Things You Should NEVER Do in Luxury Boutiques. 

I hope you enjoy this chatty video, containing 6 unspoken rules when shopping in luxury stores. These include being aware of the alarms, not stepping behind the cash counters to look at items on the shelves behind and feeling like you don't belong in such stores... they are just shops after all, and you're there to enjoy yourself :) P.s. the earring thing is a bit gross, but I've seen it done!

My worst experience in a luxury shop was when I was in my 20s. I got my first proper job and was working enormous overtime. I saved up and wanted to get my first luxury item. I walked in and asked to try on an item. This SA looked me up and down and said “are you going to buy something or are you just wasting my time?” I just said “forget it”. No way was I giving my hard-earned money to them!

My grandmother worked in luxury. She could not afford to buy it. She always said they were trained to treat the customers the same, regardless of how they were dressed or spoke, etc. You never presumed if someone could afford something or not. If the customer could not afford it today, but a few years from now - they could - they would come back and buy from you when the time was right. My first visit to a real luxury shop was Chanel - I was wearing jeans and a t-shirt and actually carrying a nylon backpack instead of a real handbag, not dressed up or anything - I had excellent service and bought a bag and matching wallet. So I really just believe in behaving with manners in ANY store and treating the salespeople as humans, just like you would want to be treated, and if you don't get treated right - just go elsewhere.

Honestly just treat it like a normal store and remind yourself that the sa is just an employee with a job to do and you as a client should be polite but still get a good service. Don't treat it like some kind of test or audition. It's a simple retail transaction.

I was visiting Hawaii a horrible experience at Dior. The sales associate told me there was "nothing in there that I would be interested in. " She would not even let me enter the store. To this day I am terrified to enter a luxury boutique. A person's size should not dictate how they are treated!

I remember one particula incident at a Guess Collection store in the Shepard's Bush mall (London). Granted, obviously that's not a luxury boutique, but still. T here was only one member of staff at the store when I got there and she was serving another customer, so I waited. I had my eyes set on a specific watch that I wanted to buy which is why I waited patiently. For over 20 minutes. While the staff's "serving" turned into openly flirting with the customer. She saw me, she knew I wanted something, but ignored me to continue her flirting. When it was like...10 minutes before closing time I said "excuse me, I'd like to buy a watch and I've been waiting for quite a while". She goes "no, I need to close the cash registry now, I want to go home. I don't get paid for overtime." She argued a good 15 minutes that she was done working for the day and didn't want to serve me anymore. Eventually I left without the watch. I was so pissed at her for the lousy service that I went back to the store a day or two later to talk to the manager and buy that watch that I had been looking for for weeks. I told the manager what had happened and the girl had the audacity to lie to her manager about the whole thing, and right in front of me too. Well end of story is that the manager apoligzed several times and I saw him a bit later, removing the girl from the store and having a harsh talk with her. Not sure if she got fired or whatever. I also finally bought the watch, but to be honest, as much as I love the watch, wearing it always reminds me of that rude sales person.

Having worked in retail for several years, I can safely say that you should NEVER step behind a service counter in any store much less a boutique. It is a major security and safety breach. Also, a lot of luxury bags now have the alarms sewn into the bags. So be aware of that.

This was honestly such a lovely video. This might sound weird but the fact you're willing to make a video like this to help the uninitiated when it comes to in-person shopping really shows that you have a good heart. Hope you're doing well Sophie

My one point i want to add is, dont be inconsiderate of other people shopping there too! I cant tell you the amount of times I've been in luxury stores, being served by amazing SAs and yet have been rudely interrupted by impatient, inconsiderate people, or when I'm looking at a product and have been pushed aside or stepped in front of. Its ridiculous lol

I got an appointment in Hermès as a first time customer last year, the SA that was assigned to me couldn’t make it to work so, another SA help me out but she had another customer at the same time, I was very patient and great full because I was left alone for a long time with the items that I was interested in. This gives me time to try it on to look at my self 20 times in the mirror to make sure it was something I really wanted. The SA was so happy and Thankful for how nice and patient I was. She told me that , I didn’t have idea how some customers get if they have to wait a few extra minutes. That helps me to have a great relationship with my SA and she will never forget about me just for that. She told me just like that. So, you are soo right.

Love your videos Sophie ! Always so informative and useful. I have worked in Harrods for 10 years, with luxury handbags and all your rules are so on point. I have seen so many overexcited customers, grabing exotic skin or delicate handbags without any thought or care....But I understand them and always approached it with smile, as I remember the feeling, my first time visiting Harrods and seeing all these amazing beautiful things. In my experience, customers who nobody expects, spends the most. They dress casually, without care, they are relaxed and kind. I am always extra nice to someone that I see is shy or too young to purchase anything. Offering to try it on and to take photo of them with the bag. For me its not only about making a sale, it's about whole Harrods experience customer gets, even if she / he is browsing. But again I only ever worked for Harrods and was trained by Harrods and love retail theatre. In my time I had many loyal customers only shopping with me. Inviting to restaurants like Ritz, receiving expensive gifts like jewellery and invitations for visiting foreign countries ( which I never did, but still have their business cards incase lol) I even got proposal for marriage...It was so funny and cute at the same time, as grandfather said I would be perfect match for his grandson.

I wasn’t nervous going into LV or Dior for the first time. I was though when I went to Hermes for the first time. I put all my theater training into it and got in character and the visit was flawless 😂😂😂

Great advice! Years ago I went into a store on Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. Young, visiting for the first time from Alberta. A bit apprehensive, but excited. A sales lady, well before we called them SAs, approached me and directed me to a display of logo t shirts and indicated this was obviously all I could afford! Left immediately and thought to myself, she has no idea how much money I had in travellers checks, really dates me!! Anyway, went to a high end department store down the street and had a wonderful experience at a cosmetics counter discussing eye make up! He loved my eye shadow!! Thanks for your amazing videos!!💕💕💕💕

I was so nervous the first time I went to a Chanel boutique. I actually canceled my appointment and was completely surprised when the SA reached out to ask if I wanted to reschedule. I did and he is still my SA. 😊 He always makes me feel welcome and appreciated. Great tips, Sophie! You look stunning, as always. ❤️

I feel like an imposter going into luxury shops. I went from poor to not so poor and feel like they can smell poverty. While they are polite, they act like I can't afford it so they are dismissive and watch me like I am going to steal something. I get so uncomfortable I end up going to Nordstrom instead.

Thank you for these useful tips. I am noting them down for future trips. I am surprised that many people find luxury shopping intimidating too 🤷🏾‍♀️… I thought it was just me because I am a person of color with a “foreign” accent. I have always used Personal shoppers to avoid the awkward stares and judgement at luxury stores 🙄. I finally summoned the courage to browse the Hermès store at Frankfurt international airport last month and ended up buying two items. The lovely SA who attended to me was very nice. She gave me her full attention and ensured that I got my cash VAT tax-back before boarding my flight back home. Overall it was a pleasant experience… I hope it remains so going forward. Thanks for sharing from your wealth of experience.

I feel it's funny how the SAs in these stores think themselves so important as if they are curing cancer. Looking down on everyone who they think won't buy anything. At the end of the day, it's extremely over priced items that sometimes don't even stay in fashion for long and they just work there, exactly how you have your own job. So I would say always enter a store or boutique to enjoy yourself, have a good time, with absolutely no shame or insecurity, but always be kind. Xx

This is so nice and so useful! A lot of times people forget that there are lots of people starting their journey in luxury. Thank you so much Sophie! ❤️

I've recently had my first luxury shopping experience at Gucci in London, and it was amazing! I went there with a specific bag in mind, but Joseph the sales associate, showed me many different options of bags that I hadn't thought about before going in the store. I ended up buying an amazing bag and having champagne and chocolates with my husband. It was a perfect experience, made me want to go back there and shop some more!

Loved this video Sophie! I went to the luxury quarter in Amsterdam a few months ago with a friend who wanted something from Cartier. It was my first time there. After we left (Cartier was great, lovely experience), we walked around, looking at the different boutiques from outside, feeling awkward and out of place- but were very pleasantly surprised to see SAs and security people being so welcoming to us! Fendi opened their doors for us when they saw us looking, inviting us to enter, and even the security from Chanel waved at us from inside and gestured for us to come in. Everybody seemed really nice. I guess the awkwardness is mostly in our heads :)

What a sweet video full of funny and seriously relevant information✨ I’ve been on both sides of the counter so to speak since I worked for Chanel for many years and I have to say all of your comments are on point as well as I very much appreciate you reminding customers not to be rude to the SA’s. I think one of the reasons that people get nervous going into these shops is similar to why they get nervous going into a luxury car dealership… They are concerned that the sales people will be high pressure and if they are not looking to buy something that day they don’t want to be dismissed or treated poorly. I simply literally tell sales people that I’m only looking that day but if I have any questions I appreciate their information so that I can find them and in the future I may come back to them… This gives the sales associate some motivation to treat you well even if you’re not buying today.

Great advice. I have only had one encounter with a “cranky” SA, it was in a Dior boutique in Barcelona. I had my heart set on purchasing a pair of earrings but was so put off by his attitude, I did not buy them. I ended up purchasing a beautiful bag in Louis Vuitton (the V tote) instead and had a wonderful experience!

Hi Sophie! I remember feeling so nervous going into a luxury store for the first time in 2020 (It was Gucci!). The SAs there were so kind and helped me try on bags and answered all of my questions. After I left I couldn't stop thinking why I was so nervous; and you were so right, I made myself feel that way! Here's a good tip: Booking an appointment over the phone will help a ton. That way you can expect to meet an SA that you (somewhat) already know and they can show you what you want. It also beats waiting in line!

Have to say the best service I’ve received has been in LV , any store I’ve been into their service has been so friendly . It really makes a difference, however an experience I had in Louboutin changed my opinion of that brand forever . I was shopping for wedding shoes and wasn’t allowed try them on 😳

I've worked on a boutique in Lima, Perú where they allow to try on earrings. I didn't knew and assumed that it wasn't allowed and a frequent costumer asked for another sale assistant when I refused, I was shocked because the boutique didn't asked us to sanitize them before or after trying. I was almost the only one that do it.

Gosh, Sophie, I wish I'd seen this video way back when I first started buying luxury. I put up with rude & snooty CAs, because I felt like I 'had' to. Now I'm so much more confident that I deserve to be there, and to be treated courteously, but it was a long learning curve! 💕

Great video, Sophie! I remember feeling very nervous about shopping in high end luxury stores, like Chanel. I guess it just takes a few purchases to lessen the intimidation that happens in the beginning…After I bought a Chanel bag in the Rue Cambon store in Paris several years ago, I feel pretty relaxed in any Chanel boutique now! Lol

Sophie you are honestly - for me at least - the "influencer" who provides most value in the luxury fashion industry! Thanks so much for everything I truly love watching your videos and I always feel like I learnt some new things!

Great advice once again Sophie! It is worth bearing in mind that as a customer we want a luxury experience, but I'm sure SA's want to work in luxury stores to have an enjoyable experience x

“Be kind.” Yes to that Sophie😊🙏🏻so important!

I went into the YSL shop in Selfridges a while ago and the SA was super nice! We had a fun chat and I felt great after we spoke. If I'm ever in a position to buy something from them, I want the SA to be him! It was such a positive experience.

As a POC I’m always a bit nervous going into luxury stores. I’ve only ever had one bad experience. But the BEST experience I’ve had was in a Valentino store! This was about 2 years ago I had saved a lot and wanted to get a pair of designer sneakers. I went into Valentino after being treated HORRIBLY at Burberry. The SA at Valentino was fantastic and so patient. He showed me the rockstud runners in many colors and helped me try them till I got the perfect size (I have big feet😅) I was happy to give him the sale. He was fantastic. I’ve also had an amazing experience in the San Francisco Louis Vuitton. It was the SAs first day and she was more nervous than I was haha. Great Video as always Sophie! I’ve been a subscriber since you did the review of your baby blue patent lady dior! Sending lots of love x

I felt the same way going into the Louis Vuitton for the first time!! I went in to look at a wallet and was worried no one would help me 😂 but they were the nicest and showed me all the different kinds and prices. So happy I went in

Thank you for a bright spot in a world that is feeling dark. Sending you hugs from the US.❤️

Thank you for making a video like this! I would have LOVED to see something like this years ago when first started shopping in luxury boutiques. Many will appreciate this. 🙏🏼

Thank you for this! I have always felt such anxiety about going into a luxury boutique but your insight on this vid is so reassuring and makes so much sense! “At the end of the day, it’s just a shop/Have fun!” I don’t know why I felt never worthy to go into a luxury shop just to browse and discover, or anxious about needing to impress the SA’s, but you’re right. It’s all just things that we put on ourselves. Going to walk into my first luxury boutique tomorrow now!

Hi, great tips thank you. I remember feeling intimidated going into Luxury Stores. Some Salespeople have horrible behavior.

Hi Sophie! First off thank you for another lovely and informative video. I’ve been saving for my first luxury bag ever since I started my first job out of college a year ago, and I just received my first raise and bonus 🥳 (which put me much closer to my first luxury bag) In the past I’ve felt intimidated even just walking by the boutiques i’ve had my eye on, but your message put me at ease. Being kind and respectful can certainly take you far in all sorts of situations, and you’re right everyone has a budget, and we’re all just people! I’m going to keep those words in mind and try to have a fun time when I go! Hope all is well (btw this shade of pink looks very lovely on you! Makes me excited for spring 💐💓)

Such a nice video! It’s wonderful that you think of people that haven’t been in a luxury boutique before. It can be intimidating but also a lot of fun!

People please dont feel bad about walking in. You are def worth it. When i first walked in, to me it was like a regular store, just less cluttered and more pricey. Dont ever feel like you are not good enough or something. Just be yourself 😊

This video was so nice! Thank you so much! I think that a lot os those rules are kinda obvious but I do think its worthy to say it again just in case, and might be very helpful to someone out there. And I agree so much with you on the part "don't be nervous and have fun", cause, I went for the first time on a luxury boutique a few years ago, it was also a LV store, and I was so nervous, beacause I had no money to buy anything, I just wanted to have a look, and the SA was EXTREMELY nice and polite, but I made myself so nervous that I left after 2 min of looking around LOL. I hope that everyone will agree with you, and like you said, is just a shop in the end, so there's no reason to feel nervous or bad.

I have worked in sales my whole life, so I know that you are absolutely right about not being rude to a sales associate. When people come in acting like they’re entitled, I am always less likely to want to help them with anything that they need. Why should I go out of my way for someone who is making my life miserable at the moment? And as a client, I am always just as nice to the workers at TJ Maxx as I am to the SAs in a boutique. Sales, and retail in general, is a tough job and no one deserves to be badly treated.

100% agree, there is no reason to feel intimidated. None of these people are better than you! It's just a store!

This was exactly the video I needed since I'm going to Chanel tomorrow for the very first time!

Thank you so much for this video! I went into Louis Vuitton for the first time two weeks ago and was so nervous but on top of the most incredible service from amazing SAs I also met some other customers that were so pleasant it made for such a memorable experience. However I tend to be polite and considerate no matter where I am and I wouldn’t dream of being an inconsiderate customer let alone for my first purchase. I look forward to more wonderful content!

I remember wanting to go into the LV store in Paris. I was sooooo intimidated, I walked past 3-4 times before I realised that a customer was inside with a dog. I figured that if a dog was allowed in, then so was I. The SA was so lovely even thigh I was not dressed as I felt I should have been.

Great video... I would have loved this when I first started with luxury shopping. Another thing to add would probably be: - Never step in front of someone already there when trying to look at yourself with the luxury good in the mirror. This applies everywhere, not just luxury goods. I've experienced this multiple times in chanel, and it's always stored my experience. My SA now just takes me into a private room now. - Don't feel pressured into purchasing at your first look at the first look and feel of the item. It's your money, you should always feel confident that what you're buying is exactly what you want. P.s. my SA always offers me champagne first thing as a tradition now. So never be afraid of asking for a beverage. Love your work 😘.

Sophie Your kindness is like a star it shines bright for all to see. If only the whole world were this way it would be perfect♥︎

My first time in a luxury boutique was Hermes with my grandmother. I think I was not even 10 yo and still remember the feeling of entering into an other world. It was like the time stopped and I was in wonderland 😅 Also, imagine a 10 yo girl with her grandmother in Hermes: the staff was just amazing to me. So, now, everytime I go to a luxury boutique, I try to remember how it felt the first time, with my dear grandmother and I always have a wonderful time. I think being polite is essential. If you treat people with respect, they will do the same to you (normally). Have a lovely evening everyone 😘

Thank you for this! When I was in Germany last year, my husband and I decided to have a walk around this luxury department store in Munich. For majority of the higher end brands (Dior, Chanel, LV etc), they have security guards standing at the store entrance and that made me so nervous that I decided not to go in despite my husband's encouragement (even though I realllly wanted to get something). I remember wanting to have a look at a particular T&Co ring. The "store" was situated at an open space with display cases. I saw the ring I wanted but freaked out when a very friendly SA approached us. I declined assistance and we left. I still regret not getting a little something now, esp with the recent price increases from some of the brands, just because I didn't feel confident enough :')

Also if you feel staff is following you around because of the color of your skin. Leave that store and find another. Do not allow someone to make you feel less than especially when your looking for a good experience and spending your hard earned money💞

Oh, Sophie! I LOVE hearing you speak. You make me feel like I’m a friend, and we’re just having a ‘chat’! Your points are great! I was in my ‘50s’ before I started to luxury shop. In 1982, when I was 19, I studied fashion and learned a lot about Chanel. Then, life got in the way…. I think that my age might definitely be a factor in how I’m treated-always well. I’ve only shopped in Toronto and Paris. Not feeling intimidated is REALLY the key, I believe, and treating others as you would like to be treated. Have a lovely weekend! ❤👜❤🇨🇦

Thanks for sharing … Yes, you’re correct we should have good etiquette when buying luxury bags.

Brilliant video. All the info you need to make your luxury shopping experience a positive one. Thank you!

You are super sweet! Thank you for all of your tips and encouragement for all of us who'd like a little more luxury in our lives 💖

When I was in Harrods walking down "designer row" as I call it, I saw shops that didn't have anyone shopping or maybe one or two customers. I felt unworthy to even walk in to look. I should have gone into at least one of the shoppes and had a look around. They werent going to eat me. But I took photos of every window with a beautiful outfit in it. We all have nightmares about getting one of those crabby SAs.

Just think of the sales associates the same way you think of sales people in Macys, Target or anywhere else. They work there. You BUY there. No need to feel intimidated, they are just people. No big deal.

Had the loveliest experience at Dior in Zurich. The Dior lady was just as excited about us being excited that she got us champagne and truffles. She was such a sweetheart, I loved every second.

This is such a good video. People don't let those SA or shops intimidate you. Use your manners as in any store and expect to be served. That's their job. Your money, no matter how rich or poor you are is as valuable

I wish I had seen this video before we went for our first luxury purchases with my friends this Wednesday. Such great advices ! We've been to Dior and the SA was not so concerned about us, he was pissed off and you could see it. I bought a ring anyway but I shouldn't. We had an appointment at Louis Vuitton and the SA was lovely ! If you go to Antwerp, go see Kitty, she's nice ! My friend bought her first LV bag. I hope she feels the way I felt when I first purchased from a store (it was Hermes), I was so content and proud of myself to achieve my very first luxury purchase. It felt amazing ! We should always feel that way when buying from a luxury store.

Hi Sophie, I LOVE your vlogs they are so informative. Thanks for the good advice.

I buy a lot of my luxury items in outlets or online. Usually in the outlets, they’re easy to access. Like Jimmy choo, bottega, etc.

Loved this video! You seriously are the best RU-vidr ever! So humble and nice and kind hearted ❤️

Excellent tips!! Thanks for this! Loved the video!

My first luxury boutique experience was at Chanel in Dubai. I was super nervous and I had never bought anything lux. I agree being polite pays. I asked to look at brooches and asked if I could pick up the items I wanted to look at. When I finally decided I was so thrilled and couldn’t believe I just bought a Chanel piece. There were a couple of SA’s behind the counter and asked them really embarrassed if it is ok to take a photo in store. They were super nice and I told them - but I think the KNEW - that I have never been into Chanel and it is my first purchase. They were lovely and even took a photo for me with little Chanel parcel. I had all these preconceived ideas and they just made it extra special

The most informative video done in such a great way. I felt as if I was sitting down with a friend who was giving me valuable tips. 💝

Great tips, Sophie. I have only had lovely experiences in every luxury boutique. SAs are wonderful. I've had some of them for years!

Your content is so different and unique, love all your videos x

Had a lovely experience (think it was in Selfridges) where I was looking at the bags and the SA asked if if wanted to see one, I explained that I was poor so wouldn't be buying...SA said he'd pull the bag so I could see it as we can all dream. Thought that was so sweet, he was full of smiles!

Love your sharing. Yeah, when i go into a luxury store for the first time, i am so nervous and i dont have the money yet to shop. But i still go in to ask as if i have the money. Lol. Then later in years, i went in Chanel store again and this time i want to get a Chanel's CC ear stud. So glad i got it and also got to know my SA. That day my first time to VCA too. I had the same feeling but a bit bolder than my first experience to luxury store. So happy i had a friendly SA too and she gave me her contact and will contact me for my Vintage Alhambra Guilloche necklace if my turn to purchase comes. As usual the queue to get luxury nowadays is long, that is lucky it is a proper queuing system which is not the case for many luxury houses.

SAs can make an experience worthwhile. Never shopped in a luxury boutique, but I like feeling welcome in a store. When I don't feel encouraged to shop, or when the SAs get too close, that's when I run away, even if I see something I like. I enjoy shopping and I want to enjoy muself while doing it. Thank you Sophie for the video!

Great advise. I went to Harvey Nicks in Manchester a few years ago and a sales assistant stood in front of me, looked me up and down then turned his back on me and started to chat to another assistant, that reaction made me feel like he'd decided I wasn't good enough to be in there. I went on to Selfridges and the assistant at Chanel was amazing, so helpful. So don't be put off by one snooty assistants - they have the problem, there are plenty of other lovely sales assistants out there.

It is extremely thoughtful & humble of you to create this video.. It was crisp ..and thank you 🙏 Personally i m a confident shopper be it Primark or high street and occasionally luxury shopping .. thought this video is very helpful in general for new luxury shoppers :) Sophie & David u both are absolute sweethearts ..loads of love from India !

Hi Sophie, just came across your video today! I accompanied my friend to a couple of luxury brands and I was extremely anxious and felt like I didn't belong there but the CA's we had were so nice and extremely helpful. They just let us try on everything. First experience was a good thank God. Definitely would feel more confortable when I go back. Thanks for the vid!

Thank you you're quite delightful and very informative, plus never come across condescending. Lovely

3:58 I actually have to give a shoutout to my SA at the San Jose Gucci that I went to. It was another customer being rude to me. I was sitting and taking photos while waiting on my SA and this lady (who cut in line bc she saw someone she knew at the front) started sassing me that I was inconsiderate bc the store was about to close yet I was taking photos wasting ppls time......little did she know, I had already paid and my SA was in the room over bagging my things. I guess my SA overheard the convo bc she comes out with my bag and loudy tells me to stay and take some photos before leaving. I love her for that (and also bc she was super helpful and it felt like shopping with a friend)

Love these tips! I have been in luxury sales for many years and many SAs are kind, normal people who just want to be treated with respect. I have worked with some awful clients, and as an SA, you definitely shut down when someone is mean to you. Simple kindness goes both ways ❤ Also, for the people being nervous to go in to luxury stores- don't be! A GOOD SA won't judge you by how you look. If an SA does, their loss 🙂

This was such a great video! Thanks for posting this!

Went into a few luxury stores in Rome. Now this was a four day trip to support some friends who were running the Roma marathon so we were all very dressed down. Had excellent service throughout. It was only on the last day, in Prada, that an SA clued me in .... I had a professionally done elegant manicure and matching pedicure. They really do learn to read the signs.

My first luxury bag experience was at Louis Vuitton in Santa Clara, CA about 16 years ago. The SA said it’s was a pleasure to serve people like myself because we saved our money to be able to buy an item and keep it unlike these people with to much money buying a bunch of items just to return later according to him. I finally bought another bag at the same store about a year ago and had another great experience. She was so helpful and brought out a bunch of bags for me to look at and try on in the price range I was requesting. I’ve been lucky had nothing but good experiences with the few stores I’ve purchased at. My worse experience believe it or not was at Prada, the outlet store of all places in Livermore, CA. I guess I didn’t fit the mold for them to be even helped. It’s unfortunate that some of these people judge you before even trying to help you.

Sophie I could entertain you for hours with the stories from my experience working in designer luxury fashion. XX

I once walked into Louis Vuitton asking if a particular item was in stock knowing that everyone wanted it at the time, so knowing the answer would most likely be no. I was helped by a lovely gentleman who got my husband and I champagne while we waited for him to check his inventory. He was so nice even when we walked out empty handed.

Great advice. I remember that first time buying a luxury bag and the complete imposter syndrome I had when entering the store. But the SA was nice and made me feel welcome to ask questions and showed me products. The more you go into shops as well, the less scary or intimidating it becomes. What always helps me is thinking, like you said, the SAs are just normal people like me, who probably can’t afford to buy loads of the items they’re selling (or would have to save up just like I do). Be nice, let yourself be excited and you should have a lovely experience.

Really enjoyed it Sophie, it’s a good tips I’ll try to keep it in my mind for the next trip… lots of love

Thanks Sophie for another great video. Now that the internet makes everything easily accessible, I look at the bags I like and then go to the store. You want the luxury experience and to see the bag in person. I go in when I am ready to buy. Stores are not set up to browse. With Covid everything is by appointment or there is a queue.

Bought a bag from a physical store in Barcelona yesterday for the first time (I usually order online), it was a very utilitarian visit. Interesting benchmark in my life, to be honest. It’s just a store. Nothing more, nothing less.

Hey Sophie! Would you do a current bag collection?! I’m curious to see your collection up to date! Love from Canada ❤️

About the service: two different stories… Three years ago I bought my first Burberry trench coat, I have been waiting for this moment for nearly 10 years. The SA was so lovely, I was so nervous… I bought the wrong coat because I didn’t want to „waste his time“ with with asking to compare two different styles. Then a few hours later I called him and asked if I could try on the other trench 😄 The second one was the one for me and I was so happy 😁 . A week later I was sick and I got a hand written message in the mail from the SA, thanking me for the purchase. I was so grateful, it made my day feel less sick. I later came by the store to tell him how special his note was for me. In Chanel Zurich, Switzerland, I have th feeling the staff isn’t always motivated to help you 100%. I bought a pair of sneakers on Saturday and asked if they had them in another color in my size. They didn’t. So I asked to be notified when my size came in. There was a problem with the digital system and I had the feeling they didn’t put my request in. On Monday I gave them a call to ask if they were able to put down my request- they didn’t put it in. BUT they did have my size. Hmmm… did it get there on Sunday, when stores are closed? I went to pick up the second pair. Since I wanted to wear the new pair, I asked if they could put in the box the „old“ pair - the one from Saturday. They did, but they didn’t give me the additional shoelaces and the two dust bags for the new pair. I don’t think it was a coincidence, there were different SAs in the store. On Tuesday I picked up the shoelaces and the dust bags. The earrings: I absolutely disagree about the earrings, especially if you are buying rather expensive or high end earrings. ALWAYS try them on. My earlobes don’t have symmetrical holes, on the left ear the hole is a bit lower and it always makes stud earrings hang and look droopy and sad 😂. The other problem is the weight of an earring. Tiffany‘s, for example, have quite heave and sturdy stiff, so this also hurts my holes. If I am going to spend thousands of dollars on earrings, you bet I am going to try them on. I have never been denied trying on earrings.

I remember one of my first times walking into a luxury store. It was Burberry in Las Vegas. I was wearing a tourist outfit - so not too dressy but not messy as I was walking around doing touristy things. However, the SA who served me was so nice and patient that I ended up buying a scarf. She showed me two options and bought the higher priced item. I didn't feel pressured to buy, but her patience and willingness to show mw around the store impressed me enough to spend above my normal budget. It might not have not been the most expensive item, but not so bad from a non fancy dressed tourist.

Great informative video Sophie!!! Love your channel. 💕

Thank you for this video. I was in VCA in Nieman Marcus in San Fran,. I was asking about their products, had a lot of questions. The sales lady quipped that I was asking a lot of questions. And when I asked the price of an item on display, she emphasized the $3700 plus amount to scare me or shock me. I knew what I wanted and knew the prices but wanted to see them in person. But I found her to be very condescending…. So glad what I was looking for was not available because I was ready to buy. She will not make money out of me.

Great video Sophie!💜I would a 7th point if I may: never disturb an SA who is already working with a client, wait your turn!🤣 I have experience it a couple times in different boutiques. SA are helping one client at a time to make sure the experience is A+. Even if you are interested in a bag that a customer is trying on, even if you are on lunch break and have 20min, even if you are gonna spend thousands $… It never gives you the free pass to step in with the SA and ask questions/try it on too😅💁🏻‍♀️

Love your advice Sophie. I wish I had seen this video few days earlier. I just recently went to Chanel boutique to get my dream bag, but then, this 1st experience there was far than pleasant.

Thank you Sophie! Also, writte a honest review on that particular shop(on any platphorm) ...good or bad. It helps a lot. And believe me, HR is watching!

Imagine thinking you can just go into a store and shop... ya know.. go through a store, select items, take them and buy them.. How absurdly arrogant of these "boutiques" to treat customers like criminals invading their private space. This is worse than random items being locked up in Walmart like it's Rikers.

I never had a bad experience as costumer in any luxury boutique especially in Brazil, they are so nice and it’s a great expectation even in Hermes that people always hav an issue on, actually Hermes here is the best Hermes and Vuitton it’s the best of all costumer service, I went several times to the boutique till I decide to get a bag and they were amazing every single time.

Excellent advice, thank you! 😊

From the beginning I was thinking you should add don’t be afraid to ask prices, so glad you did.. I want to be able to weigh the cost vs the bag. Sometimes if I’m deciding between more than one bag I will take the cost into account.

Very informative, I’m older (60) but you are never to old learn life lessons as I get nervous and feel intimidated by high end shops, hairdressers, beauty salons etc, etc this kind of video helps so much ❤️

I agree with your comment about being polite, if a person can afford to buy from a luxury boutique the least they can do is be gracious.