UPDATED May 21st, 2020 with US Pricing
In the middle of May, Chanel increased its prices on majority of bags in the European market just as quarantine restrictions began to ease up and stores reopened across majority of the continent. This week, Chanel US will follow suit and enact a price increase across majority of classic bags as well. Luckily for the US market, the percent increase is not quite as high as the EU faced.
After Chanel increased prices for its European market, Reuters reached out and received confirmation from Chanel on the increase. In an emailed statement, Chanel shared that “The price adjustments only regard Chanel’s iconic handbags, 11.12 and 2.55, as well as Boy, Gabrielle, Chanel 19 bags and certain small leather goods. These adjustments are made while ensuring that we avoid excessive price differentials between countries, in line with our commitments regarding price harmonization.” However, Chanel told Reuters the increase in euros ranged between 5% to 17%, even though we’ve had confirmation that on the high end there was a 25% change for the Mini Square Flap Bag as well as a 21% increase on the Small Classic Flap and Reissue 224. This larger increase is said to reflect currency and exchange rate fluctuations. WWD spoke with Chanel about the increase as well, and offers an insightful look into the brand’s decision to increase pricing. When asked by WWD, Chanel stated that the price increase had nothing to do with COVID and store closing, rather was part of the twice yearly look at strategy and price reevaluation. When speaking with WWD, “Chanel stressed that any price increases are implemented only after careful consideration, and are necessary for the brand to continue investing to maintain its core standards of creativity and craft.”
As Chanel stated, in the last few years it’s worked to harmonize prices across the globe in order to make a level priced playing field for all. In years prior, different markets were far more favorable to shop with the exchange rate and VAT. So it was assumed and expected that Chanel would be issuing a price increase for the US market following the news of the new prices that took effect in Europe. While the official date of the new prices is said to be May 25th, some stores are already selling bags at the new price or giving shoppers one more day of old prices.
Can I get a bag before this happens?
You may be able to, but you need to act fast (as in today). There are still select Chanel stores that are within Neiman Marcus, Saks, Bloomingdales, and other retailers that have sales associates who have access to sell available product at this time. If you’d like to find a sales associate, we have long threads of members who share their recommended Chanel Sales Associates as well as members sharing who they’ve had luck with snagging a bag prior to the Chanel price increase. Feel free to ask in one of these threads for a sales associate and I’m sure our members will be happy to share. I was told by a member today that her sale’s associate would be able to help track down an available bag, but an order would need to be placed this morning before the new prices take effect.
Chanel US Price Increase: The US increase was more steady, around 11-12% for majority of Classic Flap and Reissues, while the Chanel 19 only saw about a 4% increase. The Boys’ prices are unchanged.
Chanel EU Price Increase: While the rumors were swirling about the exact increase that many beloved bags would face, we can confirm that in some cases it was above the 17% figure that was being floated around. If you’re a fan of Boy Bags, take a sigh of relief because the changes there were the lowest, with a 4-5% change. However, the classics were hit hardest, with a 25% change at the high end for the Mini Square Flap Bag. The rest of the Classics saw around a 14-17% increase with the Small Classic Flap and Reissue 224 seeing a 21% increase.
We will update this article as further price increases are released and we receive more information.
New US Chanel Prices May 2020
Classic Bag US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Classic Mini Square Flap Bag | $3,500 | $3,200 | 9.4% |
| Chanel Classic Mini Rectangular Flap Bag | $3,800 | $3,500 | 8.6% |
| Chanel Classic Small Flap Bag | $5,800 | $5,200 | 11.5% |
| Chanel Classic Medium Flap Bag | $6,500 | $5,800 | 12.1% |
| Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap Bag | $7,100 | $6,400 | 11% |
| Chanel Classic Maxi Flap Bag | $7,700 | $6,900 | 11.6% |
Reissue Bag US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Reissue 224 Bag | $5,800 | $5,200 | 11.5% |
| Chanel Reissue 225 Bag | $6,500 | $5,800 | 12.1% |
| Chanel Reissue 226 Bag | $7,100 | $6,400 | 11% |
| Chanel Reissue 227 Bag | $7,700 | $6,900 | 11.6% |
Boy Bag US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Small Boy Flap Bag | $4,600 | $4,600 | – |
| Chanel Old Medium Quilted Boy Flap Bag | $5,000 | $5,000 | – |
| Chanel New Medium Boy Flap Bag | $5,500 | $5,500 | – |
W.O.C. US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Classic Quilted WOC Bag | TBD | $2,500 | TBD% |
| Chanel Boy WOC Bag | TBD | $2,700 | TBD% |
Gabrielle Bag US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Gabrielle Small | $4,100 | $3,900 | 5.1% |
| Gabrielle Medium | $4,300 | $4,100 | 4.9% |
| Gabrielle Backpack | TBD | TBD | TBD% |
Chanel 19 US Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel 19 Small Bag | $4,800 | $4,600 | 4.3% |
| Chanel 19 Large Bag | $5,300 | $5,100 | 3.9% |
| Chanel 19 Maxi Bag | $5,800 | $5,600 | 3.6% |
European Chanel Prices
Classic Bag Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Classic Mini Square Flap Bag | €3,350 | €2,680 | 25% |
| Chanel Classic Mini Rectangular Flap Bag | €3,500 | €3,050 | 14.8% |
| Chanel Classic Small Flap Bag | €5,500 | €4,550 | 20.9% |
| Chanel Classic Medium Flap Bag | €6,050 | €5,150 | 17.5% |
| Chanel Classic Jumbo Flap Bag | €6,600 | €5,700 | 15.8% |
| Chanel Classic Maxi Flap Bag | €7,100 | €6,200 | 14.5% |
Reissue Bag Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Reissue 224 Bag | €5,500 | €4,550 | 20.9% |
| Chanel Reissue 225 Bag | €6,050 | €5,150 | 17.5% |
| Chanel Reissue 226 Bag | €6,600 | €5,700 | 15.8% |
| Chanel Reissue 227 Bag | €7,100 | €6,200 | 14.5% |
Boy Bag Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Small Boy Flap Bag | €4,300 | €4,120 | 4.3% |
| Chanel Old Medium Quilted Boy Flap Bag | €4,700 | €4,480 | 4.9% |
| Chanel New Medium Boy Flap Bag | €4,980 | €4,980 | 0% |
W.O.C. Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel Classic Quilted WOC Bag | €2,350 | €2,150 | 9.3% |
| Chanel Boy WOC Bag | TBD | €2,340 | TBD |
Gabrielle Bag Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Gabrielle Small | €3,900 | €3,600 | 8.3% |
| Gabrielle Medium | €4,100 | €4,000 | 2.5% |
| Gabrielle Backpack | €3,450 | €3,280 | 4.9% |
Chanel 19 Prices
| Style | New Price | Old Price | Percent Increase |
| Chanel 19 Small Bag | €4,600 | €4,200 | 9.5% |
| Chanel 19 Large Bag | €5,000 | €4,700 | 6.3% |
| Chanel 19 Maxi Bag | €5,500 | €5,150 | 6.7% |
Can someone please share the rationale behind these MASSIVE price hikes? 20% increase??? Excuse my while I laugh.
There is none besides Chanel trying to become even more exclusive, which I hope ends up in them struggling to even stay open.
This is despicable, to be honest. Chanel has really fallen off. The logo still symbolizes luxury and “sparkle” to me however… the bag quality isn’t amazing for the price, the ready to wear isn’t attractive, and the costume jewelry disintegrates. I’m usually pretty positive but I’m having trouble finding anything good to say about this.
Sad thing is, some people will still go over-budget to grab a bag before the NEXT price increase. It’s a sick game really. Glad I don’t want any Chanel anymore.
I’m guessing same profit with fewer sales. OR if the price increase results in fewer sales, then production reduces. Leads to production cost reduction and even more profit.
*here for the comments* lol ?
LMFAO!!!!
Obscene.
I wish these weren’t just listed in Euro’s, but USD as well.
It’s not worth converting prices to USD because we don’t know what the price increase will be here. Once it is rolled out, we will update you for sure!
Megs. Thanks for all the great content. Purseblog has been a good friend throughout this pandemic. I do have a question, does Chanel gift bags to Instagram influencers? I know other brands do ie. Dior, LV. I’m curious because so many of these young girls have numerous bags and I wonder how they afford them. Further, if they are gifting bags, that means the consumer is paying for such gifts.
These price increases are for the European market. When they find out about US price increases, they will list in USD.
Yes, I meant that I don’t know how to convert Euro into USD unless I use a calculator convertor. I’m also curious once the prices are released in the U.S. if the Maxi will be $7800 in USD since it’s 7100 in Euros. I can’t wrap my head around these prices. 🙂
you can try “xe.com” for currency conversion. The price will be higher than a direct conversion from euros in the USA. Nearly 8k for a maxi is ludicrous. Quality does not warrant it.
Stores have been closed for 2 (?) months? What serious rationalization do they have to increase prices?
Stores have been closed in NYc since March 18 and they still are closed ..expected opening date is August 2020 that a lot of lost sales..the price increases is to make the difference because the bags were already in the store all they are doing is swapping out the price tag.. You can have millions of dollars as a company but companies that make that much also have a lot of debt which many people are forgeting because money is not coming in….the rich/wealthy people are not thinking about a bag they are thinking about buying property!!!
Are you seriously telling me that in all the years that Chanel has been in existence and over charging for their products they couldn’t weather a two month storm. Come on. They have huge profits and yes they have taken a hit over the past two months now, but they have been making a hell of a lot of profits for the past few decades, so this is not justified at all.
Probably that stores have been closed the last 2 months.
Are you seriously telling me that in all the years that Chanel has been in existence and over charging for their products they couldn’t weather a two month storm. Come on. They have huge profits and yes they have taken a hit over the past two months now, but they have been making a hell of a lot of profits for the past few decades, so this is not justified at all. They did a few good deeds and now want the customer to shoulder the cost.
If you mean that Chanel paid their employees, during the covid crisis, and now they expect consumers to shoulder the cost by raising their prices they may be in for a rude awakening.
That’s exactly what I meant. I think they are the type of company to raise prices regardless, pay no attention to quality or customer loyalty etc all the while expecting adulation for their “selfless” dedication to their employees during COVID, manufacturing masks or whatever. Then they receive said adulation and bask in the glow while sticking us with the check. On top of that, using COVID to usher in a price increase, you know, just because…
My husband and I had a couple out to dinner at a club we belong to. The guy buys a $695 bottle of wine (granted plus 18% tip added automatically), is histrionic with the sommelier, Mr Wine Fancypants, etc. He drinks half, then give the decanter to all the staff, and gets all the attention, thank you’s, you’re amazing etc. And……a month later….who got the bill??? I don’t drink, so I have no idea if that wine was even good. But I sure felt irritated. The good news was, it was such an egregious maneuver that I was able to totally see what they were and stay away. RE: Chanel, this is that too. Egregious beyond reason or logic, they’re showing their a** front and center, unapologetically.
I can’t get over this wine story though….. JAW DROP.
Ditto Meg. TKS, what an awful person to be so rude and order a $695 bottle of wine on someone else’s tab!!!!! Ugh! My Mother always taught me never order the most expensive thing on the menu when it is on someone else’s dime. I’m glad you are staying away from those awful people. As for the Chanel increase–they can keep their bags.
I have nothing nice to say about Chanel so I won’t say anything. 🙂 Also, I was taught the same re: ordering food when someone else is paying. To this day, I order the least expensive item on the menu because I don’t want to gauge my friend(s) and the food will still be prepared deliciously. Also, if I order wine it’s only one glass and again it’s not expensive. It is more important to spend quality time with friends and not take advantage of their generosity or kindness. I have a very low threshold for rude, obnoxious, inconsiderate and entitled people.
I know, it was really SO BAD. Even our club manager this year was like , so you guys having your friends back out for some wine this year or what!? (joking of course). It’s interesting tho b/c you have these people the drive Bentley’s and have all the “show” but underneath it all, they are really just cheap af.
Isn’t that amazing? But you know sometimes it’s a gift when things are so far over a line – you don’t have to question your own translation of it or distrust your perception. You KNOW it’s THAT BAD. I’ve never seen this level of backlash about a Chanel Price increase, so it seems comparable? They are always testing the ceiling, and why not? People just recalibrate themselves and keep buying, so truly, where is that line? Is this it? Will behavior actually change? A PS friend of mine said her SA (and her own interpretation) is that this is just the usual, people get mad for a second and then they just keep buying. Something about this makes me refuse to believe people would keep rewarding this kind of fleecing. Maybe I am wrong.
It’s a bit different this time, as all the previous times didn’t coincide with a pandemic plus they already revised their pricing last November, so its barely been six months. It’s a combination of the timing and the steep increase, which does not mimic their previous price increases which were high but still way more reasonable than this. The timing is disgusting to say the least.
Totally agree!
Louis Vuitton raised prices and now Chanel? Are they aware that the economy tanked and is in crisis mode?
And they wonder why the re-sale market is booming!
Exactly! Sustainable living is on the rise and they’re even making die-hard fans rethink purchasing new.
I buy all my high end bags used. And all 5 designer bags together cost less that 1 new bag. Granted they aren’t Chanel or LV but still. I got 2 Stams, a MiuMiu Bow Bag, Mulberry Bayswater and a Philip Lim Pashli. Plus when you buy used it means the bags don’t go to waste. Even if I were ever in the position to buy New I would never be able to bring myself to spins that kind of money on a handbag.
If their prices for their quality made me roll my eyes before, my eyes are now permanently stuck in the back of my head!
Sticking with the orange boxes.
This is also what I don’t understand, how can they justify that astonomical with that mediocre, if not bad, quality?
I have no words… the really should have waited for the world to settle back down before this
Everyone BOYCOTT Chanel and Louis Vuitton because they are being absurd and obnoxious in their pricing strategy. Instead buy GOLD. Perhaps these cold callous companies should all go online now and get rid of all the stores maybe just have 3-4 in each of the country they operate in. Then they should do a Price DECREASE because they will then be saving on rent. I only have one LV and that is enough. I have six Chanels bags but it has been two years since I bought anything from Chanel and now i’m totally boycotting it for the ridiculous prices!
It is a little weird they’re increasing prices now, do they think people will be back to spending these exorbitant amounts after the pandemic? Seems a little bizarre to me, but I also know nothing about economics so…
In a word: DISGUSTING. A mini is over 3300 euros????? 21% jump in the reissue?
One good thing is you get a clear idea of the popularity of each style from this. The larger the increase, the more demand for that style. Boys and Gabrielles have the lowest increase so they probably have the softest sales.
I guess they’re trying to close the price gap between the minis and the small flaps and the rest of the classic flap line. It’s no secret that a mini is good “value” for money in Chanel’s world, and a lot of people suggest buying those instead of spending more on a classic flap.
Chanel is giving themselves too much credit raising their prices for the crap they sell! Their marketing strategy may blow up in their faces!
They deserve to be boycotted at this point and I hope they go out of business all together.
The only item anyone actually wants from Chanel is the Mini rectangular/square flap in caviar and they stopped making that. So it’s obvious that they continue to play games and don’t give a damn about their customers.
I think they stopped making those so that they will drive people to buy the small/med/jumbo/maxi flaps. A lot of people were buying the rectangular and square minis as a “replacement” for the classic flaps because it was good “value” for money. I don’t think their strategy is right though. Those who can only afford to buy the minis will now not buy anything, and those who were going to buy the classic flaps will continue to buy the classic flaps. The target customer of those two are completely different.
I actually have a few classic flaps and I can’t even use them because they are simply way too heavy and impractical. I don’t think people are choosing the mini over the classics because of price, as they are still expensive for their size, but more because of functionality and style. Mini bags are in and that’s what people want. I’m not going back to bigger bags again, it’s too much strain on the shoulders.
I also have a classic flap and a mini and I use them for completely different purposes. I can’t use my mini flap on a daily basis because it is tiny and doesn’t fit my daily essentials. I would have to pare down and use a cardholder if I wanted to fit everything else in the bag, whereas I can use my classic flap as is without downsizing my stuff. I only use my mini for an evening out or when I don’t need to carry everything, but it is a hassle to change out my wallet for the cardholder. I use my classic flap as an every day bag.
I purchased the mini reissue last year for the sole reason that I really wanted a reissue but I didn’t want to pay so much for the full size and because the resale value on the reissue is terrible, so I bought the mini one. Thankfully the mini reissue is not as structured as the classic style mini and the leather stretches a bit, so it can hold my full size wallet, otherwise similar to my regular classic mini, I would likely only use the reissue mini occasionally.
I can relate. I’ve been wanting a Chanel piece other than the runway piece that I have. Caviar mini square would be a dream but chanel doesn’t offer any guy stuff that attract me to build a profile. Now I don’t even have to worry about wanting one because the price is completely not justified lol
It’s only in lambskin now right?
Correct they stopped making the minis in caviar and those are Chanel’s most in demand bag, which shows how much they do not case about their customers.
Terrible!!! Why they do this now?? Crazy for money?? In this global crisis, some large companies donate and help people..but chanel even kill people. They are an evil!!!oh my god!!!
Including Korea, some countries which have re-opened stores are chaos now. They fight at the store and massive customers threaten social distance. It is the hell now. Chanel they must be expected this for sure and they made this chaos. Horrible, Terrible, and inhumane!!!! I guess Chanel’s slogan is “Money is everything No moral.” Exactly same like person : Coco Chanel.
They must be boycotted!!!Be ashame on you!
I love handbags.
But, I believe that this pandemic has forced us to refocus on what is really important in life. I think many are learning to live a more minimal life where we enjoy simple pleasures like friend and family contact. Also, given all the financial hardship that many are facing, it highlights the need to reinforce one’s own financial situation and the plight of the less fortunate. Even if I can afford and love the bag, should I be spending like this? There has to be a limit to how much we will spend on a bag before it becomes absolutely ridiculous.
Couldn’t agree more with this! I have been a lover of chanel handbags and RTW for the last few years however the pandemic has really hit home and reminded me that none of these things really matter. Yes they are nice to have and I enjoy using them (well not anymore since I can’t go anywhere haha) however going forward I would rather spend my money on experiences and vacations rather than buying another handbag 🙂
Perfectly stated! Also, for those that make the argument “no one is forcing anyone to buy Chanel, LV, etc.” they are missing the point of the price increases. 1) The timing is beyond incomprehensible; 2) if people can afford to purchase bags there is a limit they may be wiling to spend; 3) for me, family & friends have always been a priority and this pandemic crisis made me lose all interest in purchasing expensive, material items.
but they don’t care about the masses..they want the elites as customers. It’s so apparent. AND with the elites money they will do just fine financially.
They want elite customers with that big CC on their bags? Good luck with that one.
I am hopeful that the ‘elites’ will live a more balanced life and refocus some of their resources on more meaningful experiences and purpose.
Every time there’s a price hike people say Chanel isn’t worth it anymore, and every time (presumably different) people still keep buying. I don’t want to buy anything from Chanel (my higher range bags are Hermes) but that’s the point – I’m not the person feeding their top line. Before or after the increase, my habits and thoughts mean nothing to them, and nor should they.
Sure it’s fun to read comments when there’s a price hike but I know nothing will change. If I made hundreds of millions while people kept calling my luxury goods overpriced, I’d keep hiking up prices too, bank accounts don’t have feelings, and nobody’s twisting anybody’s arm to buy a handbag, so no guilt either.
“ Every time there’s a price hike people say Chanel isn’t worth it anymore, and every time (presumably different) people still keep buying”
Yep. They wouldn’t be raising prices if people weren’t buying.
“Bank accounts don’t have feelings” is one of my favorite things I’ve read today! Bravo!!! Ha
Luxury goods are priced to exclude not for inherent quality which is why luxury houses continually increase prices. It’s the only way to prevent the masses from having the item and all to make the elites feel like they have something the average person can’t obtain. It’s not rocket science. The wealthy can always afford luxury and don’t care about the price pretty simple.
You nailed it! Bank account don’t have feelings and all these commenters are just ninnies and grouches. Every time there is a price increase, it is all the same thing, I dont wanna buy Chanel anymore, boycott Chanel blah blah. Yet here they are.. AGAIN! lol
It is more fun to read comments than the actual news, that’s why I don’t read those anymore.
You can make your point without dismissing people here as ‘ninnies and grouches.’ Their complaints are valid.
Umm Girl, if these so-called complaints are valid, why dont you file it in Trade Commission or better yet to Chanel themselves instead of posting it in the public forum (ninnies)
If you want these so-called complaints to be heard, then why dont you do something about it? A Change.org petition perhaps? (grouches).
In Chanel purseforum, the thread is like almost 500 pages about the price increase yet people are still buying! lol So funny.
Not sure why you feel like you want to die on this hill in the name of a corporate brand, but okay. Someone can be annoyed with something and comment about it with others with shared interests; name-calling says more about you than them. The ‘ummm’ does, too.
Says someone who judged someone in the internet because of the word ‘ummm’. lol
You need to calm down, youre being too loud! lol
I disagree re: commentators “are just ninnies and grouches”. The price increase now coincides too closely to a devastating epidemic that wiped out savings and jobs. Perhaps this epidemic didn’t affect you, but it affected me and many, many other people. I have high end designer bags, but my priorities have changed and now doesn’t feel like the right time to purchase and quite frankly I’ve lost my desire. Chanel can raise their prices and people will purchase, but I’m willing to bet Chanel will lose a lot of customers. Also, it’s been stated ad nauseam that quality and service have declined so there is that. Before the epidemic I browsed my local Chanel boutique and many times I was the only customer in the store. I predict that trend will continue, but time will prove me right or wrong.
I am also one of those affected, but let’s be honest, posting your complaints in a public forum about an exorbitant handbag prices won’t change their mind. If before the pandemic your priority is buying luxury handbags, all I can say is Wow, youve got a lot of money there.
Pandemic or not, Chanel bags are actually too expensive unless you have so much income, their target market are those people whose bank account wont get any dent despite catastrophe.
Time will prove you wrong. Chanel survived WW1, Great Depression, WW2, Cold War, Vietnam War, MIddle East War, Sars Pandemic, 2008 Recession, Mers, Swine flu pandmic. This pandemic (forgive me for my metaphor) is peanuts compared to what happened before.
Have you recently read what happened to Hermés store after it opened in China? People were lining up amidst coronavirus!
When you stated “If before the pandemic your priority is buying luxury handbags” I can inform you that it never was. My life has meaning and material items are meaningless. Honestly, your remark that “Chanel survived…. and this pandemic is peanuts compared to what happened before” is in extremely poor taste. Chanel will “survive”, but many people did not survive Covid-19. When you are throwing out stats let me give you one. According to NPR April 2020 “Coronavirus Has Now Killed More Americans Than The Vietnam War” which is infinitely more important than you trying to be so righteous.
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“Your life has meaning and material items are meaningless”. And yet you were the one who said, that you have high end designer bags and your priorities have changed. So I could infer that it took a pandemic to change your priorities from buying high end designer bags to not buying it? The operative term being “priorities”. So it actually took a pandemic to change your mind buying Chanel despite them relentlessly increasing the prices in the past?? I wasn’t the one who gave a clue that your life was meaningless.
“According to NPR April 2020 “Coronavirus Has Now Killed More Americans Than The Vietnam War” which is infinitely more important than you trying to be so righteous.”
Your statistics is non-sequitur. My point is that Chanel despite catastrophic level events survived so my first point still stands. Time will prove you wrong and whether you like it or not, they will survive because societal structure dictates that there would always be people who could afford them. I am pretty sure, when Chanel increase their price again next year, I am gonna see your name again here, commenting that you are all done buying Chanel. lol
Found out that this $11.5B company had to shoulder the salaries of its 8,500 employees and also pledged 1M Euros to a public hospital in in France. And it’s not an unknown fact that almost all luxury brands took a hit during this pandemic. I totally understand if they keep their pride and not offer any sale to maintain the brand’s integrity, But increasing their prices is so not cool! It seems that Chanel is charging their customers for their revenue losses during this pandemic.
Actually this pandemic has made me realize we can actually live with just the essentials. And it turns out, I have more than enough bags, which I don’t get to use as often most especially now that we’re on quarantine. So I probably won’t be buying any bag this year. And yes, even if I can afford and love the bag, should I spend that much? We need to rethink how much is the maximum and the acceptable amount we can spend on such.
I so agree with you. I think if I had all of the money I’ve spent on my CHANEL handbag collection, I could name a significant donation to our first responders. #timetochangeperspective
Actually, if I were to buy bag, I think I would rather support the up and coming under the radar brands that were born a few years before this pandemic started. Chanel has been profitable for so many years, and increasing their price during this pandemic is a huge turn off. These young non mainstream brands deserve a shot, in my opinion.
As a small, indie brand owner, I really hope that more people start thinking like you! Please consider checking out my bags at http://www.vivandedie.com. I’d love to hear your feedback and any comments you have about them.
Agree! In the middle of a pandemic. Looking at other Premier Designers now.
If you are going to price like hermes, at least back it up with actual quality. Let’s not lie to ourselves. Chanel’s quality is not even half of what hermes produces.
There price increase would be justified if their quality control were absolutely meticulous. I hate that one has to examine the bag with a fine tooth comb for defects before purchasing, and that it somehow becomes my fault if I failed to catch the defect before making the final decision to purchase.
Any Chanel bag I get from here on out will be a pre-loved in excellent/pristine quality. I don’t care if it’s a few years old (or more). These new bags are simply not worth the price. I’d rather shop at Moynat or Delvaux for a new bag in that price range.
I’m sooooooo glad I got mine back in 2016!
Good luck with that Chanel! No tourists in Europe (who represent a huge part of the sales), right now and until further notice, and a price increase !?! In Paris, stores have re-opened 2 days ago and empty of course. I’ve only seen a very few (3?) Russian and Asian “personal shoppers” settled in Paris taking pics of products.
I have 13 Chanels in my closet and they are my pals..No complaints on quality or functionality with any of them. I bought during rough times and good times and strategically made my choices. Chanel can do what ever they want with their pricing structure. Hermes IMHO is beyond obscene with their tags, TG I never had the bug to buy those purses (not a satchel girl). At this point of my life I’m done with buying bags; I have the luxury to shop my closet. For those of you who want to say good bye to the Chanel brand, you need to cut the cord and move on. Chanel really doesn’t care about the masses. Buy used and get really educated.
Screw these greedy idiots. And again, the stock photo shown has uneven diamonds where the flap meets the bag..very shoddy workmanship. this used to be one of the tell tale signs of a counterfeit! Now you pay extra to have it look like you bought it in Chinatown. .I hope they go under, I really do.
The quality is terrible on these bags and for those that don’t have older bags you just don’t know the difference. As someone else said, “I will shop my closet”. I have 3 Chanel bags, LV’s, Gucci, YSL, etc. I’m good!
I’m not elite, just a regular individual who is fortunate and can afford to purchase one of their bags. (Not as many as I want) , but I can treat myself to a new one each year if I choose.
I want to be valued and respected as a customer. Some of these increases are as much as 25%. They have increases every year.
They are exploiting their customers. They are not about contributing to style , fashion, etc anymore.
It’s only about greed and profit. They seem to have gone way off course and it feels tacky and greedy.
It’s such a turnoff. I won’t support it.
They also drop these increases during a global pandemic and an impending potential economic disaster. I guess they can always rely on celebrities and the very wealthy to keep them going. Customers like myself clearly don’t matter to them. I will search for other brands to support.
I’m not even sure if a lot of celebrites and influencers support the brand. Many are gifted. I’ve heard that some of the biggest celebs carry replicas. Who knows who will be spending this crazy money on these low quality bags.
Honestly, Macy’s probably carries better leather at this point.
Hi Irene,
If you’re looking to support other brands, may I recommend looking at some up and coming indie designers? We obviously don’t have the cachet of legacy names like Chanel, but in our case you’re supporting the original artist, not just the company they started generations ago. By supporting these brands you’re helping to build their story and create history. Please check out my bags at http://www.VivAndEdie.com. I’d love to hear your feedback!
Some other young, indie brands I think have excellent quality are Jeffrey Levinson and The Row.
Any news on the trendy? Any price increases?
Is there no end to the shamelessness of stores/designers peddling during this crisis? I too own several CHANEL bags. Early on I promised I would not purchase another bag (while watching news of the pandemic). When I got an email from for CHANEL masks, a text from my fav sales person at NM asking me to go on-line and let her know what I “needed” I realized I (we) created this nonsense! Why would I need a CHANEL face mask that l’d have to dry cleaned ( and purchase 2 for backup) or a new bag delivered so my husband and I will go to real physical blows? Stuff’s getting real out here!
Good! Jack them up. Make it easier for me to resell my bags.. I’ll buy pre-loved and save the money yet enjoy the “exclusivity” factor Chanel is providing
Sure, Chanel can do what it whats, it’s a business, I don’t have to shop there and their bags can be just “status” symbols. But it use to be a symbol that some of us were able to aspired to have. We could afford it, if we saved for it, for a special moment in our lives, it could be attainable. But now i feel like I’m not even allowed to dream about owning one, and it’s sucks and a bit scary to be fair. My household makes good income, great compared to the national average and I’ve lost this dream.
It’s a sign that the middle class is completely gone (signs have already been showing that before the pandemic). Chanel can do what they want, by all means, but it’s just a crazy sign of what’s to come and being just “fine” may not just be okay anymore. We need to really think about system we allowed to be built that makes it so that during a world wide pandemic where everyone should be effected equally, the only ones hit the most are lower/middle class. That’s made clear since Chanel seems to think they can make their entire profits from only one class.
Do the bosses at Chanel and LV have their head in the sand? Don’t they know there’s tons of people out of work right now and they think this is a good time to raise prices? Im astounded at their sheer arrogance and am rethinking a better use for my disposable income. Now is not the time to be frivolous with money.People are hungry, first responders are exhausted and I think I would much rather donate to helping people than considering purchasing an over priced and now more overpriced handbag for myself
The tons of people out of work you refer to may never have been chanel customers anyway. If people have the income they can be frivolous with it and the price increases won’t even be a blip on their radar.
Well I buy Chanel, am in healthcare, and most offices that have nothing to do with COVID have been closed. Including mine. No income going on 2 1/2 mos so when I can reopen I wont be running to Chanel for a bag
channels customer is not the working class its the people that have generational wealth..so they are spending the dividens from the investments so they will never touch the principle…Most of the rich/wealthy already have these bags so there is no need for them to buy a classic flap..maybe the seasonal bags they will buy from the spring collection…I live in NYC the people with money have a Hermes not Channel…most of the times i pass the boutique or go inside its empty and the sales people do not greet you and they act like they own channel when they live in rooms and studios struggling..Karl Lagerfield is not alive so they are in transition he was the brand they are making decisions that are not good..they will survive because they have been doing price increases for years but it has lost its allure
I have been Chanel admirer for many years but increasing their price during this pandemic is a huge turn off. However I’m sure people will keep buying under the slogan “Buy less, choose well” Happily there is enough affordable Chanel pieces still offered on the second-hand luxury market.
Check out http://www.vintage-united.com a reputable consignment shop online based in Netherlands.
I bought an old medium Boy bag last summer, and I do love it. I haven’t worn it much (due to C-19) and I have some regret from making the purchase. What it did teach me, was that buying Chanel on the pre-loved market will likely be the way forward for me if I look to buy anymore Chanel handbags. I’m not paying 100% full retail again!
I’m sure no one is surprised that Chanel has increased their prices to make up for the losses during the pandemic. The forecast of 2nd and 3rd waves of viruses coming back for fall and winter this year, I’m sure Chanel will increase their prices again. Reading thru the comments below, I feel the same way like many of you. This pandemic has made me realize that I have more than enough bags (don’t hold me to that when a vaccine can wipe out this virus) and the few pieces of Chanel in my handbag collection, I don’t want any more at the moment and have just stuck with the orange box beauties.
A couple years ago, I was able to purchase a Birkin 35, followed by two Birkins 30 (Apricot & Shocking Rose). Yes, its an obscene amount of money to pay for those bags, but you know what? Their prices are not too far off from Chanel (even closer now), relatively speaking, and since we playing in that $5k-$8k for bags, paying slightly more for that elusive Birkin is worth it. I also started to feel that if I couldn’t get a Birkin or Kelly, I was “settling” for a Chanel and it disgusted me to feel that way. I should be overjoyed and doing the same happy dance when the SA does the reveal for Chanel or Birkin/Kelly.
For the moment, my handbag buying is on pause and save up some cash for when I can get enjoyment out of buying a Chanel or Birkin again.
Yes, it’s a greediness, but mostly on our part, the consumer. As long as we are lined up as a herd to buy their product, they will keep teasing us with price increases. It’s a free market, and we are the ones swallowing the bait. There is always a balance, like it or not:)
I have two things to say, 1 – the color of the intro bag is an absolutely beautiful lavender! 2 – I have to laugh at all the people commenting “The pandemic has made me realize I need to focus on whats important.. expensive bags aren’t it” – stop virtue signalling holy art thou, you know once everything is back up and running like normal everyone who said that is going to go RIGHT back into Chanel and pay the exorbitant prices. Who are you trying to fool (besides yourselves)? It may have made you RETHINK it but will you actually live up to that THOUGHT? Doubtful. Chanel thinks so as well which is why they continue raising their prices!
There is a third thing I would like to say as well, I cant understand why people complain about Chanel prices, Chanel is a LUXURY brand for people who make $1m+++ /year not for the poor. To people who are wealthy a $6000 bag is like a $25 walmart tote to people who live in that price range. It’s a drop in the bucket for them.
Very good point. I do agree with you DanD. For people who have a lot of money to spend on expensive things. They will buy both Hermes and Chanel.
Oh please. Chanel isn’t luxury. Luxury how? Materials? Exclusivity? Quality? Craftsmanship? Customer Service? Shopping experience? NONE of those things. It hasn’t been luxury for a long time. Most of us who have had or closets full of Chanel have moved on to real luxury. Chanel has been a desperate wannabe for some time now, raising prices to artificially create exclusivity won’t work for the real luxury buyers. Half of their RTW is now polyester. So no Chanel is not “LUXURY”.
You missed my point, it doesnt matter what you consider as the definition of “Luxury”, $6000 to someone who has $100M bank account is the same as a $25 tote from Walmart for someone who has $1000 in their bank account. It could be made from burlap for all they care. They are paying for the brand and purely the brand. Luxury fashion not “who can make the best thing out of all high quality materials”. It is all about the brands vision and design that people pay for.
That’s my point exactly. They are selling a perception and not a reality of actual luxury. People want what they think is just beyond their status level – aspirational buying. And most are only seeking the psychological association, and not demanding the aforementioned traits of true luxury, because only the logo matters. ALL of these brands – chanel, Gucci, YSL, Prada, givenchy, LV (minus their exotics and bespoke tiers) are just expensive contemporary brands. You take off the logo, and there is zero difference in quality standard with other contemporary brands. So yes, as long as people allow themselves to think overpaying for a logo (literally only that) improves their entire existence and insecurities, yes Chanel will do just fine. Maybe even create more artificial demand. They hire behaviorists to cull exactly that personality type, and successful separate them from their money using cognitive dissonance.
I’ve seen a lot Chinese girls rush to the store and buying out Chanel bags before the price increase. It’s a good sales strategy from Chanel. No matter how mad part of the people feel about the price increasing, there will be still a lot crazy customer (even they are not crazily rich) keep buying it.
Exactly. They wouldn’t be raising prices if people weren’t buying.
These prices have gotten out of hand. I was a loyal customer of Chanel’s for over 15 years, but at this point, I’m switching all my attention to Hermes.
I will spent the money to buy HERMES … not Chanel ….. Chanel can’t compare with birkin or kelly bag !!!!?
These price increases are insane. I know I’m not being forced by Chanel to buy their items so I shouldn’t care. But realistically speaking, it is utterly ridiculous to ask your customers to pay $7-$8k for a machine made bag that is mass produced and flooding the resale market. Chanel’s quality is tanking, they don’t stand by their product, have an abysmal after sales repair service, I mean what the hell are you even paying for? Sure Hermes charges a lot, and they really do overprice as well, but they truly have the best after sales experience, repair experience, and employ real talented artisans who make mostly everything by hand through artisanal techniques and know-how. Hermes stands behind their product and proves with every item that it will outlast its owner. Chanel is pretty much becoming a glamorized Zara.
These prices aren’t too far off of the European price increases. A few years ago my husband bought me the Classic Maxi at $6K and now it’s $7,800? The whole thing is crazy. I’ve bought some Hermes products, new and used, and they take care of customers. I’ll spend my money where I’m appreciated and respected.
Let’s see… Chanel has outrageous price increases just about every year. They won’t repair a bag more than a few years old, and it has to be submitted by the original owner. The quality of their bags is questionable. And they’re trying to prevent their bags from being sold on the pre-loved market. Apparently they think their $h!t doesn’t stink! ?
Dan writes: “You missed my point, it doesnt matter what you consider as the definition of “Luxury”, $6000 to someone who has $100M bank account is the same as a $25 tote from Walmart for someone who has $1000 in their bank account.”
Actually, I think Dan misses his own point. If a 6k Chanel bag is to the very rich no different from a $25 Walmart bag to us hoi-polloi, then the rich won’t be buying those Chanel bags. After all, how many middle class women choose to buy their bags at Walmart? The established rich won’t bother with these new Chanel bags even if the money doesn’t mean much to them. Nobody, even the very rich, enjoys feeling like they’re being used as patsies — after they’ve had the money for a while, they pay more attention to price value. The discriminating rich will veer away from over-exposed and over-priced products of declining quality and move towards more elegant, less obvious, higher-quality brands — Delvaux, Moynat, Moreau, Asprey, Fontana Milano 1915 etc.
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Thousands of dollars later with many Chanel bags, but nowhere to go. #Quarantinelife is real. Time for reality. Who needs anything new right now when the biggest recession of all time is heading our way!
Why would I buy Chanel when Hermès is only couple hundred dollars more.