An unexpected moment at the LV store

[Sakura]

I went to my usual Louis Vuitton store to pick up a couple of new neckties. As always, I brought some slices of chocolate cake for my sales rep since I dropped by during her lunch break without an appointment. They accommodated me very well as usual, probably because I have bought quite a few things from them over the years.

This time, a young floor staff member still wearing braces came over together with my sales rep. He thanked me for the gift, then explained that due to recent company policy changes, they are no longer allowed to receive gifts from customers. Apparently LVMH introduced stricter rules a few months ago. Honestly, my sales rep could have just told me directly. Instead, they sent a very junior staff member to deliver the message, probably as a safe choice in case I gave him a head lock.

I was a bit surprised, since this kind of policy feels very un-Japanese. Giving small gifts during seasonal changes is usually seen as a sign of respect. It also felt odd coming from a luxury group that sells products, not stock shares.

After chatting more with my sales rep afterwards, it seems LVMH has been facing some headwinds recently, with sales negatively affected by US tariffs. To avoid internal issues like jealousy or favoritism, they may be tightening rules across the board. This reminds me of why I despise corporate and their structures.

Anyway, just a small update on the luxury market for anyone who finds this stuff interesting. LOL

 

[Luzifer]

I know nothing about that luxury world except from what I see in the pictures. Looks like someone's closet, a hippie cloud looking sweatshirt and extra long pants that have elephants prints on them. They call that ultra luxury? Wtf?

It even has a baseball bat in the corner, do they expect intruders?
I hope my comment don't offend you.

 

[Sakura]

I know nothing about that luxury world except from what I see in the pictures. Looks like someone's closet, a hippie cloud looking sweatshirt and extra long pants that have elephants prints on them. They call that ultra luxury? Wtf?

It even has a baseball bat in the corner, do they expect intruders?
I hope my comment don't offend you.

No problem, and welcome to the world of fashion Some designs are quite reserved and very good, while others are strange and far too loud. They are clearly aimed at younger and bolder customers. Each season, designers release a full range of clothing, from understated pieces to very loud ones.

The clothing is extremely well made. The stitching is top notch, the materials are carefully chosen, and the softness and thickness feel just right. Some of my sweaters still look almost new after 10 years, with no stretching or broken stitching like cheaper clothes. In my opinion, they are absolutely worth the cost.

When I went there, another shopper seemed annoyed with me for no real reason. Maybe it was because she had to wait in line while I was able to walk straight in with sofas fully reserved. Some people carry a lot of ego while shopping when it should be a relaxing experience. Very strange. I always stay respectful and try to avoid that kind of shopper.

The baseball bat in the corner is a shoehorn

 

[Luzifer]

Oops a shoehorn not a bat!

Somewhat unrelated sometimes I'm dressed nice in my sports car and I'd like to get supplies for work. It would be efficient and time saving but I make an effort to be inconspicuous so I go back home change clothes hop in the van to get things from my main supplier.

 

[Sakura]

The closest they have to a bat is a snooker or billiard cue. The whole set with the table is selling for like $200k

I can totally understand some people's perception of these high-end brands. A few of my local friends do not like them either. It really depends on the sales rep.

Luckily, I have a good and fair sales rep. She is not pushy at all and always accommodating. Maybe one reason why she got promoted. When I visit other stores, however, I sometimes run into annoying salespeople. The worst experience I had was with a Chinese salesperson who was extremely rude. I think LV hires almost all salesman out of college and then hand-picked only ones that excelled in sales. The competition was nuts. Corporate sucks.

 

[Sakura]

And those salespeople who work so hard are essentially generating wealth for the owners. Corporate systems are designed to fool even bright people. Those who can see through it become entrepreneurs

 

[Luzifer]

Am I an entrepreneur if I avoid buying those luxury brands? I stick with nice dress shirts that fit. They are quite inexpensive to what these cost. I would never buy those brands and even if I wanted to they wouldn't have my size.

Even if I earn more money now I only buy tools on sale and continue to look at sales for groceries.

 

[Sakura]

Unless you have Mike Tyson's neck, these should fit They are not very expensive.

I bought the blue and gray one for my black shirt. I wore the black one during my violin play, but it blended in too much.

 

[Raf]

May we know what is "not very expensive"?

 

[Luzifer]

Unless you have Mike Tyson's neck, these should fit They are not very expensive.

I bought the blue and gray one for my black shirt. I wore the black one during my violin play, but it blended in too much.

View attachment 1258

Nice ties.

However I avoid buying clothes that display clothing brand names as advertisements. They want me to pay them to advertise, that's a no.

 

[Sakura]

Nice ties.

However I avoid buying clothes that display clothing brand names as advertisements. They want me to pay them to advertise, that's a no.

Thanks. We have almost the same preference except I don’t mind small abbreviated logos when they are part of the designs. Definitely no to those big LV or LVMH or Gucci letters like in front of shirt or sweaters. Seems a bit tacky.

 

[Sakura]

May we know what is "not very expensive"?

Cost like a good dinner at 5 star French restaurant. Maybe only enough for half course without wine. Some items are not very expensive and become more reasonable when you like the brand & can use it often

 

[REKIII]

Interesting that the 'no gift' thing has trickled down to the in store sales rep. Sad really. Like you said, it's a very Japanese thing to do that.

I've only been asked to leave very nice stores like that. So, I avoid. I do understand the aspect of it being very well made and a lot of the styles aren't 'out there' I always have a hard time justifying the cost over non-fancy brands. Lets say a pair of LV pants cost 26times what a pair of pants I buy costs....are they 26 times better? Maybe. I just can't wrap my head around it.....though I still do by nice things periodically, mostly for my wife. She deserves those things.

 

[Sakura]

Interesting that the 'no gift' thing has trickled down to the in store sales rep. Sad really. Like you said, it's a very Japanese thing to do that.

I've only been asked to leave very nice stores like that. So, I avoid. I do understand the aspect of it being very well made and a lot of the styles aren't 'out there' I always have a hard time justifying the cost over non-fancy brands. Lets say a pair of LV pants cost 26times what a pair of pants I buy costs....are they 26 times better? Maybe. I just can't wrap my head around it.....though I still do by nice things periodically, mostly for my wife. She deserves those things.

What kind of nice things do you periodically buy for your wife?

I get what you are saying. Not all sales reps are equal, just like car sales reps. Many are inexperienced, just there for a paycheck, and gone by the next year.

Are LV pants 26 times better? Probably not. I usually buy timeless designs instead of seasonal stuff, so they are still wearable years later. Cheaper pants are fine too, but the materials tend to wear out faster, often because they are thinner, unlined, and rub more against the skin. High end clothes also get hand washed or dry cleaned instead of being thrown in a machine, which definitely helps. Washing machines are pretty brutal on clothes. Better stitching and finishing also make a difference, not just the fabric.

 

[6102Perf]

The more important detail that you left out is did you pick up some more of that fancy LV cologne that smells very masculine?

 

[Sakura]

The more important detail that you left out is did you pick up some more of that fancy LV cologne that smells very masculine?

As a matter of fact, I got two samples of their new perfumes. Symphony has a citrus scent, while Fantasmagory has that youthful deep sea blue vibe. I tried layering them and they smell great together. Fantasmagory actually reminds me of Dunhill Desire Blue from the 90s.




Besides an Olympic athlete, I am also a keen perfumer

 

[6102Perf]

As a matter of fact, I got two samples of their new perfumes. Symphony has a citrus scent, while Fantasmagory has that youthful deep sea blue vibe. I tried layering them and they smell great together. Fantasmagory actually reminds me of Dunhill Desire Blue from the 90s.


View attachment 1285

Besides an Olympic athlete, I am also a keen perfumer

What's your opinion on Creed fragrances? I feel like it's very overplayed now and the quality has also decreased over the years. I first discovered Aventus probably 8 years ago and I really liked it, so I've kind of just stuck with it. But the recent batch I bought last year from a high end local retailer authorized to sell Creed doesn't have the longevity or depth of smell of the older batches. Or maybe I'm just getting used to it.... who knows.

Interestingly, I have a friend who's a bit of a fraghead and after seeing your posts, I asked him about LV fragrances. He said he has both L'Immensité and Imagination but he prefers the former... says it smells 'very luxurious and smooth' haha.

 

[Sakura]

What's your opinion on Creed fragrances? I feel like it's very overplayed now and the quality has also decreased over the years. I first discovered Aventus probably 8 years ago and I really liked it, so I've kind of just stuck with it. But the recent batch I bought last year from a high end local retailer authorized to sell Creed doesn't have the longevity or depth of smell of the older batches. Or maybe I'm just getting used to it.... who knows.

Interestingly, I have a friend who's a bit of a fraghead and after seeing your posts, I asked him about LV fragrances. He said he has both L'Immensité and Imagination but he prefers the former... says it smells 'very luxurious and smooth' haha.

Most LV fragrances are on the mild side and do not last that long. On the other hand, Creed tends to be much stronger and longer lasting. Everything is turned up for presence and boldness. Raw material prices have gone up a lot over the years, so brands probably tweak formulas like using dilution to keep costs under control without changing the smell too much. So if something feels flatter or fades faster, that is usually why.

My eyesight is terrible, basically mole level with glasses, but my nose and ears are dog tier. Strong fragrances make me dizzy, so I do not get along with heavy hitters. Even with LV, which is already mild, I usually spray on a folded tissue and stick it in my pocket. I never spray directly on clothes.

L'Immensite smells great and works perfectly for everyday wear. Very easy, casual, and people do not notice it right away. Imagination is stronger but still mild. Both is also citrus based. Honestly, people who love fresh citrus usually come off as easygoing and lighthearted in a good way

 

[REKIII]

What kind of nice things do you periodically buy for your wife?

I get what you are saying. Not all sales reps are equal, just like car sales reps. Many are inexperienced, just there for a paycheck, and gone by the next year.

Are LV pants 26 times better? Probably not. I usually buy timeless designs instead of seasonal stuff, so they are still wearable years later. Cheaper pants are fine too, but the materials tend to wear out faster, often because they are thinner, unlined, and rub more against the skin. High end clothes also get hand washed or dry cleaned instead of being thrown in a machine, which definitely helps. Washing machines are pretty brutal on clothes. Better stitching and finishing also make a difference, not just the fabric.

She likes higher end wallets, and some bags. She always wants fancy shoes (like Christian Louboutin) but when I go to buy she decides she doesn't 'need' them..... I'm too fashiontarded to pick stuff out on my own, so she gives me lists and/or instructions. lol.

You bring up a good point about the washing part too. Definitely a reason for me to stay away from high end stuff. I am irritated when I have to have my suit drycleaned. If I can;t throw it in the washingmachine.....I'm usually out. hahaha.