Confirmed: New Chanel Classic Prices in Euros

Editor’s update as of March 3rd
U.S. and China Chanel lovers are safe for now… the prices remain unchanged. However, prices for the classic flap are up in Europe 6% (as we reported on March 1st), U.K. 5%, Japan 8%, 5% in South Korea and 2% in Taiwan. Also increases in Hong Kong, Australia and Canada. This increase has included styles such as the classic mini’s, Chanel 19, Trendy CC and others. See charts below.

Bruno Pavlovsky, president of fashion and president of Chanel told WWD in a statement:

Chanel introduced a price harmonization policy in 2015 that is designed to guarantee that differences between the retail prices of its products do not vary by more than 10 percent from region to region.

“Our objective is to offer the same price everywhere to limit the parallel market. It’s an important signal to our customers, because it’s a way of engaging with them in an honest way. Nowadays, there is no reason to penalize a Chinese customer versus an American customer. It’s normal that they should pay the same price for the same product,” he said.

“That’s our choice as a brand. But what that means is that if we let prices slip between Europe, for example, and Asia, we know that we are directly or indirectly feeding a parallel market, which is not very satisfactory for our point of view with regard to our local customers,”

Perhaps more interesting is this:

Pavlovsky denied the widespread interpretation that Chanel was driving the cost of its handbags upward in order to align itself with rival Hermès’ Birkin bag.

“Hermès bags are great, but I think our bags are very different. The construction of our bags is different, as are the materials. Even the way you wear them is different. So yes, we do compete with Hermès, but we are not in competition on a specific handbag,” he said.

“You can’t be the most luxurious, the most desirable brand and not have a price positioning that is high on the market today,”

Hold onto those wallets (again)… Or get to the boutique now. Our sources say there’s an impending global price rise for the Classic Chanel flaps that will begin to roll out worldwide on March 3rd thru March 5th. As you may recall, back in January, we reported that that month’s price hikes would affect a number of styles, but NOT the Classics. This time, however, we are told to expect the flaps to rise, among others.

Chanel Price increase, chanel prices 2022

Chanel Heathrow Terminal 5

Specifically, expect to shell out about €450-500 more for a flap. As seen in the chart below, this amounts to a 6.2% hike for the small, 5.5% for the medium, and 5.6% for the jumbo (or large). Should this increase go into effect in the United States, a quick conversion into dollars suggests a potential increase of approximately $500 per bag. Given Chanel’s global harmonization strategy, increases will likely rebound around the world. Of course, the final numbers could vary.

For current flap prices read: Chanel Price Increase for Classic Flaps on November 3rd

Chanel Classic Sizes	Current Price as of Nov 2021 (Euros)	Expected New Price March 5th (Euros)	Price Increase (Euros)	Increase (%)
Classic Small Flap	€7,300	€7,750	€450	6.2%
Classic Medium Flap	€7,800	€8,250	€450	5.5%
Classic Jumbo Flap	€8,400	€8,900	€500	5.6%
Classic Maxi Flap	€8,900	€9,450	€550	6.2%
Classic Mini Square	€3,600	€3,800	€200	5.5%
Classic Mini Rectangle	€3,800	€4,000	€200	5.2%

Chanel Classic Sizes	Current Price as of Nov 2021 (Euros)	Expected New Price March 5th (Euros)	Price Increase (Euros)	Increase (%)
Classic Small Flap	€7,300	€7,725	€450	6.2%
Classic Medium Flap	€7,800	€8,275	€450	5.5%
Classic Jumbo Flap	€8,400	€8,900	€500	5.6%
Classic Maxi Flap	€8,900	€9,450	€550	6.2%
Classic Mini Square	€3,600	€3,800	€200	5.5%
Classic Mini Rectangle	€3,800	€4,000	€200	5.2%

Although we don’t yet have specific information about the mini, we would not be surprised to find those prices rising. After all, the wildly popular petite size evaded last fall’s price spikes. Rumors also abound that other bags like the Chanel 19 and WOC will be hit as well this time.

The increase on the mini sizes is now confirmed as well as the other styles mentioned above.

Outside Chanel Heathrow Terminal 5 with 21S Rose Lilac medium classic flap @pursebop

There seems to be no stopping Chanel as it recalibrates its place in the luxury market. As a reminder, while this is the first increase in 2022, Chanel hiked classic prices three times during 2021. Over the last 2.5 years, the cost of that Chanel medium classic flap soared 52%… amid a global pandemic no less. And bag enthusiasts keep buying, at least for now.

We’ll keep you posted on this space as things unfold.