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The Paris Shopping Guide: Hermes

I receive a lot of emails about shopping for various luxury items in Europe, so thought I’d finally get it together and put together a few posts. Today, I’ll address the most commonly asked about topic – shopping for Hermes items in Paris.

Even when the euro was at a high point against the dollar in 2011, it was still cheaper to purchase many luxury brands in Paris. Now, the weak euro in combination with a broader range of inventory available to “walk ins” means that Hermes remains as popular a destination for shoppers as ever.

Even though Hermes is one of the premier luxury brands in the world, the flagship store on Rue St. Honore Faubourg (FSH) as consistently mobbed, and can be a stressful experience for someone expecting a quieter shopping outing.  Here, in order, are my tips for a visitor to Paris who would like a successful visit to the store (whether success just means having fun, or leaving with a coveted item).

Paris-Hermes-Sellier

Hermes FSH, via this post

First, I’d suggest that you:

1. Enjoy the art of browsing and shopping. The Hermes flagship store is such a beautiful space, with multiple levels and areas to browse through jewelry, leather accessories, home goods, silks, and more. There are always pieces there which I’ve never found in my local store. My favorite shopping memories in Paris always involve stumbling across an item that I never expected but which I just love (my Soie Cool bag is an example). Even if you’re on a quest for a specific item, I’d still take the time on an initial visit just to wander around the shop a bit, and check out all of the goodies. If you love design, you can’t help but be inspired. And plus, you’ll never know what will strike you, and then you’ll have such a good story for friends who ask about the item – “I got it in Paris!”.

Okay, that’s all fair and good…but maybe you’re visiting Hermes for a specific reason, no? Maybe it’s for a popular style bag…and it begins with a B or K? In that case, I would advise you to:

2. Ask politely for what you want. Notice that I included the word “politely”. Because I have witnessed some very, very rude customer behavior while at FSH. Sometimes I’ve gone home and Googled photos of various dictators and their entourages because I’ve been fairly that I have just had an up close encounter. In these situations, I find myself silently hoping for a reverse Pretty Woman situation – put that bully in their place, French sales heroine/hero!

Anyway, as I’m sure you are all polite, kind people, here’s my advice when you encounter a friendly sales associate: ask for what you want. I receive a lot of emails about how to play the “game” at Hermes – what to buy, how much to spend, what to say. I won’t go as far to say that luxury brands don’t play these types of games, but I personally have never experienced it at FSH. I’ve never been pressured to buy anything that I haven’t asked for, and our sales associate has stopped many a sale in its tracks by providing me with her honest opinion.

FSH

Beautiful windows at FSH

At the end of the day, Hermes is a luxury goods purveyor that specializes in…selling you items that you hopefully will want and treasure. So remember: you’re there to buy items that you’ll love. It’s a store, not a job interview.

Okay. So you’re in FSH, you decided you want a leather bag, and you don’t have a regular sales associate. You’re either in another part of the shop, or in the leather goods section. You ask someone for help. At this point, you either will be helped by that person, passed along with a sales associate specializing in leather goods, or asked to join:

3. The queue (cue ominous music). Yes, sometimes when you arrive at FSH, there will be a line. I would say 50% of the time when I visit, there’s a line in the leather goods (handbags) section. Just for the record, I’ve never seen a line at the other two stores – George V and Sevres. However, I typically am not in Paris during peak holiday/tourist seasons.

Yes, waiting in line is the pits. You expect to wait in line for the newest hipster brunch place, but usually not for a luxury goods shop. However, there are more customers than sales associates, so what can they do? Just remember that being asked to wait in line is not a personal insult towards you (I see a lot of first time visitors huffing and puffing that they have to wait with the rest of us plebes), and it’s just a necessary part of the buying process during peak times.

I’ll usually ask for our regular sales associate and/or make an appointment before we go, and in those cases, one can get around the line. But she isn’t always available, and in those cases I trot over to, and join the line. I usually am in flat shoes (because I’ve walked or taken the Metro over), and if I get tired or thirsty, I just ask someone for some tea or water. They’ll happily bring it over.

When you reach the front of the queue, follow my rule #2 above to ask politely for what you want. If it’s a special occasion or meaningful visit, by all mean let the sales associate know (but I’d recommend against making things up or telling elaborate tales of woe). And then, who knows what you will might end up with!

Hermes+kelly+gris

Hermes Kelly, via this post

Above is the very first Kelly bag, which came from yes – FSH in Paris. It was exactly what I wanted, and I hope that when you visit Hermes in Paris, you can leave with a wonderful souvenir as well. So when the time has come and you’re first in the queue, cross your fingers, and even if it’s bad news, always be pleasant. After all, even if you don’t leave with your coveted item right away, you never know what may come in the future. It never hurts to be kind, patient, and polite.

And my final step:

4. Please, enjoy Paris! I really feel regretful when I read emails from people who have spent their vacation in Paris chasing after an Hermes bag. Really, sometimes the stars align and everything works out, and sometimes they don’t. Sometimes you don’t leave with your dream item in a big orange bag. But really, you’re on a dream vacation! Go enjoy the food, see the sights, do some shopping and discover new boutiques. You’ll leave Paris with at the very least, a wonderful time, a full stomach, lovely memories and then if you do add a little orange box, it’ll just be the icing on top.

I hope this was helpful for some of you heading to Paris! I’ll try to add more of these posts in the future, and if you have any requests, feel free to leave in the comments or message me.

By the way: use these three links to find out directions, phone numbers, and hours to each of the three Hermes Paris shops. And don’t forget it to check on holidays!

Hermes FSH : Location, hours, and address information

Hermes George V : Location, hours, and address information

Hermes Sevres : Location, hours, and address information

25 Comments

  • Reply
    Lisa
    May 7, 2015 at 8:44 am

    What a well written and thoughtful post….I’ll keep this in mind when we go soon!

  • Reply
    tata
    May 7, 2015 at 8:49 am

    this is so helpful. do you think it’s the same for hermes stores in the US? i was just planning on heading over to the hermes store in south coast plaza (orange county, CA) and the thought of it is exciting yet…. intimidating! i feel silly feeling this way. like you said, it’s shopping not an interview!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 7, 2015 at 3:19 pm

      Definitely not the same kind of crowds in the US – but I’d def. still recommend being polite while still clear about what you want 🙂

  • Reply
    Riquita604
    May 7, 2015 at 1:51 pm

    Thank you for this post. I am dreaming of a trip to Paris next year, and I really wish for an Hermes bag to come home with me (not necessarily a B or a K). I have been reading forums on purseforum as research for strategy and what to expect when I go to Hermes. You summed it all up for me.

    My other questions are:
    1. Duties or VAT- does it get handled in the Hermes store or do I have to take care of it in the airport?
    2. Would you suggest an Evelyne or Garden Party as a first Hermes purchase bag. I’m also thinking of the Picotin or Herbag.

    Again, thanks so much for this post. I love your blog!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 7, 2015 at 3:20 pm

      1. Hermes will take your passport when you pay, let them know you want VAT refund at the airport. They’ll take care of the first part of the paperwork, you must do the next part yourself at the airport.
      2. Evelyne, GP or Picotin would be my recs for a first bag. All three are great. Herbag may take some getting used to and my personal preference would also be to get an all leather bag for your first 🙂

      • Reply
        Riquita604
        May 7, 2015 at 8:26 pm

        Thanks for the information.And thanks for your recommendations about the purses. You made a good point about my first Hermes bag purchase should be an all leather one.

        A belated congrats on your pregnancy. Take it easy!

  • Reply
    Anyi
    May 7, 2015 at 9:54 pm

    Would love a brief post on shopping advice for Heathrow or London in general.

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 8, 2015 at 10:36 pm

      Thanks for the suggestion Anyi! I love Heathrow shopping 🙂

  • Reply
    Mel
    May 8, 2015 at 12:11 am

    Is it ok to pay in cash as FSH?

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 8, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      From what I know, yes, but I would check ahead of time directly with the store.

  • Reply
    Lesley
    May 8, 2015 at 6:56 am

    I think you are absolutely right to always be polite! I am by no means wealthy and therefore cannot buy a ton of Hermes, but my first experience was wonderful and I will always treasure and remember it forever (and it didn’t involve a B or K!). The Sevres store will always be my favorite..I could stare at the decor all day (:

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 8, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      Wonderful that you had such a great experience! Thanks for sharing 🙂

  • Reply
    JC
    May 8, 2015 at 12:05 pm

    I would really appreciate your view and experience on shopping at Chanel in Paris, whether it be in their flagship store or in Lafayette. I will be heading there next month and am looking forward to my purchases!

    Thank you 🙂

  • Reply
    JC
    May 8, 2015 at 12:06 pm

    I would really appreciate your view and experience on shopping at Chanel in Paris, whether it be in their flagship store or in Lafayette. I will be heading there next month and am looking forward to my purchases! Thank you 🙂

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 8, 2015 at 10:37 pm

      Hi JC – thanks for the suggestion – I will try 🙂 Have a great time in Paris!

  • Reply
    Sarah
    May 8, 2015 at 12:36 pm

    That’s a fun post and love the bit about googling great dictators and their entourage! I have to say that my experience was similar, it was always the customers that seemed to be the rude ones, never the sales associates. Just back from France actually, though I did not stay in Paris just Aix en Provence – they have a small but well stocked store there…

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 8, 2015 at 10:38 pm

      I hope you had an amazing time, Sarah! You are lucky you can go to so many nice destinations so easily 🙂

      • Reply
        Sarah
        May 11, 2015 at 9:42 am

        I think you can find wonderful places to visit no matter where you are. I Lived in California for a short while- and still miss the easy drive to the mountains or to the sea… It was spectacular.

        • Reply
          Katherine
          May 11, 2015 at 10:42 am

          Very true!! I feel lucky to be here as well 🙂

  • Reply
    little luxury list
    May 11, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    Thank you for the suggestions! Politeness really does go a long way…and if it helps procure a gris Kelly, all the better! I just received a lovely WOC from Japan from my husband and it is gorgeous but I found out the cost and thought “Man I’m only shopping for new items in France now!”
    I don’t know about the selection of leather goods at Rue Sevres, but have always found it to be quite and lovely inside. i’ve never been to the flagship store and really have to get there!
    Btw, another blogger asked me for pregnancy/newborn care book suggestions and I finally wrote down a list for her. I don’t know if you would be interested in it too but just started an email to you. I know you’re probably getting recommendations everywhere, but I just created my own must reads list 😉

    xoxo,
    little luxury list formerly Chic ‘n Cheap Living

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 12, 2015 at 9:14 pm

      Thanks so much! Can’t wait to read 🙂

  • Reply
    wantitneedit
    May 14, 2015 at 1:07 am

    hi Kat,

    Fantastic post! How about a guide to your own fine city, San Francisco ? !!

    • Reply
      Katherine
      May 14, 2015 at 9:37 am

      Hi there, it’s definitely on my list to do!! Thank you for the reminder 🙂

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