We hate to pat ourselves on the back, but it just feels so good to be right. Last month, we reported that the Hermes sample sale was being moved to Soiffer Haskin and predicted higher prices and a smaller assortment.
We were right on both accounts. We had spies at both the press sale (that’s the 10:00am entry) and the VIP sale (after 2:00pm) and everyone was disappointed. The sale officially opens to the public on Wednesday.
Before you stand on line for three or four hours, we have all the details of what you can expect. Forget about finding your dream Kelly at a discount. You would be lucky to find a Garden Party. This sample sale is usually amply stocked with these preppy canvas totes, but our spies spotted only just two. And get this, usually the sample sale price for a Garden Party is about $800, this season they are above $1,000.
There are no home furnishings or home accessories, the assortment of shoes is quite limited and there wasn’t even a large variety of ties, which is usually our go-to product. One attendee did find some towels marked $430. They retail for $450 and are $364 on Bluefly.
Even fragrances were priced between $15 and $35 at the last sale, but are now $50 to $75 at Soiffer Haskin. Silky Pops –the Hermes version of an eco friendly shopper– was 70% off last season, this season they are now only 50% off.
So what will you find? A smaller assortment of scarves, for the same price as past sales ($225 from $372, in stores). There’s lots of jewelry (yawn). The best deal are the skinny enamel bracelets, which are $184 from $460. There’s lots of ready-to-wear, but most of it is at least two seasons old.
The best part is the line to pay was non-existant, where is it usually about an hour wait. Want to know why? “There’s nothing to buy,” said one of our spies. That about sums it up. Our advice is wait until next season when Hermes will again take control of its own sale. If you want to take a gander for yourself, go in the afternoon after the second day of the sale.
Hermes Sample Sale
Soiffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St. (bet. 8th & 9th Ave.)
Public Shopping: Wednesday, September 22nd to Sunday, September 26
Wed, Fri and Sat 9am-6pm, Thurs, 9am-8pm, Sun. 1pm-5pm
