I received a few emails about the Chanel mark-ups and lack of inventory....I searched a few sites and heres the buzz so far...
The lack of Chanel inventory has more to do with dramatic economic shifts than a corporate scheme to manipulate customers, according to Patricia Pao, CEO of the Pao Principle, a global consulting firm for luxury companies.
Like many luxury brands, Chanel's sales fell off significantly when the economy made a quick nosedive, in September 2008, Pao explains. There was no other choice but to cut back significantly on production.
"It was a prudent move as demand did not pick up until Christmas 2009," Pao says. "The pent up demand surprised Chanel. Basically, by Christmas they had sold out of all of their basic stock in all of their boutiques in both RTW and accessories leaving them in a situation where they left a lot of money on the table."
Pao says, she thinks that the core Chanel customer has returned and the company will see healthy improvements for Spring 2010.
Below is the a unofficial price list for Timeless Classic (TC) and Reissue style bags:
TC Medium/Large Caviar from $2425 to $2600
TC Medium/Large Lamb from $2695 to $2850
TC Jumbo Caviar from $2650 to $2995
TC Jumbo Lamb from $2850 to $3250
TC Maxi Caviar from $2895 to $3295
TC Maxi Lamb from $3195 to $3500
Reissue 225 from $2695 to $2850
Reissue 226 from $2795 to $3250
Reissue 227 from $3095 to $3600
*M.A.S
