We hate to turn readers away but we highly suggest you click somewhere else if you don’t want to hear the truth about the Hermes sample sale. So, here goes… The Hermes sample sale is a disaster that best be avoided.
The thought of even mentioning the sale at all makes us cringe but we prefer to set the story straight while others emit hype. Last year, many Hermes sample sale customers waited in line for 8.5 hours and were sent home at 5pm without gaining admittance. You can see the full story and video right here. At one point, the queue spanned the equivalent of six blocks– 33rd Street West to 9th Avenue, across the span of the post office and back around around to 8th Avenue.
At past season’s sales, where the chaos was minimal, shoppers found a nice assortment of silk scarves ($270) and ties ($75), twillies ($158) and enamel bracelets ($172-$320). The sample sale never carries leather goods or bags. Footwear is about the only option if you’re looking for classic Harmes hides.
These days, there are so many other options if you want to purchase past season Hermes merchandise. One of our favorite online destinations is TheRealReal, where everything on the website is authenticated and guaranteed by their experts. Head this way for a Mini Etriviere 4 Tour wrap bracelet that’s brand new with tags and priced at $275 from $435. This classic scarf with tags is only $45 LESS than it would be a the sample sale. Here is another a brand new scarf for just $71. Over here is a brand new Clic Clac H bracelet for $445 from $600 and this wide enamel bracelet is $375 from $550.
We find that TheRealReal grades its merchandise very harshly. So even if the description says light scratching or wear it’s often pristine. The disclosure is just a way to indemnify the online store and throw off the speculative French company that frowns upon resellers.
Vestiaire Collective is another option that tends to carry plenty of Hermes items. The difference is that not every item is reviewed by the company on site, which makes the purchase a bit more risky. Also, sellers are from all over the world and the descriptions need to be translated to English. On the bright side, foreign buyers are able to procure merchandise without the added expenses of duty, which means you can save a lot of money.
Here is an orange knit sweater that’s $781 from $939, thigh high riding boots for $950 and these never worn ankle boots are gorgeous and a great buy for just $500.
You can scroll through the product carosel above to see some of our other great Hermes finds. That being said, details for the samples are are below. Just don’t blame us when the event is a big disappointment.
Hermes Sample Sale
VIP Access: Wednesday, October 19th
Public shopping: Thursday, October 20th through Saturday, October 22nd
Thurs & Fri 9am-7pm, Sat 9am-6pm
Soiffer Haskin: 317 W. 33rd St. (near 8th Ave.)
