can afford to). So, waiting in line and/or having an unpleasant in-store experience is a big no-no for me. Not every item of clothing you own has to be luxury and if there's something you must have that's luxe, make a day of it when it's time to get it. It's more fun that way.
Love that!
May I ask where you find it most pleasant to buy?
I love a shop and lunch day.
I agree about the employees breathing down your neck and don't allow you to just walk around and look without being followed around. I love to shop and look around, it's my alone time and one of the ways I decompress. If I'm being followed I feel rushed and I want to get out asap. Plus if there's a line you feel rushed to hurry for the sake of the people in line you don't feel like you can just casually browse slowly and leisurely.
I know this is all because shoplifting is at an all time high which has ruined shopping 😭
Exactly I like to take my time and the pressure and rush that sometimes comes along with being assigned someone can really determine your experience!
I feel the same! I used to wander around the Prada store to leisurely gaze and smell the lovely aroma of the freshly vacuumed carpet with the Infusion de Iris scent wafting through. Now, I’m usually alone in the store with a guard staring at me while my SA goes to the store room. It’s very uncomfortable and unpleasant. I don’t feel like I can soak in the luxury environment. I didn’t know this was a thing until a year ago. A year and half ago on another occasion, I peeked into the Prada store (not looking to buy) and a SA (not mine lol) sweetly recognized me and unlocked the doors. I was surprised the doors were locked for anyone in the first place.People deserve the chance to walk in and out an admire. Stupid shoplifters ruined it for law abiding citizens who want to savor and browse without pressure.
@@CRFSUIGENERIS yes!! I love the experience of walking around with my coffee to decompress and take in the store, the smells and the environment and that sets me up to shop and most likely buy something!
@@CassieThorpe yes!! As soon as I feel pressure and rushed I need to leave. I go shopping to not feel those things 😂
@@radiantmasterpiece5649 I agree! :) More likely to buy something after leisurely taking in the environment. At least we experienced it... Memories! Have a great weekend! ;)
Hi Cassie! My daughter in-law and I where at an outlet mall in Canada and Burberry, there was no one in line but us, no one shopping in the store, middle of summer, so hot, and the woman looked us up and down and said we would have to wait a 1/2 hour to enter the store!!😟 We were in "comfortable" outfits, but I guess we weren't suitable for them. Needless to say we didn't wait, and went and spent our money elsewhere where we weren't judged! It was just Burberry for heaven's sake!!! I just don't know what is happening in today's world!!!!💕☺️🇨🇦
I had a luxurious experience at LV when I bought my first bag in 2017. The SA was so sweet…brought us espressos and bottled water and took her time with the sale. Afterwards, I received a beautifully handwritten note from her in the mail. A more recent experience was shameful. The SA told me they didn’t have any boxes…they did, and she could’ve cared less if I had questions. It seemed like I was bothering her even though the store was virtually empty. I want my luxurious experience back!! ❤👜
For anyone wondering about her LOVELY jumper/cardi it's - DEREK LAM 10 CROSBY The Ramona Double Layered Spread Collar Cardigan. I hunted it down and snagged one because it looked so fabulous on Ca$$ie. Love the video as always. Stay fabulous dolls!
Thank you, I was indeed wondering about that!! ❤
Nailing it and bringing home all the points as usual! I refuse to queue to access a luxury store, it simply defeats the purpose. The only place where I get the luxury experience is at Dior, always a pleasure, with no games, and weird tactics. I often feel a bit puff off by the most recognizable luxury items because of the fakes and dupes, and because of flex culture (which is making many luxury goods start looking “basic”.) Perhaps this thought makes me a snob, but why to spend lots of money on an item that is often counterfeited? Lately, I've been searching for new brands, for more unique items that feel slightly more personal and less overexposed.
I understand where you’re coming from! I’ve also been paying more attention to smaller brands 💖
That lining up stuff and needing to have an appointment, at some luxury boutiques, is for the birds. Being from the generation that I'm from as I'm in my 60s, I never had to go through such over all of the decades that I have done luxury shopping, not even during my annual extended vacation summers and spring times to Paris and other European cities.
As for all of the lining up these days, my definition of luxury shopping is not standing in line and feeling like a combination of Black Friday and Disneyland in July. Not for me, at all. I have never even done Black Friday, but I have lined up for Mickey and since a very tiny tot at Disneyland starting in 1958, three years after its opening. My boy Mickey gets a pass, luxury companies don't.
Greetings from Los Angeles
There is no way I will be waiting in line! Chanel lost me as a client because of it. Fendi and YSL are the only stores I shop at right now as they just open the freaking door right away.
What a fabulous video! I completely agree, luxury shopping is not a 'luxurious' experience at all. Last year I got a msg that the Chanel bag I was on the waitlist for is now in store and that I can come and collect it the same day. Reached the store and had to wait in queue for three hours when all I had to do was just pay and be out with the bag in two minutes!!!!
Recently I also had to queue outside Tiffany to collect a ring I had given for repair. Just could not understand why they wouldn't simply hand me the ring and let me go. It's getting more and more ridiculous.
Very well said, Cassie 👏 Forcing your potential customers to wait in lines is the exact opposite of valuing the customer's time and time is so valuable. I think these brands need to be reminded that making people wait in line does not equal exclusivity. It makes people feel their time is not valued and reminds one of the uncomfortable lines for TSA which is the antithesis of a luxury experience.
"Forcing your potential customers to wait in lines is the exact opposite of valuing the customer's time and time is so valuable." That is the point, for the vast majority of customers they don't care about or value them. Even during COVID certain people never waited in line. They reward big spenders and barely consider one off or seldom purchasers.
Also, I have noticed that the customer service is much better at preloved shops. I think that already says a lot. This is such a great video , I'm here for it! Brands pay attention!
🙌🏽💖💖
The second hand shops I've gone to in my area give me stink eye when I'm looking at bags . Idk why I'm gentle and respectful of the products and ask politely for the back that's under lock and key.
Yes it spoiled my experience with Goyard last year Christmas. I went to London with intention to buy a bag from Goyard, after 1 hour I was taking by a shop assistant to a very small dark corner inside the shop, with no opportunity to look around, I asked for one handbag and he showed it to me, but I felt like I was only pushed to buy that one without looking around, and I decided not to as experience would be terrible, so for example I thought every time I use this bag, that would remind me that, so I decided not to buy.
Gosh I can imagine exactly what that was like and good for you for not feeling pressured to buy!
With regards to the “assigned SA” , I think the hesitation is a British thing where we have slightly less of a service culture. I experienced this for the first time when my husband lived in Singapore 10 years ago. I went shopping for the afternoon and experienced the allocated SA constantly following me and jumping on me the minute I stopped at anything on all the stores. I remember going home and moaning that I had felt like a suspected shop lifter all afternoon as “they kept following me around!” . He explained that no, this was how it was done in Asia and it wasn’t me! Over the years , I then realised it was there, all over Asia and the US, that this was common and I just had to accept it which I duly did begrudgingly when I travelled . I was so glad though they didn’t do it in the UK as like you , I really hate it and just want to be left to browse and will shout (and happily wait) if I then need assistance! Ever since Covid though in the UK the luxury stores have slipped into it (for obvious reasons at the time) and just fallen into this standardised approach of full out service and never reverted back. I miss the old UK approach of “service be damned , you’ll survive !”😉😂
I am so glad that I am not the only one who thinks this way. because I definitely think it does not look luxurious at all to be standing outside to purchase a $10,000 purse. Makes you lose That special feeling of feeling special ❤
Regarding shoe longevity, it’s important to not wear them on consecutive days. The uppers will absorb sweat as you wear them and it’s important to let them dry out. Ideally, use a cedar shoe tree which will wick the moisture from the leather allowing them to dry quicker.
The shoe tree may not apply as much to women’s shoes, but the leather needs time to dry out. This has been a good approach for me with my hand crafted/goodyear welted shoes. My oldest pairs that are still in rotation are 9 years old.
The thing is, in my experince as an SA for a luxury brand, 90% of the time people who say they are browsers have questions or are looking for something, or ideas or just wanna see something nice. We are just trying to help, and its really boring to just stand around a customer thats just browsing and expect us to keep smiling. I get so many 'browsers' who complain about not getting service when theyve shut me off from the beginning by starting with 'im just browsing'. Its a two way streak, if you dont let me engage with you, then I cant give you the service you deserve.
I am SA as well!! And yeah i could relate to this one.. sometime some customers wants a quality service but it is themselves who didn’t really want to be engaged with SA, in this case always SA fault hei 😅.
Your job as an SA is it be available and yes, keep smiling. That is what you get paid to do. The customer doesn’t owe you anything other than politeness and normal human respect, so if they want to look by themselves and browse, let them.
@@s.a.4358 thats absolutely fine. We do absolutely keep smiling even though we let them browse. But browsers cant cant complain that we didnt give them service, because they simply didnt let us.
I once walked into a Hermes store in Bellevue Washington with my baby, and i met with an SA . She asked me what was i looking for... no greeting, no welcoming and looked at my baby all weird too. I told her i was looking at bags and she immediately said we dont have any on display, and if you want to see them you need to book an appointment. She stood in my way making sure i dont keep exploring the store. I later on heard her telling her colleague that she doesnt like black people. I am from the Middle East, im not even black. I just have a darker tone. I never again stepped into the store again. Went and got myself a wonderful watch from omega instead.
Cassie, thank you for pointing out the ridiculousness of queing.... but what's even more insulting is that it's willingly and gladly accepted....where is the buyer's self respect here? 😮
Liberal centers, elite global cities have become centers of crime.
So queues are done to protect companies since liberal governments don’t protect citizens or companies.
You voted for it!!!
I am SA who works for luxury brand. Due to limited SA working in the boutique to serve each client therefore queue is made. Luxury shopping isn’t like fast retail which you could try on your own, it is exclusivity service which made the customer more special, and there was a case where customer are allowed to come in without SA and the floor suddenly become full and it is hard to control the shop floor item and once it lost, it cost thousands dollars.
@@rints886excuses.
I just did my first luxury shopping trip in Las Vegas, so I don’t know I had a “real” luxury experience, but I thought it was so dull. Like I know that we’re all into this minimalist trend but I would’ve thought they would want plenty of eye catching pieces and things on the shelves but it was so barren. Like I went to LV and they had no neverfulls on display, all sizes above 0 were in the back so you couldn’t even do the thing of holding it up to yourself. And it’s super intimidating to ask the assistants bc they’re already working on you before you can even decide whether you’re going to buy anything. They didn’t have any costume jewelry or cheaper pieces for you to look at, prolly bc they don’t want us poors coming in for a tiny piece that’s $300. You’d think they’d at least present their unique seasonal stuff somewhere but no. For me, I’d rather shop at Target or Discovery any day of the week.
You wanted to go luxury shopping.. but are upset that the luxury stores didn't have costume jewelry..?_?
@@anaerobic they sell it, so yeah. See I’m not a condescending snob that probably spits on poor people like you, so for me spending a few hundred dollars on something like LV hoops or a Gucci belt, is luxury shopping. So thanks for making me feel like a stupid poor person.
@@anaerobic I also just want to say, if my assumption that your bourgeois pig is incorrect, you are An even sadder person than I thought. I’d suggest to you there are better uses for your time than making snide comments about a lower middle class persons opinion about luxury shopping.
Chanel does costume jewellery and is well known for their costume Chanel No 5 necklaces
When I worked in retail they literally forced us to be all up in customer’s business and basically learn their entire life’s story, no matter the body language. I had to quit because I as a customer HATE that. I couldn’t do it to others. It’s very clear when customers want service and when they don’t, but the owners don’t care 😪
I had one recent experience where I was assigned someone, I was so uncomfortable, I felt like I was identified as someome who was going to shoplift and I bought something just to prove to this awful man that I could afford to be there. NEVER AGAIN on every level
Usually that there tecnique to male you feel that way..... so you buy
It worked!
Retail theft is way up this year.
@@ladyeowyn42 Not an excuse to treat customers poorly.
They’ve been doing that to people of colour for decades.
Luxury is over. Its mass produced crap at elevated prices, i am not queueing for that.
This episode spoke to my soul! You're definitely in your journalist bag with this one. I refuse to queue anymore (I did it once around Christmas when it made sense) but it's off-putting and feels low brow. The Chanel on Prince Street is the worst I've seen but the fact that the Gucci Outlet in Orlando had a 2-3 hour long queue truly blew me away. I made my first Prada purchase that day bc they had no queue and I had a flight to catch. On the flip side, I had a great SA experience in Atlanta the other day that actually restored my faith in luxury shopping. Accidentally texted a Gucci SA pics of a Chanel Sneaker ☠. She sent it to a SA she knows at Saks and let me know they had it. Saks SA calls and says he's holding a couple colorways in my size and I went right up there and picked it up. Flawless from end to end. Gucci SA even double backed to see if it all went well. 10/10 🎉
Great points! These were my exact thoughts when I see people having to queue for “luxury items”. Why is it that only the “VIPS” aka influencers and extremely well to do get that favoritism where they do not need to get in line? Get rid of VIP treatment bc to be honest, it seems that being on your phone and scrolling endlessly while at the comfort of your home, bed or chair while having your own privacy is more luxurious than having to be in a ridiculously long line .
Regarding the „don’t wear the shoes multiple days in a row” thing. This is true for full leather shoes. They soak up sweat and water and not wearing them everyday allows them to dry wich protects the leather, helps them to keep their shape and actually prolongs their life.
Loved this topic, Cassie. In 2012, I was in Galleries Lafayette, and noticed cues for the expensive brands, aka Gucci, LV, Chanel, and the quality of service provided. People tended to line up in the line, and each had a personal assistant. It was above my price range, but I enjoyed looking at the store and clientele thinking, "that would be a wonderful shopping experience!" Fast forward 10+ years. Now every luxury store has cues. Sometimes the cues are in service, sometimes not. And customer service? I just watched a UA-cam bloggers fest in London where 8-10 youtubers got together. Some reported highly rude sales personnel in Hermes (Paris) and Loewe (Bond Street) noting the SA didn't appear interested in the VIP or called them "large." Excuse me? Luxurious? Absolutely NOT in those circumstances. But there are other SAs who are absolutely MARVELOUS! Perhaps luxury needs to be modeled after some London resale boutiques. Make an appointment online noting your preferences, and we will meet you at the door to welcome you into the boutique first showcasing your requests. Luxury. The old way. ???? May cut down on heists as well. ?
I absolutely agree with all your points👍🏻(refused already 20 years ago to even set my name on a list to get maybe one year later a ridiculous expensive heritage brand bag, went in a different store out of season in a ski resort, and was able to get rid of a ridiculous amount of money immediately & carried my wish home😊 ) except one: you can’t , or better shouldn’t, ever wear the same shoe every day. Doesn’t matter what quality (and I agree on poor quality with a lot of designer shoes; unfortunately a big thing at Prada for the last 10 years) it is , handcrafted or not. A shoe has to dry completely out before to be worn again. Means you can wear it around every 3 days.
I went to Bulgari on new Bond Street last month to just try on bags and the customer service was top notch, didn’t feel any pressure and ended up walking out with a little goody and had a great time and it just makes me think that I would love to shop with them again and would make a point to go back into store next time I’m in that part of town. Giving good customer service whether it is to a one time transaction or regular customer goes so far because that single transaction may turn into a repeat purchaser/buyer 🤷🏻♀️ I don’t think sometimes that luxury companies remember that and they wonder why sales drop and we look to other brands for what they should be giving us as customers.
Luxury accessories should be something that can be repaired down the road by the brand as a testament of the value and heritage, just like a luxury car.
I find as long and you buy the item in a boutique and have a record within their system: Goyard, FENDI, Hermes and Cartier have the best aftercare repair service ( with a fee ) . LV is hit or miss maybe because they have so many customers, Dior and Chanel are the worst and basically does nothing after being shipped away for 6 month. Lastly Givenchy & Celine have very limited repair capability.
There was this one time my mother and I waited 2 hours in line at Chanel in Paris for them to tell us they don’t have the shoes she wants in stock. I don’t understand why the greeter can’t provide that information upfront so they can shorten the line!!
Maybe they think after waiting that long you will still buy something even if they don't have what you planned to get.
They are trained to be sadists!!! BALENCIAGA anyone?
The greeter doesn't know what is in stock in what size and doesn't have ability to ask. Literally not allowed to inquire, store policy.
Everything you said here is spot on TRUE!! I only occasionally ever purchase luxury items (a few bags and jewelry pieces) and only in-store and in person, never online. If the experience is not luxurious in the manner you speak of… no standing in line to enter the hallowed halls of luxury 🤨, being allowed to browse a bit without pressure to immediately make up my mind and hand over my credit card, staff exhibiting friendly and courteous service, then I will walk right back out and if possible, purchase elsewhere. I’ve had the very best service and luxury experiences at the Bulgari store in NYC and at Tiffany & Co directly across the street. And those experiences add to my enjoyment of those few and far-between luxury purchases.
I spent 2hrs queuing at Goyard St Honore Paris while it was raining. When I got in, I got 2 St Louis. The next day, I went again, same queue, I wanted to get 2 Artois but they said the rule was 1 item per person per day so I had to go back tomorrow for the other one. I was like, “I got 2 yesterday” manager said it was a mistake. I said they were changing the rules on the spot. I felt belittled because I was clarifying and manager says, “you are asking the same questions, those are the rules. Why can’t you understand that?” 🙄🙄 There is also a 5 item purchase limit a year, you can buy maximum 2 of the same bags but they have to be different colors. UGH!!! It was tiring and frustrating. I spent €2700 and can spend more but they are making it so difficult.
Excellent video! Totally agree on queues. As noted in other comments, some stores seem to create queues just
for the sake of doing it. I live in the US and I need to give a shout out to YSL for their beyond excellent customer service. I had a small issue with a hand bag, 4 months after purchase, and they immediately said pick another bag, no arguing or anything. I had the complete opposite experience at LV. I have since bought and recommended YSL and not bought or recommended a LV product since. There are many options among luxury name brands that want our money. Customer service should be a major factor in a purchase.
I don’t understand all this- A- post pandemic store staff should be grateful there are people that go inside shops and not online as most did in the pandemic.
B If you can afford Dior then you can probably afford competitors like Chanel, etc so rude sales people are actually advertising and encouraging people to shop at their competition instead.
It started during Covid when they had to limit the number of people in the store. Shame it seems to have stuck as a habit. We wanted a tie for a wedding and went to Hermes but there was an hour wait for their managed queue. So we went round the corner to Zegna and bought a tie and several other items.
Hard agree Cassie. I've started paying more attention to newer, younger luxury brands that are more fun and creative; Brandon Maxwell, 16Arlington, Laquan Smith etc
Finally somebody said it! Had the same experience at Cartier. I get these type of things online just so I don’t have to go to the store because you can just not walk in anymore, you need to queue or make an appointment regardless of you want to browser or just pick up an order.
honestly so true about everything you pointed out. When you have to start to wonder if the luxury product you bought is even a good quality, says a lot. Seems like it's happening more often.
And the SAs have daily/weekly/monthly quotas they are expected to meet regardless of the elements or how the customers feels (unfortunately) and they get forced by the establishments to follow the clients and even almost force them to leave with a purchase. It is a business at the end of the day.
I will never stand in line to spend thousands of dollars. 15-20 years ago you never had to stand in line, so no way am i waiting to spend my hard work or inherited money. No thank you, they should be holding the door for me to enter, not me waiting on them. Thanks for sharing Cassie. They are already wealthy, don't care.
Urgh!!! The queue at Chanel in selfridges at Christmas! I only wanted a choker and a SLG.. I had to queue for 50 mins, only to be put on another wait list, where they send a text and you have minimal time to rush there! I then had to queue again with the other people who got their text! 3 hours’ later, I was in 😂 by this point, my partner had given up on life 😂
I feel like luxury shopping is not what it used to be because of social media. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE THE CONTENT!! So I guess I’m part of the problem lol 😂 however! There is no mystery anymore and now everyone has it all. The Chanel the Hermes it’s just everywhere. It’s not exclusive anymore and there are so many fakes out there it makes harder and harder for people that value the luxury world. Most importantly these brands are downgrading quality and increasing prices!! To be honest it makes me feel less encouraged to even go buy something new and just get something preloved that has better quality. Love you Cassie!!! You’re the best!!
I totally understand!! 💖💖
no literally, social media I think has played a big part in the shift in how we perceive these brands/luxury and the overexposure has ruined the allure
@@charlottecosentino139 exactly!!! When I think of luxury I think of quality and being exclusive. Both of those are mostly gone now 😔
Thank you for explaining this. I walked in Saks for the first time in a long while when things opened up, saw this system, and left immediately. I hadn't realized it was widespread.
I agree with everything you’ve said, I hate queuing, SA following around the stores. I’m here to maybe spend my money, I want to look freely!!! If there’s a queue then I aren’t going in that store
Thank you for posting! Its so bad, I pretty much just shop online, or if I want Chanel I just go to a department store and buy the items I want. I had an SA for years at my local boutique but he hasn't been attentive to text when I ask him questions. I also went in to get my bag polished which Chanel used to do at the boutique no problem all the time, and they flat out denied that this was possible and that they ever did that. I also asked for my purchasing history (receipts) which we all know they keep, just so I have a copy of my purchases for the past 5+ years for insurance purposes and they still haven't gotten back to me. Service in stores other than Chanel is pretty irritating with the lines, and the attitudes from SAs. I'd rather order all this online.
You know it's going to be a best best weekend whenever Cassie posts💕💕💫and I really really love your nails so so much
Thank you so much 🙈💖
Off the top of my head, the first thing that comes to mind is that there are a lot of people posting Instagram stories, or Snapchat stories, or content for their social media whether or not, they plan to buy anything at all. I say this because I was in Dior and I saw two young women inside the store, “shopping” while taking selfies, mirror selfies etc, and it became quite evident to me very quickly that they weren’t really browsing at all. I are people buying luxury? Absolutely but there is a new wave of browsers/content creators.
Not only waiting in stores is what bothers me now, it’s also the “scarcity” of items, I hate chasing for bags or accessories online and in stores… Never happened before. Last month I was in NY and wanted to go check Goyard (I know you’re not a fan), people were there more than 1 hours outside while it was raining!!! Why??? Of course I left
I don't really have luxury budget but when I was in Paris last year I wanted to buy a Polene bag - the queue was insane and the shop inside didn't even look busy. It really turned me off and I just walked away. The principle is if I want to spend hundreds of pounds I don't want to queue up for the pleasure, and also feel pressured with a 1-on-1 sales person to buy something I might not love.
I was in Paris at 18, pre-Euro, and would have gone in LV, but then I saw the line/queue outside which I'd heard was running 3 hours that week. I skipped it entirely. Sports or concert tickets are the extent of my queuing and enjoying it.
This is why I love having a designated SA. I’ve already created some sort of relationship with them where they know what type of buyer I am and I usually seek out the ones that don’t pressure you to buy some thing. I’ve been successful at four fashion houses doing this. I would have to say I’m pretty much lucky because I know everyone’s experience is different but once I vibe with somebody, I’m pretty loyal to them and not waiting in queues is a bonus lol
Good video, and I agree. I absolutely refuse to stand in line to be able to spend my money anywhere else than in front of the super market cashier. They have even started this que-nonsense in Hermes. Speaking of, I bought a pair of Hermes gloves for a friend as a present. After one time out walking/shopping, in Copenhagen (it's not like it's antarctica), in calm snowy winter wonderland weather, they were completely wrinkled up and looked like a dried up kitchen rag. When she went to the store with them, she was told it was basically her fault, because they couldn't tolerate snow. A pair of 1000 US dollar calf skin gloves can't tolerate snow?! What the actual hell?!
Hermes, Coach, Burberry, & LV still has one of the best customer service I have experienced, i feel that other brands had lost its’ magic… in parallel Goyard in Madison is just ridiculous…
Tell it Sista. The whole luxury mania and the queuing at luxury retailers has turned me off. Makes people look like cattle as they oggle over "high fashion" items. Also, being from states, I've noticed a rush of queue'rs storming the doors. The SA's are ready with their catchers mitt, as people like me are pushed aside. Does not curb shoplifting/thieves as they too target those places that "everyone" wants that name: Guicci, Chanel, LV, Lululemon, etc. I'm so glad that I am over my luxury addiction. If I go into a high end store, I will go early and wait no more than 15 minutes. I am not there to beg for business. I am not against the appointment system, but for me I am very careful where I step in and my intention these days with material things.
I think Rimowa luggage is very attractive, but I really don’t understand buying a piece that isn’t going to hold up.
I bought a suitcase at Costco, their own brand, a number of years ago. I particularly wanted that bag because I can pack a folded 27 inch dog crate for my travels. Although the outside is nicked up, it has held up perfectly.
The best customer service I consistently receive is at my local Newman Marcus in SF. I pop in to look around and I’m always greeted warmly even after stating, I’m just browsing. I always have so much fun in the shoe department. The last time I tried a pair of Manalo’s, the SA brought out the pair of leather pumps I picked out and a gorgeous cobalt blue suede sling back pumps I didn’t ask for. The SA was a lovely gentleman and told me to just try it on for fun. I had so much fun just prancing around the shoe department and yes, I went home with the blue suede sling backs. I told him that he is now my dedicated shoe man. If you treat me right I will always be loyal to you! I do have dedicated SA at my local LV that I love. She never pressures me to buy and keeps me focused when I’m trying to make a decision. She never tries to upswell me. I’m loyal to her, too. I feel like great service, if you’re buying or not, is a luxury in itself.
Do I wait in line for a designer boutique? Absolutely not! Where’s the fun in that, especially if you just want to have a look!
Thank you for talking about this topic, Cassie. You expressed my exact toughts - they make us feel like they are doing us a favour by selling us this very expensive products!
They use this technique to see who are the people with low self worth and who will spend money just to show they can afford the items. People who have self respect won't accept the faulty items at the absurd prices. They don't want discerning customers. Having the cows in a line outside the stores already gets rid of customers who would not put up with this shix
I remember having to wait by the front door at a Gucci in NJ until an SA was assigned to us and like you said she was breathing down my neck the entire time but also not entirely helpful about the products when I did have questions. It made the luxury experience a lot more stressful especially when you can purchase these items online
Bought a Chanel WOC and the turn lock was crooked upon further inspection.. brought it to the store and was told they don’t know if they can fix it because they’re all put on by hand so pieces could be different?? WTF 🤬 SA still sent it in but I was told there were no guarantees and acted like they were doing me a favor when there’s supposed to be a 5 year warranty… still waiting for a verdict 🤨
Back in August, I was in Paris for my birthday for seven days. I went shopping and went into every single store, except Versace. Over two different days, I tried to go into the store, with no queue at all. And they denied me three times. I have no idea if they were just shortstaffed or what the problem was, but I didn’t realize Versace was so Poppin they have to screen their people with no queue.
I can't do overly "enthusiastic" shopping assistants or the stalking shopping assistants, so I just order online. Queuing is also something I would only do for food, but not as often as I would have done when I was younger.
I feel like I have been to Dior stores in multiple cities, I live in New York and the store and sales associates are nice. I have shopped in Paris, Paris airport, Florence. The SAs are so consistent and nice. Even when you buy something or not. The first purchase at Dior was such a nice experience and because it was my first more expensive bag, I went to multiple stores to see the right size and color. Everywhere the service was equally helpful. Chanel has always been a problem, you kinda have to go in there with the attitude I am here as a customer and I need to like something. Otherwise, it just doesn't work.. I have waited in Chanel for hrs, I always went with appointment, so I have waited inside the store sometime for hrs if not 30mins. Which is kind of consistent across countries lol
My husband has been saying this about Chanel for years! What’s worse is that once inside, clients are often treated poorly by SAs. It’s refreshing to see that others agree.
I totally agree with everything you’re highlighting in this video. This is actually a very important topic 👌🏽 well done Cassie your videos are always so on point.
I went to a Fendi store and was asked to wait outside (there was no que and only a couple of customers in the store) until an SA was available. No thank you. I went a different Fendi store about 30 minutes away and met a wonderful SA who was very nice and incredibly helpful.
This was brilliant!!! I completely agree! I refuse to stand outside and wait in line to spend thousands of dollars. And then once you are in the staff don't even care you are there! Christian dior being one of the worst experiences. So ridiculous
Amina hasn’t changed. I tried to give the brand a second chance and ordered a pair this year. The leather was wrinkled on one shoe around the crystals and damaged on a spot when I took them out of the box
I went into LV once wearing very casually (tshirt shorts and slippers). I had received my very first salary and coincidentally passed by a LV. I was like why not use this first salary and get my mum a branded wallet!
I went into feeling pretty conscious cause I knew that I was wearing too casually and boy did the SAs made me feel even worse. Blantant ignore, judgey eyes, I was looking for a wallet but nobody approached me and it was quite hurtful, frankly. One finally did and she was pretty okay, went through some designs with me.
The most epic part was that the moment I said I wanted to purchase the wallet, she immediately changed, telling me to have a seat, and then getting me a drink. Treated me as if I have blessed her (with money i suppose).
It's quite bizzare and awkward and still leave a bad taste in my mouth, so many years after. 😐
If In-n-Out can provide a consistent customer experience and reliable product inventory for a $5 hamburger, LVMH can do it for $5,000 handbags. Inconsistent service is a deliberate strategy these brands use to create artificial scarcity so aspirational customers spend money on items they don’t really want. The best places to buy these brands is inside international airports (duty free & not run by the brand) and on consignment. Or avoid the snooty brands altogether and just buy quality pieces from mid range brands that sell at department stores.
Just recently I had a lay-over is Paris, decided to go to the Chanel store. I had queue on the list 20-30min, Decided to go for dinner, got the text to come back to the store, so left my dinner mate only to wait for another 15 mins before I finally had to tell the associate that I had to leave to catch my flight. Needless to say it wasn't a good experience and I was highly disappointed. Previously before Covid I had a wonderful experience at the same Chanel store. If the most Luxurious thing in the world is time, these Luxury stores need to NOT WASTE IT!
I went to Bicester Village in July and there were queues outside Dior and Gucci, even though inside the store it looked virtual empty. I was only after a card holder 😂
Last year I was in Paris and waited for almost an hour at the LV store, the only reason was because I was buying a gift for my niece who graduated from College! I’m in London now and I decided to check out the new LV items but I didn’t really care of anything at the store. The LV at Harrods had maybe 7 customers and most of them were just passing the time! Things are definitely not the way they were a year ago!
Cabbage Patch dolls used to be handmade. Fabric face, unique painted eyes, cashmire wool hair, obscenely expensive&rare, waiting list to get them. They got so popular, they started cheap mass production, the lines stretched for miles. Then they went out of style. Your "luxury label mall stores" are now in the mass production phase. Just a heads up.
I recently bought an Audi A4, a luxury vehicle. The experience was less than luxury and I felt disappointed. This is a car I have dreamt of for many years, so I went ahead with the purchase even though the sales associate's (Brand Specialist as they are called) attitude left a lot to be desired. I then received a standard follow-up email from the General Manager thanking me for my purchase and inviting me to provide any feedback on the experience. So I set up a call with her and explained the whole experience to her and expressed my disappointment. She agreed with me that my experience left a lot to be desired and committed to making it up to me. It has been a week now and I have not heard back from her. I am going to wait one more week and then decide what to do. If anyone has any thoughts or suggestions, happy to hear them. Thanks.
Well it might be too late now, but there is more than one Audi dealership. I'd look them up and return the car you bought. Email corporate and explain why.