Have you ever felt any of these culture shocks when shopping in luxury stores before? It sure was a learning curve for me! Watch next, 7 BEST & WORST Designer Bags To Buy in 2024 👉 ua-cam.com/video/EnlneKZMNpg/v-deo.html
@@shannonhutchinson4084 This. I walked into an Omega boutique and was treated like a king. Rolex makes some nice watches (and some ugly ones, in my opinion) but they're not getting my business until the hype winds down A LOT.
Here's a fact I know when I visit Bali: they price it higher for foreigners and domestic tourists, but lower for locals (usually tourist spots), so I usually go in*preluxz* Go shopping.
@@Handbagholic in the video I saw the bouncer (and yes they look like bouncers) man handle a customer who was next in line ?!?! That’s not on , it’s not a teenieboppers concert or a nightclub. Hmmm online or when no one is there or as Steph says make an appointment. But please people, if you do have that money , demand the respect that should come with it. Thanx everyone 😀
The luxury shopping has become so stressful! Why would I want to be stressed about spending my hard earned money! All these inconveniences makes me not buy anything and good for my savings!
I did queue on chanel launch day once, but never again! We literally had a homeless person came to us and asked “ what’s for free?” , and someone else was wondering “is there a big sale going on? “ I’d rather lose the bag I wanted than doing that again 😂😂😂
I have been given the attitude especially at Chanel stores at airports. They profile you based on how you’re dressed and who travels like you’re ready for the red carpet /ramp? Rude service and I ended up buying a bag just to prove them a point ( and I was eyeing that bag for a while) and then gave the sales associate some constructive feedback.
@@renusharma1332 i actually find gucci the worst. My mum and I were in Milan a few months ago and we weren't dressed particularly chiq and also left our designer bags in the hotel that day because we didn't expect to be shopping luxury stores that day. But we ended up doing that (i was just in a midi skirt, croptop and sneakers) and we first went into gucci and got treated so rude even though I did have intentions to buy, they wouldn't even assign us an SA even though they weren't busy.
I am a black woman from London and I have to say that over the years to present day, my luxury shopping experience has been fantastic. I’ve shopped regularly in Chanel, LV & Gucci and staff have been amazing. I am always offered drinks and a seat. I often bring my 9 year old daughter with me and they love her. The last time that I went to LV they asked her if she wanted to try the Alma bb. She tried it on 😅 Back in the day Gucci gave my daughter a free Disney / Gucci colab gift with a unique dust bag. The only shock that I’ve been having is the terrible quality of the bags that I’m buying - so far 5 returns this year 😭
It’s great to hear you’ve had some great experiences in store! So cute your daughter tried and alma on, she’s one of us clearly. Haha. Which bags did you return due to the quality if you don’t mind sharing?
Thank you x I had quality issues with the following, LV Alma bb - leather on the handles were badly creased, the LV PM EW in emperinte - flap was wonky, the LV emperinte neverfull- the zip on the internal pouch was broken, the LV Ivy WOC, canvas was split on both sides. Lastly the Gucci Matelasse shoulder bag in black leather where the emperinte was flattened and very dull looking. On the other hand I will say that I have recently purchased the LV OTG EW in black leather emperinte * chef’s kiss - That bag is amazing!
I was surprised to walk-in a Hermes store and be asked by a sales associate if I was okay to “pre-spend” items in order to score a bag - I could buy anything from the store, except shoes, and it would go on my record. I counted at least 8 glass shelves/drawers that had bags and SLGs on display that were NOT FOR SALE. I was simply turned off - the experience took out the therapy part of retail therapy for me. I told the sales associate that I was surprised this type of selling was still being implemented when I was recently at a Hermes store in another country and was immediately offered a bag. What’s the update on the Hermes lawsuit regarding the pre-spend? Haven’t updated myself on this lately.
Yeah some of their stock is made for the outlet, I went recently to Bicester and did see lots of stock that was made for store, not outlet. It just depends each time you go what you might find
I have experienced the private rooms, being invited to events, been offered drinks and snacks while shopping. I do text with my sales associates and it becomes more of a friendship as time goes on. I have never been denied entry into a store, but I have seen it happen while I was in the store to others.
Thank you for explaining that a sales associate will follow you for assistance. As a Black woman in America you get followed all the time in stores and its not for assistance. Now I can be a little relaxed when in high end stores.
@kittykattastegood: I also found that if the sales associate is also a minority, the experience will be totally different in a good way. I would not let your guard down just yet, racial profiling is still very real in America. Especially when you see it.
The queue is for the safety and security of the customers and the staff. Smash and grabs are not a new phenomenon and access is a contributing factor. The queue when you do get in will allow for a better customer service experience with the undivided attention of a client advisor. No judgment but a browser will not benefit from that experience. As someone who works in luxury this video is great.
I love this and yes if you have a relationship with the Sales Staff then they are really great with keeping you up to date with all the newest stuff and also the Sales. The Gucci store in Taikooli Beijing had a seperate room for sale items and the only way you would know was from the Sales Assistant. It was great as the SA shared what was coming up etc. Its a really nice experience.
Excellent video! I won't queue, partly because I have back issues and standing for any period of time is painful. If I have something particular in mind I would ring and make an appointment. I do find that the luxury shopping experience differs in different countries.
I went to Paris for the first time last year and made a spur of the moment visit to Louis Vuitton Vendome. It was late in the afternoon and there was a short queue, which my husband and I got in. There were dark clouds overhead and a staff member came out and gave us all umbrellas in case it rained (it didn’t), and offered us juice. We only waited 20 minutes and once inside we were provided champagne. At the time I just felt like the queue was just another part of the experience, especially since it was such a last minute decision on our part. Great video, and I love your lip color - what are you wearing? Thanks, Steph! 😊
Don't let yourself become a victim. If you are abused in a store, excuse yourself from there immediately. You don't deserve it. You could have a totally wonderful experience on another day or with a different SA. LV - I sanctioned a lifetime ban on all its Milan stores after a series of horrible experiences. All stores in other cities in Italy and elsewhere in the world are wonderful and pleasant. Bvlgari - A horrible experience saved by a different SA. Much love to Dina (Romina May Rose's SA at the New Bond Street store) for saving the day for me and the brand.
Yes I agree, sorry to hear you had not so great experiences. Sadly, this can be the case and it is very off putting. I'm currently looking at some Bvlgari pieces so will definitely try to seek out Dina
For bethany, she went on a day when Chanel had an event for VIP. She was just milking for views. Pls do get ur facts 😂 . Chanel events r open only for VIP: not for walk-ins usually. Nothing to do with what u wear..
I will not wait in line. If I am going in, I am buying. I live in Vegas, and there are so many influencers going in to take photos but not/never buying; so annoying.
My husband hates queuing for anything. I will if there’s something I want or if this is a store that I can’t get to regularly. Sometimes I don’t like having a SA follow me around, but it does help, especially at Hermes where I have a list of items I want to try on/look at. Being offered something to drink is a nice touch! That was rude of that SA to not even acknowledge you. I do appreciate the extra effort given by SAs. So glad you were able to experience private shopping. I would feel obligated to buy something!😮
Preloved route for the Birkin likely worked out cheaper, given the bait you need to buy, and you got exactly what you wanted. I have been given SAs details but I buy so infrequently it really doesn’t matter who serves me and they’ve often left the company by the time I go back 🤦🏻♀️.
I’m getting more into fashion and I want to build a more intentional, curated and high quality wardrobe. I’m so glad I found your channel, and this video just made it a goal of mine to shop IRL for luxury items
Nice video. I like shopping there. Very nice people work there. I also like how they take care of the customer, that you are not on your own like in normal stores. You can try on a lot of things and they will also send you things if you haven't decided straight away. It's an intimate shopping, a bit family-like.
Thank you, Steph. These are very helpful hints. I recently visited a luxury London boutique without an appointment, was greeted very nicely, assisted, and after visiting was thoughtfully asked by the associate to book an appointment the next time. My thoughts were 1. They would like to keep you as a customer, aka learn your shopping style and likes, 2. Pre prepare a few key items in your size and color you are interested in, and 3. Give you the time and service to look about. I had an approximate idea of what exactly I wanted to look at or try on, and did go at an off time, but the boutique had many more items that I decided to look at and consider as well. It does appear that Luxury boutiques do want to help and provide ample time. As I look back, this was a boutique on New Bond Street. It can be a completely different in a large single luxury boutique than a retail store such as Selfridges, where many people walk through and just look. Thank you for this post. It was very informative! 😊
Chanel’s store on Oak Street Chicago has pathetic customer service . However the one in Neiman Marcus has much more inventory and the sales staff is great too.
Never ever wait and queue! I spend time making my money, I won’t waste extra time spending it! I had a similar experience to Bethenny at Gucci, there were two ladies outside the store (but it wasn’t obvious that they were queuing) I approached the door (just coming from a doctors appointment so very casually dressed) the security guard didn’t even open the door, he just rudely pointed to the ladies and that I had to wait! I came back two days later, fully dressed up, got a nice “we please request that you wait outside”. It’s just sad behaviour! Online shopping for me all the way!
This was a fun topic! I'm also curious about the hairpiece I've seen you wear in the last few videos. It looks pretty and is totally new to me so I'd love to hear more about it and what you think about it.
The rudeness one experiences in high street stores is the greater culture shock❗️ The audacity of any sales person, making sales salary being rude and snooty is very bizarre too… in any kind of store. 🥴
I had the exact same experience at YSL in Brussels. A huge store with 3 people inside. Looked really empty. No queue outside and I was asked to wait outside by security. I chose to leave as well
I had a great LV SA when I lived in California. I was invited to their grand reopening when their store remodeling was completed- I was unaware I was a VIC 😮 I was also invited to other events including the launching of the Go-14 bag. I was unable to attend because I moved out of state, not too long thereafter my SA left LV. 🤨 I will be forever be grateful to her for being able to get me the OG LV bumbag when it got discontinued! I definitely received great shopping experiences while she was there!
Hi Steph! I just came back from my trip in Spain and purchased a bag from Dior. While shopping at the boutique, I did notice that their items did not have the price tag. I’m from the US, and I’m used to seeing the price tags in their items. I was more surprised that the price tag was not included when I purchased my bag. Having purchased my item, I expected the price tag to be included.
Great video! I think it’s point number 7. Being shown more expensive products in a private room. Getting food and drinks. Have you had this experience and not bought anything?! I was watching UA-camr handbag housewife who was very fortunate to be treated like you were (very similar) she showed it in her vlog. Didn’t buy anything. Nothing. Walked out empty handed….
Yes! I went to an LV store in Barcelona and they did not make the experience “luxurious”. I waited for a while for someone to take care of me and that person who was assigned to me did not really help and make me feel welcomed & listen to my interest in a bag. Turned me off in wanting an LV bag now or in the future. Whereas I went to Celine and it felt more of a “luxurious” experience and when I bought the bag, it felt more valuable to me because of the experience.
I went to Hermes for the first time ever to buy oran sandals. There was no queue outside, but inside we had to wait 1,5 hour!! I had to ask for water myself. And the people next to me (who were clearly very rich and came more than a half hour after we did) got the drinks before us and were assigned an SA before us. It was really annoying to be honest. The SA himself was nice tho. 😅 Idk how to feel about it.
No, I never queue because I don't put myself in an uncomfortable situation so that can pay a huge amount of money in the end, in case I really want something from the particular brand I just order it online
My SA hold my Birkin 25 Mauve Sylvestre for two weeks. One week to come down and look at it, one for actually buying it. So yes, if your SA vouch for you and the boutique is not at a place with lots of customers competing such is possible.
The best shopping experience I’ve ever had was at Tiffany on 5th Ave in Manhattan, followed by Prada across the street. My worst shopping experience was in Banana Republic and I find that many fast fashion stores are filled with rude and snotty employees. I don’t think you should take it personally if someone in a luxury store is rude to you. The “I’m paying more money for better service” line is really entitled, actually. People can be rude anywhere you go. Sales people aren’t obliged to act like they like you if they don’t, for some reason. Does it really feel more hurtful in a luxury store? I don’t know… I still think about a local barista who nearly ruined my day once by throwing a cookie at me. Sometimes people are off their meds or whatever, or maybe even trying to get fired. It’s up to you to maintain composure and respond accordingly.
I hate to break it to you but here in Canada, many mall stores walk around the counter to gently hand you your purchase. It’s not luxury, it’s good manners.
I make appointments for Chanel and Hermes and it's the most amazing experience when I go. We just went for early birthday shopping and Chanel gave me a large area to put everything and my SA brought out drinks and lots of options for us to choose from. The purse I chose was actually one he brought from the back too and since he knew I had an appointment with Hermes next, he actually took the time to wrap it all and package it and walked it over to Hermes to ensure I wasn't late. Then my SA at Hermes brought out a purse in a hidden area for me to try on that was brand new which added to the experience. I ended up buying both purses and shoes and a twilly lol. It was the best experience and they allowed me time to try on various items. We even stayed after Hermes was closing due to the appointment running long and they never rushed me. I would never just walk in now. I have at other stores and it's too much of a hassle with waiting. I will say with the Bethenny Frankel video, it seems a bit misleading because the security team was completely different than the first time as well as she was clearly videoing it so they could see that on the second day so that also could have been why they let her in. So it's hard to really tell what happened. Chanel is very strict in the US anyways with having appointments. I know if I haven't had one I have had to wait a long time so now I always make one and it's heaven. And this has been all over the US.
I just walked into Chanel at Crystals in Vegas like 2 months ago. I was with my husband and another couple. No line and no appt. A started browsing & then SA came to help me. I told her what I was looking for. Unfortunately they didn’t have it in any of the colors I wanted. They still showed me some new items. So no, you don’t always have to wait in queue or have an appt to go into Chanel in the US.
@@Sara01977 Correct, I never said you had to have one, I just said it is nice to have one because if they are busy, they may make you wait a long time etc. It's nice to have one if you want to have the experience and take your time seeing all of the options. They were very busy when I just went so had I not had an appointment, I probably would have had to wait quite awhile. However, when I went to a few in the same state I live in, I had to wait for one a while, the other not at all. I am sure it is based on how busy they are, time of year, etc. I do love having the appointments when I want to see specific items!
@@tinamahjoub9605 oh I agree with you on making an appt if you have something in mind and want to go to a specific store. I only wanted to mention that for Chanel specifically in the US, you don’t have to have an appt. When I’m traveling, I often like to just walk into a store to browse to see what they have available and then sometimes buy. It is possible. I understand there’s limitations to this way of thinking though.
Bethany is a billionaire? I saw those videos. Companies like Chanel/Hermes should be ashamed! I live in a wealthy suburb outside of Pittsburgh in the states. Many multi millionaires and a billionaire. While they do wear these brands they’re not walking around our town with an Hermes bag. They don’t need to because we all know there’s wealth. It’s so strange to me that these luxury brands operate like this. Not everyone that has money is out dripping in luxury fashion when they’re out shopping.
I often feel a bit awkward tbf. I dont like too much attention on me. Plus I usually know what I want before I even go in. Stock checker on websites like Louis & Prada helps too so I forget about these customs and been in a rush a few times and been like ‘I want that. Here’s my card. Just shove it in the bag I need to go’. Looked around and seen people leasuerly sipping on their champaign 😂😂 Hermes is obviously very different with bags but other stuff you can see if its in stock before you get there. Tbf I think I would appreciate a private room for a hour at Zara with refreshments. Thats where I’d appreciate it the most especially during the sales and it gets all hot and stressful.
I've had that at Hermes on Madison Ave. The don't let you in. I need a repair and this is unacceptable. I don't queue. That SA who ignored me would not be happy about my reaction to that. Always research.
I don’t queue. But maybe that’s because I’ve been buying luxury since late 90’s and the waiting in line is a more recent thing in the past ~5 years. I just refuse to wait in line in the heat or rain or cold to spend thousands of $$’s. I don’t mind waiting for an SA in the store while I browse though. If I know exactly what I what, I’ll just go online. I probably do this 85% of the time when buying luxury. If it’s something harder to get, I just do pre-loved route.
I go to a luxury store every now and then and the experience definitely depends on which kind of SA’s work there. In Louis Vuitton Brussels the staff was really great and made me feel like a star and I didn’t even bought premium items so my experience was amazing. In Antwerp the service was horrible and the SA’s were very arrogant
Ohh the queues. I'll wait a couple minutes or so, particularly if I stick my head in and actually see with my own eyes the SA's are busy and running around. If I see two SA's with the same client, I tryyy and give them the benefit of the doubt; maybe they're training, or shadowing, or probation, whatever the case may be. I don't have a Chanel or Hermes near me, so I haven't been stopped at the door, but I full on admit it.. I don't dress in gowns or runway clothing to go shopping, I just don't. I mean I'm not a slob, but I'm not pulling out pearls and gloves for the mall.
I think letting a few customers in at a time is becoming more and more necessary with all the robberies that has been happening at luxury stores in the US. I am pretty sure that was why Bethany was not let in immediately in New York. Or also on that day compared to the next day, there might have been less SAs working. Just last week, the Chanel store where I often go was robbed during the day by 4 people of $100,000 usd worth of items. I thought that was bad but I also read that another close by Chanel boutique in DC was robbed two times within 6 months and one time they were robbed of $250,000 worth of items. I don’t know about where you live but this is happening too often and easily in the US. I feel that it will eventually have to be by appointments only (which is already happening at a VCA store at the same mall) due to these rise in smash/grab robberies.
Being followed by SA is terrible. I experienced this in NYC at LV. Wanted to buy a shawl. SA was behind me constantly. I felt so uncomfortable that I left and went to a different LV store in Soho. They gave me time to walk around and when I was ready to buy I just asked SA who was nearby waiting for me. If the guy in the first LV store hadn't been breathing down my neck he would have had a commission from a sale.
In Toronto, cabada all the luxury stores have the best of service. I was never refused to get into s stire, be it chanel , celine, bvlgari or LV. Now I don't knlw about hermes since I don't support that brand for ethical reasln, buy every kther brand treat theur custimers with the utmlst respect in Toronto even if you don't intend to buy anything
In Mexico making queues at stores isn’t real. 😂 Maybe because there is less people buying, but I’ve never make a queue at a store. Also the treatment is very nice. I’ve seen that in other countries SAs are very rude.
I would never queue up to get in, we are dropping thousands of pounds and we are expected to queue? No thanks! I’ll come back another day when they are less busy.
Hi there, I walked straight into Dior's flagship store in London back in the spring. I received the best of welcomes and assistance, given all the time in the world to make my choices. Cannot praise the staff enough. My SA is brilliant and I do indeed e xchange texts with her. I have also been recently invited to an event, which unfortunately i was unable to attend.
Have you ever felt any of these culture shocks when shopping in luxury stores before? It sure was a learning curve for me!
Watch next, 7 BEST & WORST Designer Bags To Buy in 2024 👉 ua-cam.com/video/EnlneKZMNpg/v-deo.html
If I don’t get let in a store, I am not coming back.
Exactly 👍 imagine begging for something you have to pay for lol it doesn’t make sense.
@@shannonhutchinson4084 This. I walked into an Omega boutique and was treated like a king.
Rolex makes some nice watches (and some ugly ones, in my opinion) but they're not getting my business until the hype winds down A LOT.
Love watching this video. Thanks. I am a handbag lover. Yes please put more b
😂
I will not queue for luxury brands. I did so in Russia for bread in 1980s, and that was for survival.
Here's a fact I know when I visit Bali: they price it higher for foreigners and domestic tourists, but lower for locals (usually tourist spots), so I usually go in*preluxz* Go shopping.
Do not queue! Not when dropping a lot of money!
Yes it definitely doesn't feel like a luxury to have to queue, appointments / quiet shopping days are the best way to get around it
@@Handbagholic in the video I saw the bouncer (and yes they look like bouncers) man handle a customer who was next in line ?!?! That’s not on , it’s not a teenieboppers concert or a nightclub. Hmmm online or when no one is there or as Steph says make an appointment. But please people, if you do have that money , demand the respect that should come with it. Thanx everyone 😀
The luxury shopping has become so stressful! Why would I want to be stressed about spending my hard earned money! All these inconveniences makes me not buy anything and good for my savings!
Yes it can feel like that sometimes! But when it’s good it’s real good ✨
I did queue on chanel launch day once, but never again! We literally had a homeless person came to us and asked “ what’s for free?” , and someone else was wondering “is there a big sale going on? “ I’d rather lose the bag I wanted than doing that again 😂😂😂
Whats for free 😂😂😂 i can't the way this guy trolled you guys I'm dead 🤣
😂😂😂😂
@@zhanna7307 no! He wasn’t trolling, he was serious! Cuz the line is long, nobody knew what we were queueing for
@@zhanna7307 no he wasn’t trolling, I doubt a homeless man know what chanel is lol
plus the line was long, nobody knew what we were queuing for 😂
I like my luxury shopping, and this guy has as much of a right to be there as anyone! What’s for free 😂
I have been given the attitude especially at Chanel stores at airports. They profile you based on how you’re dressed and who travels like you’re ready for the red carpet /ramp? Rude service and I ended up buying a bag just to prove them a point ( and I was eyeing that bag for a while) and then gave the sales associate some constructive feedback.
This is really dumb as passengers tend to dress more casual and sporty when traveling which makes profiling less accurate.
@@renusharma1332 i actually find gucci the worst. My mum and I were in Milan a few months ago and we weren't dressed particularly chiq and also left our designer bags in the hotel that day because we didn't expect to be shopping luxury stores that day. But we ended up doing that (i was just in a midi skirt, croptop and sneakers) and we first went into gucci and got treated so rude even though I did have intentions to buy, they wouldn't even assign us an SA even though they weren't busy.
I am a black woman from London and I have to say that over the years to present day, my luxury shopping experience has been fantastic. I’ve shopped regularly in Chanel, LV & Gucci and staff have been amazing. I am always offered drinks and a seat. I often bring my 9 year old daughter with me and they love her. The last time that I went to LV they asked her if she wanted to try the Alma bb. She tried it on 😅 Back in the day Gucci gave my daughter a free Disney / Gucci colab gift with a unique dust bag. The only shock that I’ve been having is the terrible quality of the bags that I’m buying - so far 5 returns this year 😭
It’s great to hear you’ve had some great experiences in store! So cute your daughter tried and alma on, she’s one of us clearly. Haha. Which bags did you return due to the quality if you don’t mind sharing?
Thank you x I had quality issues with the following, LV Alma bb - leather on the handles were badly creased, the LV PM EW in emperinte - flap was wonky, the LV emperinte neverfull- the zip on the internal pouch was broken, the LV Ivy WOC, canvas was split on both sides. Lastly the Gucci Matelasse shoulder bag in black leather where the emperinte was flattened and very dull looking. On the other hand I will say that I have recently purchased the LV OTG EW in black leather emperinte * chef’s kiss - That bag is amazing!
I will not queue. I’ll schedule an appointment first.
Smart move
I was surprised to walk-in a Hermes store and be asked by a sales associate if I was okay to “pre-spend” items in order to score a bag - I could buy anything from the store, except shoes, and it would go on my record. I counted at least 8 glass shelves/drawers that had bags and SLGs on display that were NOT FOR SALE. I was simply turned off - the experience took out the therapy part of retail therapy for me. I told the sales associate that I was surprised this type of selling was still being implemented when I was recently at a Hermes store in another country and was immediately offered a bag. What’s the update on the Hermes lawsuit regarding the pre-spend? Haven’t updated myself on this lately.
I really love your taste and style always so chic. My faves would be the Thank you for your recommendations.
@@mvatolentino hi in what country did u get offered a bag without buying history?
@@Es-qh8kz HK and Japan
Some brands like Prada sell lower quality versions at Outlets though… just gotta take note of that
Yeah some of their stock is made for the outlet, I went recently to Bicester and did see lots of stock that was made for store, not outlet. It just depends each time you go what you might find
would love to hear how can you tell if it’s an item made for outlet?!
@@frenchmanilame too! Will staff tell you if it’s made for the outlet?
Yes, yes and YES, Steph! SUCH a culture shock and even now I'm still taken aback a little in certain places! 😱
I have experienced the private rooms, being invited to events, been offered drinks and snacks while shopping. I do text with my sales associates and it becomes more of a friendship as time goes on. I have never been denied entry into a store, but I have seen it happen while I was in the store to others.
Thank you for explaining that a sales associate will follow you for assistance. As a Black woman in America you get followed all the time in stores and its not for assistance. Now I can be a little relaxed when in high end stores.
@kittykattastegood:
I also found that if the sales associate is also a minority, the experience will be totally different in a good way.
I would not let your guard down just yet, racial profiling is still very real in America. Especially when you see it.
LV in Munich wouldn’t let me pay with my phone which i use for paying everything. Does anyone know why?
The queue is for the safety and security of the customers and the staff. Smash and grabs are not a new phenomenon and access is a contributing factor.
The queue when you do get in will allow for a better customer service experience with the undivided attention of a client advisor. No judgment but a browser will not benefit from that experience.
As someone who works in luxury this video is great.
I love this and yes if you have a relationship with the Sales Staff then they are really great with keeping you up to date with all the newest stuff and also the Sales. The Gucci store in Taikooli Beijing had a seperate room for sale items and the only way you would know was from the Sales Assistant. It was great as the SA shared what was coming up etc. Its a really nice experience.
Excellent video! I won't queue, partly because I have back issues and standing for any period of time is painful. If I have something particular in mind I would ring and make an appointment. I do find that the luxury shopping experience differs in different countries.
Thank you! Yes an appointment is always a good idea to see specific items. And for sure, it does differ by store, country etc.
That's True about sales Chanel in late 90's had a outlet store in Woodbury Commons
I went to Paris for the first time last year and made a spur of the moment visit to Louis Vuitton Vendome. It was late in the afternoon and there was a short queue, which my husband and I got in. There were dark clouds overhead and a staff member came out and gave us all umbrellas in case it rained (it didn’t), and offered us juice. We only waited 20 minutes and once inside we were provided champagne. At the time I just felt like the queue was just another part of the experience, especially since it was such a last minute decision on our part. Great video, and I love your lip color - what are you wearing? Thanks, Steph! 😊
Sounds fun!
Don't let yourself become a victim. If you are abused in a store, excuse yourself from there immediately. You don't deserve it. You could have a totally wonderful experience on another day or with a different SA.
LV - I sanctioned a lifetime ban on all its Milan stores after a series of horrible experiences. All stores in other cities in Italy and elsewhere in the world are wonderful and pleasant.
Bvlgari - A horrible experience saved by a different SA. Much love to Dina (Romina May Rose's SA at the New Bond Street store) for saving the day for me and the brand.
Yes I agree, sorry to hear you had not so great experiences. Sadly, this can be the case and it is very off putting. I'm currently looking at some Bvlgari pieces so will definitely try to seek out Dina
For bethany, she went on a day when Chanel had an event for VIP. She was just milking for views. Pls do get ur facts 😂 . Chanel events r open only for VIP: not for walk-ins usually. Nothing to do with what u wear..
Where did you get the facts that Chanel had a private event on that day? Havn't seen that
Thats interesting, but how do you know that?
I will not wait in line. If I am going in, I am buying. I live in Vegas, and there are so many influencers going in to take photos but not/never buying; so annoying.
I went right in and wasn’t dressed up and everyone was wonderful.
My husband hates queuing for anything. I will if there’s something I want or if this is a store that I can’t get to regularly. Sometimes I don’t like having a SA follow me around, but it does help, especially at Hermes where I have a list of items I want to try on/look at. Being offered something to drink is a nice touch! That was rude of that SA to not even acknowledge you. I do appreciate the extra effort given by SAs. So glad you were able to experience private shopping. I would feel obligated to buy something!😮
Preloved route for the Birkin likely worked out cheaper, given the bait you need to buy, and you got exactly what you wanted. I have been given SAs details but I buy so infrequently it really doesn’t matter who serves me and they’ve often left the company by the time I go back 🤦🏻♀️.
I’m getting more into fashion and I want to build a more intentional, curated and high quality wardrobe. I’m so glad I found your channel, and this video just made it a goal of mine to shop IRL for luxury items
Went to a cashmere factory in Scotland & there were piles of Louis Vuitton baby blankets, & other designer scarves & blankets lying around on pallets.
Nice video. I like shopping there. Very nice people work there. I also like how they take care of the customer, that you are not on your own like in normal stores. You can try on a lot of things and they will also send you things if you haven't decided straight away. It's an intimate shopping, a bit family-like.
Thank you, Steph. These are very helpful hints. I recently visited a luxury London boutique without an appointment, was greeted very nicely, assisted, and after visiting was thoughtfully asked by the associate to book an appointment the next time. My thoughts were 1. They would like to keep you as a customer, aka learn your shopping style and likes, 2. Pre prepare a few key items in your size and color you are interested in, and 3. Give you the time and service to look about. I had an approximate idea of what exactly I wanted to look at or try on, and did go at an off time, but the boutique had many more items that I decided to look at and consider as well. It does appear that Luxury boutiques do want to help and provide ample time. As I look back, this was a boutique on New Bond Street. It can be a completely different in a large single luxury boutique than a retail store such as Selfridges, where many people walk through and just look. Thank you for this post. It was very informative! 😊
Chanel’s store on Oak Street Chicago has pathetic customer service . However the one in Neiman Marcus has much more inventory and the sales staff is great too.
Never ever wait and queue! I spend time making my money, I won’t waste extra time spending it! I had a similar experience to Bethenny at Gucci, there were two ladies outside the store (but it wasn’t obvious that they were queuing) I approached the door (just coming from a doctors appointment so very casually dressed) the security guard didn’t even open the door, he just rudely pointed to the ladies and that I had to wait! I came back two days later, fully dressed up, got a nice “we please request that you wait outside”. It’s just sad behaviour! Online shopping for me all the way!
An excellent video!! Such a good recap of all the ways in which lux shopping feels different from shopping at the high-street.
This was a fun topic! I'm also curious about the hairpiece I've seen you wear in the last few videos. It looks pretty and is totally new to me so I'd love to hear more about it and what you think about it.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video. Great vibes Stephen.😊😊😊😊😊
The rudeness one experiences in high street stores is the greater culture shock❗️ The audacity of any sales person, making sales salary being rude and snooty is very bizarre too… in any kind of store. 🥴
Great video Steph.
Thank you!!
I had the exact same experience at YSL in Brussels. A huge store with 3 people inside. Looked really empty. No queue outside and I was asked to wait outside by security. I chose to leave as well
I had a great LV SA when I lived in California. I was invited to their grand reopening when their store remodeling was completed- I was unaware I was a VIC 😮 I was also invited to other events including the launching of the Go-14 bag. I was unable to attend because I moved out of state, not too long thereafter my SA left LV. 🤨 I will be forever be grateful to her for being able to get me the OG LV bumbag when it got discontinued! I definitely received great shopping experiences while she was there!
Hi Steph! I just came back from my trip in Spain and purchased a bag from Dior. While shopping at the boutique, I did notice that their items did not have the price tag. I’m from the US, and I’m used to seeing the price tags in their items. I was more surprised that the price tag was not included when I purchased my bag. Having purchased my item, I expected the price tag to be included.
Great video! I think it’s point number 7. Being shown more expensive products in a private room. Getting food and drinks. Have you had this experience and not bought anything?!
I was watching UA-camr handbag housewife who was very fortunate to be treated like you were (very similar) she showed it in her vlog. Didn’t buy anything. Nothing. Walked out empty handed….
Yes! I went to an LV store in Barcelona and they did not make the experience “luxurious”. I waited for a while for someone to take care of me and that person who was assigned to me did not really help and make me feel welcomed & listen to my interest in a bag. Turned me off in wanting an LV bag now or in the future. Whereas I went to Celine and it felt more of a “luxurious” experience and when I bought the bag, it felt more valuable to me because of the experience.
someone following me would make me very uncomfortable and pressured!
I went to Hermes for the first time ever to buy oran sandals. There was no queue outside, but inside we had to wait 1,5 hour!! I had to ask for water myself. And the people next to me (who were clearly very rich and came more than a half hour after we did) got the drinks before us and were assigned an SA before us. It was really annoying to be honest. The SA himself was nice tho. 😅 Idk how to feel about it.
Incredible And Lovely Sharing As Always Steph💖✨✨ and I am your biggest biggest biggest fan you are my truly truly inspiration
Thank you as always Mansoor today was fast! haha have a good one
No, I never queue because I don't put myself in an uncomfortable situation so that can pay a huge amount of money in the end, in case I really want something from the particular brand I just order it online
My SA hold my Birkin 25 Mauve Sylvestre for two weeks. One week to come down and look at it, one for actually buying it. So yes, if your SA vouch for you and the boutique is not at a place with lots of customers competing such is possible.
The best shopping experience I’ve ever had was at Tiffany on 5th Ave in Manhattan, followed by Prada across the street. My worst shopping experience was in Banana Republic and I find that many fast fashion stores are filled with rude and snotty employees. I don’t think you should take it personally if someone in a luxury store is rude to you. The “I’m paying more money for better service” line is really entitled, actually. People can be rude anywhere you go. Sales people aren’t obliged to act like they like you if they don’t, for some reason. Does it really feel more hurtful in a luxury store? I don’t know… I still think about a local barista who nearly ruined my day once by throwing a cookie at me. Sometimes people are off their meds or whatever, or maybe even trying to get fired. It’s up to you to maintain composure and respond accordingly.
I had to queue for Hermes - at all their locations if you don’t have an appointment online. This was only after COVID
VERY CLASSY 🧐VLOG! LUXUARY items are PURE CLA💲💲 😉…..😎🍸❤️
Thanks for the video! And btw, you look very lovely and glowy!!
I hate to break it to you but here in Canada, many mall stores walk around the counter to gently hand you your purchase. It’s not luxury, it’s good manners.
That sounds nice, for high-street stores in the UK and what I've seen in the US the staff are too busy to do that, they only hand over the counter.
They do it in US stores as well.
I make appointments for Chanel and Hermes and it's the most amazing experience when I go. We just went for early birthday shopping and Chanel gave me a large area to put everything and my SA brought out drinks and lots of options for us to choose from. The purse I chose was actually one he brought from the back too and since he knew I had an appointment with Hermes next, he actually took the time to wrap it all and package it and walked it over to Hermes to ensure I wasn't late. Then my SA at Hermes brought out a purse in a hidden area for me to try on that was brand new which added to the experience. I ended up buying both purses and shoes and a twilly lol. It was the best experience and they allowed me time to try on various items. We even stayed after Hermes was closing due to the appointment running long and they never rushed me. I would never just walk in now. I have at other stores and it's too much of a hassle with waiting.
I will say with the Bethenny Frankel video, it seems a bit misleading because the security team was completely different than the first time as well as she was clearly videoing it so they could see that on the second day so that also could have been why they let her in. So it's hard to really tell what happened. Chanel is very strict in the US anyways with having appointments. I know if I haven't had one I have had to wait a long time so now I always make one and it's heaven. And this has been all over the US.
I just walked into Chanel at Crystals in Vegas like 2 months ago. I was with my husband and another couple. No line and no appt. A started browsing & then SA came to help me. I told her what I was looking for. Unfortunately they didn’t have it in any of the colors I wanted. They still showed me some new items. So no, you don’t always have to wait in queue or have an appt to go into Chanel in the US.
@@Sara01977 Correct, I never said you had to have one, I just said it is nice to have one because if they are busy, they may make you wait a long time etc. It's nice to have one if you want to have the experience and take your time seeing all of the options. They were very busy when I just went so had I not had an appointment, I probably would have had to wait quite awhile. However, when I went to a few in the same state I live in, I had to wait for one a while, the other not at all. I am sure it is based on how busy they are, time of year, etc. I do love having the appointments when I want to see specific items!
@@tinamahjoub9605 oh I agree with you on making an appt if you have something in mind and want to go to a specific store.
I only wanted to mention that for Chanel specifically in the US, you don’t have to have an appt. When I’m traveling, I often like to just walk into a store to browse to see what they have available and then sometimes buy. It is possible. I understand there’s limitations to this way of thinking though.
No queue for me. Agreed.
Bethany is a billionaire?
I saw those videos. Companies like Chanel/Hermes should be ashamed! I live in a wealthy suburb outside of Pittsburgh in the states. Many multi millionaires and a billionaire. While they do wear these brands they’re not walking around our town with an Hermes bag. They don’t need to because we all know there’s wealth. It’s so strange to me that these luxury brands operate like this. Not everyone that has money is out dripping in luxury fashion when they’re out shopping.
I often feel a bit awkward tbf. I dont like too much attention on me. Plus I usually know what I want before I even go in. Stock checker on websites like Louis & Prada helps too so I forget about these customs and been in a rush a few times and been like ‘I want that. Here’s my card. Just shove it in the bag I need to go’. Looked around and seen people leasuerly sipping on their champaign 😂😂 Hermes is obviously very different with bags but other stuff you can see if its in stock before you get there.
Tbf I think I would appreciate a private room for a hour at Zara with refreshments. Thats where I’d appreciate it the most especially during the sales and it gets all hot and stressful.
Dior has one of the best customer service 😌
I imagine if you are very important you wont do your own shopping you’ll rather send your shoppers who dont mind queueing.
I've had that at Hermes on Madison Ave. The don't let you in. I need a repair and this is unacceptable. I don't queue. That SA who ignored me would not be happy about my reaction to that. Always research.
I do not queue, not going to waste time waiting when I’m planning on spending thousands haha
I don’t queue. But maybe that’s because I’ve been buying luxury since late 90’s and the waiting in line is a more recent thing in the past ~5 years. I just refuse to wait in line in the heat or rain or cold to spend thousands of $$’s.
I don’t mind waiting for an SA in the store while I browse though.
If I know exactly what I what, I’ll just go online. I probably do this 85% of the time when buying luxury. If it’s something harder to get, I just do pre-loved route.
LV gave me a necklace for my birthday!!
Oh wow! What a nice gift
Costume jewelry
thank you for info even coach dose this and coach store
I go to a luxury store every now and then and the experience definitely depends on which kind of SA’s work there. In Louis Vuitton Brussels the staff was really great and made me feel like a star and I didn’t even bought premium items so my experience was amazing. In Antwerp the service was horrible and the SA’s were very arrogant
I absolutely don’t queue at a supermarket let alone a luxury shop! I’m ADHD though so guess that I don’t have the patience
Yes a queue is never fun!
The que was used a lot doing COVID. But now, it’s just an excuse…
Ohh the queues. I'll wait a couple minutes or so, particularly if I stick my head in and actually see with my own eyes the SA's are busy and running around. If I see two SA's with the same client, I tryyy and give them the benefit of the doubt; maybe they're training, or shadowing, or probation, whatever the case may be. I don't have a Chanel or Hermes near me, so I haven't been stopped at the door, but I full on admit it.. I don't dress in gowns or runway clothing to go shopping, I just don't. I mean I'm not a slob, but I'm not pulling out pearls and gloves for the mall.
I think letting a few customers in at a time is becoming more and more necessary with all the robberies that has been happening at luxury stores in the US. I am pretty sure that was why Bethany was not let in immediately in New York. Or also on that day compared to the next day, there might have been less SAs working. Just last week, the Chanel store where I often go was robbed during the day by 4 people of $100,000 usd worth of items. I thought that was bad but I also read that another close by Chanel boutique in DC was robbed two times within 6 months and one time they were robbed of $250,000 worth of items. I don’t know about where you live but this is happening too often and easily in the US. I feel that it will eventually have to be by appointments only (which is already happening at a VCA store at the same mall) due to these rise in smash/grab robberies.
Being followed by SA is terrible. I experienced this in NYC at LV. Wanted to buy a shawl. SA was behind me constantly. I felt so uncomfortable that I left and went to a different LV store in Soho. They gave me time to walk around and when I was ready to buy I just asked SA who was nearby waiting for me. If the guy in the first LV store hadn't been breathing down my neck he would have had a commission from a sale.
Prada were very nice, lv hardly gave me the time of day.
In Toronto, cabada all the luxury stores have the best of service. I was never refused to get into s stire, be it chanel , celine, bvlgari or LV. Now I don't knlw about hermes since I don't support that brand for ethical reasln, buy every kther brand treat theur custimers with the utmlst respect in Toronto even if you don't intend to buy anything
Insane!!
This video makes me wonder why I shop luxury. Why do any of us do it?!?
I refuse to queue…period😂
No. Never queue. They need to know they we will not be treated this way.
In Mexico making queues at stores isn’t real. 😂 Maybe because there is less people buying, but I’ve never make a queue at a store. Also the treatment is very nice. I’ve seen that in other countries SAs are very rude.
I dont cue. If its just me that they are waiting on I'll give it a minute but yeah no long lines
One does not simply walk into a store
.Boromir
Lol still funny
I would never queue up to get in, we are dropping thousands of pounds and we are expected to queue? No thanks! I’ll come back another day when they are less busy.
I remember seeing her post! Ridiculous
No lookie-loos.
What is the black bag at 16:22?
@@JoseMartinez-pz2qs it's a Hermes Kelly
Looked like a birkin with a fur coat
Happy Bethany got checked. She’s such a snob
Unsere Taten können schlimme Folgen haben, selbst wenn wir keine bösen Absichten hatten.
Simply stop being enablers; don’t make yourselves willing victims.
Hi there, I walked straight into Dior's flagship store in London back in the spring. I received the best of welcomes and assistance, given all the time in the world to make my choices. Cannot praise the staff enough. My SA is brilliant and I do indeed e xchange texts with her. I have also been recently invited to an event, which unfortunately i was unable to attend.