Chanel Price Increase Confirmed for USA: Here are the New Prices 2020

It is official and in effect: Chanel increased prices on some of its most popular bags in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. For most styles, Chanel said prices rose five to seventeen percent. Our research shows wider and more variable pricing changes. For example, the Classics, Minis, WOCs and Reissue styles have increased between 11%-20% , while the Gabrielle, Chanel 19 and Boy Bag increases are under 10%. The Mini Classic Square Flap has seen the maximum increase of a whopping 25% (in Europe), while the new medium Boy Bag has seen no increase at all!
Read: Chanel Admits To Price Increase. 

According to Chanel, the hikes were due to a change in the cost of raw materials. However, as we previously surmised, the hikes also are part of the company’s goal of maintaining world-wide price harmonization. Responding to a Reuters inquiry, Chanel replied (as quoted in the New York Times):

“The price adjustments only regard Chanel’s iconic handbags, 11.12 and 2.55, as well as Boy, Gabrielle, Chanel 19 bags and certain small leather goods.”

“These adjustments are made while ensuring that we avoid excessive price differentials between countries, in line with our commitments regarding price harmonization.”

So what does that mean? Chanel wants the price of its handbags to be the same whether you’re purchasing in the United States, Europe, Asia, or anywhere else. Put another way, if you like to shop when traveling, go ahead, but there’s no (or little) financial advantage to doing so.