Guides

Guide for Luxury Bag-Brand's Price Increases (2024)

Facing the 2024 price surge in luxury bags from eminent brands like Chanel and Louis Vuitton, might leave you wondering about the forces at play. Inflation, market demand, and production costs are pivotal factors propelling these increases.


This straightforward guide for luxury bag price increases in 2024 delves into the specifics of these price inflation rates and explores concrete strategies to navigate the higher price tags, equipping you with the insight needed for your next fashion investment.

Key Takeaways from this guide:

Brands with notable price increases

Strategies to navigate increases

Comparing value retention

The resale industry and its role

Louis Vuitton Crossbody
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Understanding Luxury Bag Brands Price Increases in 2024

2024 is witnessing a fascinating trend in the world of luxury handbags. Many luxury brands, from Chanel to Louis Vuitton, are revising their price tags upward. But why? Well, it’s not just about those covetable logos and iconic designs. 


The reasons are more nuanced, intertwining with inflation, the rising demand for luxury goods, and the costs involved in crafting each exquisite piece.


The fashion industry is not immune to global economic shifts. The USA luxury market experienced a downturn with a 7% decrease in direct-to-consumer spending in 2023, which trickled into 2024.


Reduced luxury spending can be partly linked to lower year-end bonuses and increased corporate layoffs.


Additionally, fluctuations in the US dollar and Euro exchange rates can significantly impact international customers’ final luxury goods bill.


Therefore, inflation and currency changes have a profound impact on the price increase in the luxury market, affecting prices globally.

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Rising Demand for Luxury Bags

As the saying goes, ‘demand and supply rule the market’. The luxury handbag market is no outlier. From the aspirational customer to the ultra-wealthy, the appetite for high fashion bags is on the rise.


Europe and Asia-Pacific regions are seeing a surge in luxury industry growth, fueled by increased disposable incomes and a growing middle class. And let’s not overlook the power of social media and e-commerce platforms in stoking this demand.


Therefore, the growing popularity of luxury items effectively pushes the price scales upward.

Vintage Fendi Bag
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Production Costs and Raw Materials

What goes into crafting your favorite Louis Vuitton or Chanel bag? A lot more than meets the eye.  Brands are investing in:


  • Sustainable and traceable raw materials, which come with higher prices on the tag

  • Supply chain diversification to address vulnerabilities exposed by the pandemic, leading to increased costs

  • Fair wages and safe working conditions for labor, which push up production costs.

These price increases can be attributed to inflation, as well as escalating raw materials and labor costs.

Gucci GG Supreme Crossbody bag, Louis Vuitton Handbag, Vintage Louis Vuitton Noe Bag
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Key Luxury Brands with Notable Price Increases

Having shed light on the factors behind the 2024 the price increase, we will now focus on the key luxury brands, that have generated buzz with their new price tags. Brands like:


  • Chanel

  • Louis Vuitton

  • Hermès

  • Prada

In recent times, brands have implemented notable price increases, resulting in higher prices. These brands strategically raise prices to maintain their allure and exclusivity.

We will now explore the specifics of their pricing strategies.

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Chanel Price Hikes

2024 has seen the Chanel price increase, with price tags soaring to new heights. 


The Chanel price increase have been steep, with favorites like the Chanel Large Boy Bag and the mini version of the Classic Chanel Flap Square experiencing increases in double digits.


This aggressive pricing strategy is part of Chanel’s plan to position itself as more exclusive, targeting wealthier clients.


Chanel' quotas in stores have also influenced consumer behavior and could potentially impact other brands’, like Louis Vuitton costs approaches.

Vintage Yellow Chanel Flap Bag

Louis Vuitton Price Increases

Louis Vuitton, a name synonymous with luxury fashion, has not been spared from the 2024 price rise.


Louis Vuitton' iconic styles like the Louis Vuitton Neverfull and the Louis Vuitton Speedy have seen significant price increases over time.


Limited edition Louis Vuitton (LV) goods, influenced by factors like rarity and demand, now have a starting price range of approximately:


  • $1,500

  • $2,000

  • $3,000

  • $5,000

These price hikes reflect the enduring popularity and high demand for Louis Vuitton Pochette accessories.

Pink Louis Vuitton Crossbody
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Hermès Price Surge

Hermès, the luxury brand known for its meticulously crafted and timeless piece', surprised its clients with unexpected price increases in 2024.


The price increases impacted a span of their popular styles, with USA clients experiencing the surge right after the New Year.


The brand cited reasons such as inflation, raw material, and labor costs behind these increases. The price surge has certainly added to the exclusivity and allure of Hermès.

Hermes Birkin Alligator Bags
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Prada's Rising Prices

Prada, a brand known for blending innovative design with timeless style, has also implemented a first-round price increase in 2024. The price adjustments have sparked discussions across social media platforms, indicating a reaction from the consumer base.


Prada’s Triangle Logo Open Tote, for example, has seen a steady rise in its average value retention, underscoring the brand’s enduring appeal of the iconic tote.

Orange Prada Shoulder Bag
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Strategies to Navigate Luxury Bag Price Increases

Let’s now consider some strategies to counter these luxury bag price increases. While you can’t control the market dynamics, you can certainly make smart decisions to optimize your luxury shopping experience.


Timing your purchases, shopping in different regions, and buying pre-owned luxury goods are some strategies you can adopt.


Did you know that timing your purchases can offer cost-effective opportunities to purchase luxury bags? Here are some tips to keep in mind:


  • Brands, like Louis Vuitton og Chanel, historically increase prices at the beginning of the year or early spring.

  • End-of-year or off-peak season purchases can be more cost-effective.

  • Keep an eye out for sales, promotions, and discounts offered by brands.

By being strategic with your timing, you can save money while still indulging in your love for luxury bags.


Also, monitoring brand announcements can provide insights into impending price increases, allowing customers to beat the price hikes.


Shopping for luxury bags in different regions can mean lower prices due to variations in currency exchange rates, local sales tax, and regional costs strategies. For instance, tourists that purchase luxury bags in the EU can save money by claiming a VAT refund.


The key here is to understand the VAT refund amount and the tax-free shopping process.


Other countries like Hungary, with a high VAT refund, offer notable regional opportunities for mitigating luxury bag price increases.


Have you considered buying pre-owned luxury bags? Here are some advantages to consider:


  • They often cost a fraction of the original retail price

  • You can find limited edition and collectible items that are no longer available for purchase as new

  • The rise of the luxury resale market has pushed brands, like Louis Vuitton, to promote unique advantages of buying new

However, purchasing pre-loved luxury goods from reputable sources ensures authenticity checks, avoiding the risk of counterfeit items or ending up with a fake bag.

Vintage Chanel Flap Bag
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Comparing Value Retention for Top Luxury Bags

The average value retention is a crucial aspect to consider when investing in luxury bags. The ability of a luxury bag to retain its value over time is influenced by factors like brand reputation, style, and rarity.


In 2024, brands like Christian Dior, Chanel, and Hermès are leading the pack with high average value retention rates.


For example, the Christian Dior Lady Dior bag leads with an average value retention of 96% in 2024. These value retention figures are influenced by factors such as brand heritage, timeless style, and scarcity.


Investing in these top-performing luxury bags promises not only a style statement but also a wise investment.


What makes a luxury bag retain its value over time? Factors that impact a bag’s ability to retain value include:


  • Brand reputation

  • A Classic style

  • Limited editions

  • Quality

  • Celebrity endorsements

  • Scarcity

  • Emotional value attached to the handbag

Considering these factors can help you make a wise investment in a luxury bag that will hold its value over time.


So, the next time you shop for a luxury bag, consider these factors for a smarter investment.

Bottega Veneta Leather Bag
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The Resale Luxury Market and Its Role in Luxury Bag Pricing

The luxury bag second-hand industry has a significant role to play in the luxury bag pricing ecosystem. Expected to double to $77 billion in the next five years, this market influences retail costs and consumer behavior.


The rising popularity of sold luxury bags has led to an increased demand for pre-owned items.  Many customers, for instance, have turned to the second-hand industry for Chanel bags due to being priced out of the new bag market.


Choosing pre-owned luxury bags is also a more sustainable option, reducing the need for new production and extending the life cycle of existing handbags.


Many brands, like Louis Vuitton, are even starting to embrace the second-hand industry as part of their brand ecosystem.


Resale trends have a significant impact on the original retail value. As brands, like Louis Vuitton, adjust their pricing strategies to maintain exclusivity and value perception, resale prices play a key role.


The strong performance of luxury bags in the resale market often leads to more frequent price increases at the retail level.


Technology like Rebag’s Clair AI and discussions on social media also influences you to purchase perceptions of value, further affecting retail prices.

Grey & Navy Fendi Zucca Bag
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Shopping Tips for Luxury Fashion in 2024

In the ever-changing world of luxury bag shopping in 2024, it’s important to approach it with some valuable tips. Ensuring authenticity and finding sales and discounts are crucial strategies to maximize your investment in luxury bags.


Ensuring authenticity is pivotal when shopping for luxury bags . Whether you’re purchasing a new bag from a luxury company store or a pre-loved bag from a reputable source, verify the authenticity by examining the following:


  • The text inscribed inside the bag

  • The stitching

  • The hardware colors

  • The shape

  • The dust bags

Authentic luxury bags will have opaque and clearly visible date codes or serial numbers.


So, keep an eye out for these details to ensure you’re investing in an authentic piece.


Who doesn’t love a good sale? Here are some ways to stay updated on sales and exclusive offers:


  • Subscribe to brand newsletters

  • Follow the company on social media

  • Join loyalty programs for early access to sales, special discounts, and other perks.

Significant savings can also be found during off-peak seasons and after major holidays when retailers in average hold seasonal clearance events.

Dior Monogram Double Saddle Bag, Demin Dior Double Saddle Bag, Dior Saddle Bag
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Summary

In 2024, the luxury bag industry, led by eminent companys such as Chanel, Louis Vuitton (LV), and Prada, experienced a notable surge in prices, a phenomenon aligned with the principles of Veblen goods.


These companys, known for their meticulously crafted leather handbags originally designed to serve both as a versatile accessory and a fashion statement, have seen their value escalate due to various factors, including heightened demand, and the rising costs of premium materials.


The Chanel price increase, in particular, has been a point of discussion among fashion enthusiasts, symbolizing the brand's enhanced exclusivity and appeal in the luxury industry.


Louis Vuitton and Prada have also adjusted their prices, reflecting their strategies to maintain prestige and allure in a competitive landscape.


Compared to the average value retention of handbags from these luxury houses remains high, underscoring their appeal as investment pieces beyond mere fashion accessories.


In the USA, where trends in luxury consumption often influence global markets, these price adjustments have prompted consumers to reassess their purchasing decisions, focusing on factors like durability, utility, and the potential for long-term value retention.


The 2024 price changes have further solidified the status of Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Prada re handbags as coveted items among luxury leather goods. Despite the higher entry price, these companys continue to sell and resell at competitive rates in the secondary industry, highlighting their sustained desirability.


The role of these handbags as Veblen goods is evident, where the increase in price enhances their perceived value and appeal, making them even more desirable to fashion aficionados.


This trend reflects a dynamic interaction between economic factors, consumer behavior, and the enduring legacy of fashion companys, ensuring that their handbags remain pivotal in the landscape of fashion and luxury investment.

Louis Vuitton Mini Speedy Bag, Louis Vuitton Pochette Bag, Louis Vuitton Crossbody Bag
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Louis Vuitton bag cost?

A Louis Vuitton bag made from top-quality canvas and leather goods, in average ranges from $1,200 to $6,000, as of early 2022. Louis Vuitton' Exotic skins such as crocodile and lizard can range from $12,000 to $36,000.


When did Chanel increase prices?

Chanel increased prices in 2022 and 2023, with the price of the Medium Classic bag nearly doubling in five years, from $5,800 in 2019 to $10,200 in 2024.

Do luxury bags increase in value?

Yes, luxury bags like Tote Chanel bags, Louis Vuitton, and Hermès are known to hold their value well in resale, making them a wise choice for investment. The Birkin bag, for instance, is expected to double in value over the next decade.

Did Hermes have a price increase 2024?

Yes, Hermès had a price increase in 2024. Prices for their bags saw an increase in China on December 22nd, followed by a rise in European prices after the New Year.

Why are luxury bag prices increasing in 2024?

Iconic bag prices, like Louis Vuitton' Tote bag, in 2024 are increasing due to factors such as increases, rising demand, and production costs.

Matilde Stadager Luxury bag expert and writer

Meet the Author


Matilde Stadager - Luxury Bag Expert & Writer 


Matilde Stadager is an expert in the world of high-end and fashion bags. With a great sense of the current trends, she has been a shopping advisor for clients of Collectors Cage for years. Her many years of experience includes doing authentication of products & sourcing designer bags. Matilde knows a lot about the history of the different fashion houses, and bag models. In her writings she shares all her experience with the readers.

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