The Hermès sale doesn't officially start until tomorrow but press and VIPs were given a head start today. Our spies report that the sale was the most quite it's ever been. By noon there were not more than five press guests floating around the sale and VIP ticket holders given entrance at two hours early.
Our veteran sale spies summarize that this was the most lack luster sale yet. There were absolutely no leather goods. Not a single leather bag, no wallets, no key chains, not even a bookmark. Wait, there was a ... leather game mat. Great, right?
The best find of the day was a fabric Picotin (feed-style bag) with leather trim for $937. The only catch was that there were only five! The larger size was $1237 but there weren't many of those either. Shoppers were fawning over an Hermès travel bag with the Evelyn logo. Our resident expert says, "I never even saw the bag in a store. It looked like something you might find on BlueFly.com."
As Hermès shoppers might expect, there were Garden Party style canvas bags but only the mini mini size. They were priced at $800 and $900. Hermès addicts reminisce about the sale's good old days where these preppy style bags can be picked up for about $400.
Moving on to gloves-- there were only about 15 pair, which ranged in price from $200 to $400. As usual, scarves and ties were plentiful and were $250 and $110, respectively. Shoppers may be able to find a small stash of belts but they were not very discounted and not desirable styles. In addition, there was a small assortment of leather and enamel bracelets, which were 50% off.
In the shoe department, the selection was pretty pitiful, according to our spies. Boots were all still over $1000 and there weren't many great looking shoes. Ready-to-wear was also still not discounted enough for our Hermès bargain shoppers. Over in housewares, shoppers can find lots of crystal but glasses were still close to $300 each. There was also select pieces of china and a small assortment of beach towels.
Everyone was in agreement that this was the most disappointing Hermès sample sale yet. Before heading out to the public sale, we suggest looking out the window and checking the weather forecast. With discounts and selections this slim, we would suggest heading to Madison and spending full price for the item and style you love.
Hermes Sample Sale
Wednesday, March 23 to Sunday, March 27
Wed 9am to 6pm, Thurs 9am to 8pm, Fri to Sat 9am to 6pm, Sun 1pm to 5pm.
Soffer Haskin, 317 W. 33rd St between Eighth and Ninth Avenues
