I've got to admit- I love Costco as much as the next mom- but I don't know what to say about this. I've heard rumors over the years that different Costcos have stocked various luxury handbags that I had some serious doubts about authenticity-wise. I mean, some brands just don't wholesale or discount at all- ever... and so to see those brands at a Wholesaler like Costco just made me either doubt the bag's origin (and authenticity)- or the story of the person sharing it.
Well, now... word is out- and pictures from Bloomberg/Getty Images to match... from the New York City opening of the first Costco in the City- East 116th Street... and the Chanel and Louis Vuitton handbags that they seem to be selling at a discount. They apparently have the Chanel Classic Flap (for $1999), have sold out of the Louis Vuitton Speedy. Now, as we all know- these brands don't Wholesale. And Louis Vuitton doesn't discount- ever.
So hmmm. I mean, I guess, there's a possibility that for publicity, as kind of a luxury, designer "loss leader" to bring in Fashionphiles across the City- Costco purchased some amazing authentic luxury handbags directly boutiques- and are selling those bags for less than what it cost them- as a crazy, cool marketing tactic. And then there's the other possibility... the bags are from a questionable source and ya know what that means.
I'd LOVE to know if any of my Fashionphile readers here have been to this Costco, and have checked out these bags! Let us know!
Source: Stylelist
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OMG! You have got to be kidding me!!!!! I would not ever think of purchasing an authentic LV, etc. from there!!
I just spoke with the manager of my favorite Boutique and here’s what they know.
LV did not approve, condone or help with the sale of their brand at Costco.
There are two possibilities for this happening:
They think that those opening the Costco store bought AT FULL RETAIL the bags that are for sale there now. That these bags were probably sold AT A LOSS in order to create interest and a buzz for the new Costco!! LV was not privy to this, they did not know about it and are concerned about it.
Or:
The bags are counterfeit.
Just thought you’d like some of the air cleared!! :O
Scotty! Thank you VERY much! Well, good to know that they’re on it. I would certainly hope that Costco would be hyper careful about the authenticity of any luxury branded items that they sell. This was apparently used as part of their marketing strategy for the opening, so hopefully all those bags were authentic- and just used as “loss leaders”.
I do remember that Sam’s Club was sued for selling fake- I wanna say, Coach? a few years back. And I think they lost. Gotta go source check that
Thanks again!
Sarah