Looks like I will have more reasons to visit India soon (other than the fabulous Indian jewelry I'm obsessed with and cashmere shawls that is). Hermes announced today it has formed a joint company to open multiple boutiques in India with the first store planned in New Delhi, where it is one of the most coveted designer brands. Hermes is not only popular in India however, sales in China grew over 70% last year and three additional stores are planned, bringing the total of Hermes boutiques in China to a staggering ten stores. Patrick Thomas, CEO of Hermes, said America also holds "enormous potential", 40 store projects are in progress and the firm plans to spend almost $100 million USD to open and renovate stores this year alone. I have mixed feelings about Hermes' aggressive expansion plans. On the one hand I am excited I'll be able to shop at more Hermes boutiques but so will millions of other mall rats in the world (which means more people to compete with for those birkins!). You have to admit, half of the allure of Hermes is its inaccessibility. I read an article in the Wilson Quarterly from the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars (no, I am not that smart, it was given to me at a charity event) about the "poaching of luxury goods by the middle class" and how luxury goods are no longer special because it is so accessible. It further states that the truly wealthy no longer purchase luxury goods and are instead giving their money away to philanthropic efforts, like the billions of dollars Warren Buffet donated to the Bill Gates foundation. Now how many people can top that?
Bag Snob note: The statements on the poaching of luxury goods are not my views, I am merely re-iterating what I read in the Wilson Quarterly. And yes, as with all things that risk mass production, I fear for the overall quality of the products.
source: W quarterly and WWD
I absolutely agree, this is going to be detrimental to the image of Hermes. They'll become like every other supposed 'luxury' store. Ugh! Is nothing special anymore?
Tina, I love this site, but I'm a little taken aback by your fear that the middle classes will one day have access to some of the luxuries that the truly rich enjoy. Also, I'd think it would be a good thing if the truly rich give more of their money away.
Surely, all these changes would be fine as long as companies like Hermes continue to make beautifully crafted goods.
I was wondering where did you hear about the news that Hermes is expanding into the Indian market? I am currently doing a project on foreign direct investment and I would LOVE to focus on a fashion company to make the research more interesting...so please let me know where you found out this interesting news!
Well I dont think they should go major global cause Hermes could get really boring.
My darling Bag Snob, this may be a little off topic, but I had to let you know (because your taste is so exquisite and refined!)... The best pashmina shawls in the world come from Pakistan, and not India. I'm afraid what you've been using, while still a great product, is not the most excellent quality out there. Try the Pakistani ones! I wish I could send you one from here in Dubai, they're so much cheaper because we're so close for them to import. I wonder why, Tina, people in America generally have this viewpoint -- you're not the first person I've heard say this! Love you so much and don't know what I'd do without your blog!
PS. I agree completely with your stance on Hermes expanding so much! Here in Dubai, every single girl who used to be a nobody just two years ago has become a "somebody" since all these designer stores opened up! Everything has become so cliche to carry! And the most horrendous are the ones who are so unfashionable and yet have just started carrying my beloved Birkins!
PPS. Please update us on the status of your latest lizard B.
I am disappointed and completely sadden by the global expansion of Hermes. I guess I took this much harder than anyone over here. From now on, carrying my beloved birkin makes me feel no different than carrying a Louis Vuitton. I dont have to drool and long to buy a croc or ostich birkin anymore because it will be absolutely nothing special and luxurious about it. I dont have to be extra careful about my birkin because it will be available and purchase easily just about anytime. Just get on the plane and fly to India or China. That dream bag status has been forever downgraded.
This is surely a nightmare. Too sad, too sad indeed!!!! :(
I agree, as soon as luxury brands expand they usually become less avant-garde in order to please the tasteless masses. I am going to be sick if this becomes the case with our beloved Hermes.
Clearly, all the commenters buy Hermes because of its perceived exclusivity that somehow makes them feel better about themselves, and not because of the quality. You feel as though you're somehow better than the next person who has a Birkin; you're more deserving because you're more classy and chic and the rest are just less than you.
"as soon as luxury brands expand they usually become less avant-garde in order to please the tasteless masses."
Umm...since when is Hermes avant-garde? It's timeless and classy. Get your terminology straight, honey. And who are you to proclaim that the next girl who has a Kelly or Birkin is tasteless?
Just because Hermes is expanding doesn't mean everyone will get their hands on the croc Birkin.
How would you feel if a snooty socialite saw you carrying your Birkin and said people like you shouldn't have a bag like that?
Wow! I had no idea this would spark such heated comments! Hermes is timeless chic at its best, my grandmother has kelly bags from the '60s, (when birkins were still called HAC) and they are still flawless today. And remember the '60s white ostrich vintage kelly I bought last year? Still in immaculate condition! I just hope the quality and workmanship stay true to the brand.
Anyway, let's try to stay friendly here everyone! Please stop attacking each other or we will stop posting on this thread.
H, thanks for the tip on Pakistani cashmere, will check it out next trip!
you buy a bag because it's beautiful, first and foremost.
it is not the bag that makes you special, it is you who makes the bag special.
My pleasure, Tina!
I just realized I might not have been clear on what I was asking you to update -- I was talking about your latest lizard Birkin! And PLEASE do a post on all your shopping so we can share the happiness with you! Sales just started here yesterday and you would have LOVED it! I wish I could go shopping with you one day! Although I spend way too much as it is, and I somehow have this feeling you would incite further spending in me! ;)
the number of people in the world who can afford several thousand dollars for an hermes bag is very very small. i can understand a fear of diminished quality (though i trust hermes to keep up its impeccable standards), but anyone who seriously fears "becoming one of the masses" should probably reevaluate their priorities.
The markets in China and India are expanding drastically and, from a business standpoint, it would be silly if Hermes didn't take advantage of that. As for the designer losing its exclusive reputation, don't wealthy socialites in China and India deserve their Birkins just as much as the next girl? I think that it is great for Hermes to expand their international market because the billions of Asian people should have access to such luxury goods as well.
Very interesting comments, everyone! That article was in the SF Chronicle a couple of weeks ago. There is a wonderful woman in San Francisco, Beatrice, who makes custom handbags. Her business is called April in Paris. She was trained at Hermes and makes each bag for the individual customer. I just ordered my second bag from her and I'm so excited...perhaps "new" luxury for the non super-rich is custom, or bespoke?
"perhaps "new" luxury for the non super-rich is custom, or bespoke?"
Leave it to a Joann to find a workable solution ;)
On a more cynical note, to the people concerned with "being one of the masses" - I think that people will always find a way to exclude others... if it isn't by having a certain Hermes bag, it'll be through a bag from another label, another "it" object or fashionable charity cause.
Personally, I just like Birkins because they're classic and beautiful. As I'm too poor to even DREAM buying one (and arguably too young - I'm a college student), I am not even concerned about the perceived "exclusivity" of the bag; I just think it's pretty. :D I agree with the person who said "it is not the bag that makes you special, it is you who makes the bag special."
gosh hermes expanding? now everyone who was a nobody will be carrying my exquisite birkins !!
UGH !
love you my bag snob dunno wat i would do without this blog!