Chanel Increases Prices in Asia 2017

We’ve got some very important pricing news to share with you on the Chanel front! Just last month, Chanel increased prices in Asia, and we’re here to report all the changes. Ever since 2015, the fashion house has been diligent about maintaining a harmonious pricing scheme throughout the globe in order to combat currency woes (Read: Global Price Implications on Chanel Street).

However, the recent price increases we’re seeing in Asia don’t seem to be related to currency fluctuations. We think the new price changes just follow a normal course of business for Chanel. In order to maintain exclusivity over time and adjust to inflation, many fashion houses raise the prices on iconic bags every year or every couple of years. Essentially, you should expect to pay more for that Classic Flap you’ve been yearning for this year versus two years ago when it first appeared on your wishlist.

Let’s compare the new prices in Asia to the old prices to the exact percentage increase…

chanelincreasespricesasia

Style	Old Asia Price	USD Equivalent	New Asia Price	USD Equivalent	Percent Increase
Chanel Medium Classic Flap	35,700 HK$	$4,574	38,500 HK$	$4,933	+ 9%
Chanel Medium Boy Bag	31,200 HK$	$3,998	34,200 HK$	$4,382	+ 10%

Style	Old Asia Price	USD Equivalent	New Asia Price	USD Equivalent	Percent Increase
Chanel Medium Classic Flap	35,700 HK$	$4,574	38,500 HK$	$4,933	+ 9%
Chanel Medium Boy Bag	31,200 HK$	$3,998	34,200 HK$	$4,382	+ 10%

For reference, a Chanel Medium Classic Flap in the US costs $4,900 and a Chanel Medium Boy bag costs $4,700. The new Asian prices align slightly more with the US prices.

What you need to know:
The price increase in Asia came into effect September 1, 2017. The price increase impacted the Chanel Classic Flap, the Boy Bag, and the Chanel Reissue 2.55. For these iconic bags, prices increased about 10%. Currently, there has been no price increase for ready-to-wear items and other accessories.

From what we’ve seen, there have not been recent price increases in the US. Yet, judging from all the price changes happening globally in Europe and Asia, it might be safe to expect a US price increase in the near future. It is sad to say that Chanel is no longer a tourist bag. You should expect to pay the same price for a Chanel bag in your homeland as you would in any other country. In some cases, it might be even more expensive to shop for Chanel abroad.

Stay tuned for more handbag math updates and report any changes you’ve seen on BopTalk!