The Tariff Trade war between the United States and China continues with each country hitting back then waiting for a response from the other. The Luxury Handbag has been taking a beating on the social media platforms from Chinese producers with a steady flow of videos showing “how real luxury” is an illusion. Questions are swirling. Are these bags really made in China? Another question being raised? Are these bags worth the price? Luxury brands have increased prices time and time again. Many sought after items sell for as much as 50% more than in 2019. Is it any wonder why videos from the Knock-off Capital of the World are resonating with buyers?
After visiting a store, I asked the sales team the price of some handbags. After their response, I had to shake off the shocking sticker price. Even going so far to ask if they thought the bags were worth the price. The uneasy and reluctant answers did not surprise me. After all the bag’s price perhaps equals a two or three-month salary for a full-time department store salesperson.
Buying a guilty pleasure is fun, the grin on the face, the pride of showing off a big bag with a storied brand on the side. After the past few weeks, that once enchanted emotion shifted to the “A sucker is born every minute” category. The industry finds itself in a tricky situation partly of its own making by extreme prioritising the bottom line while making some inferior products. In the past, buyers dismissed or simply forgot and forgave luxury labels transgressions while shelling out for the latest designer purse. This time however, the sector has a foe who benefits from reminding spenders of the affordable alternatives. Will luxe clientele spend with their heads or with hearts? Round one goes to the Chinese Social Media content creators. However, the skirmish has started.