What Should I Do If I Am Too Intimidated or Nervous To Walk Into An Hermès, Chanel, or Other Luxury Boutique?

Question:

What should I do if I am too intimidated or nervous to walk into an Hermès or Chanel or other luxury boutique?

Dear Too Intimidated To Shop,

It is understandable for a first-timer to be nervous about walking into a luxury boutique. It can be overwhelming, intimidating, or awkward. But it does not have to be. Here are several suggestions to help ease your anxiety.

Bring a friend with you who has a love of shopping or likes new adventures. Look at it as a new experience that you are sharing together. Once you enter the store and start browsing and looking at all the beautiful items with your friend it will feel less intimidating because you have company.
Call the boutique or look online for their appointment procedure. Since Covid, many luxury boutiques offer appointments even if you do not have an established relationship with an SA. This way you will have a set time to arrive, usually a limited time to shop (an hour is common), and your SA will be waiting to meet you and help you.The SA can introduce you to the brand, show you different options, and assist you in making decisions. There is no obligation to buy anything so just enjoy the experience.
Another option is to ask your friends if they have shopped in any luxury boutiques and you can join them when they go in the next time.
Dress in a way that makes you feel comfortable, confident, and yourself. It does not mean you have to dress up, just dress in a way that makes you feel good about yourself. That could be a pair of your favorite jeans, a t-shirt and a cardigan or it may be a summer dress and sandals. There are no rules for what you must or should wear. Just feel comfortable and confident in your outfit that day so it is one less thing to worry about.
Another suggestion is to visit a large department store such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman (in NYC), Saks Fifth Ave, or some Bloomingdales that have small Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, and other boutiques inside the store. This may feel less intimidating or overwhelming. It is often much smaller and you can enjoy exploring the well curated pieces they have on display.
Shopping in luxury boutiques can feel less intimidating when you are on vacation or traveling to cities other than the one you live in. You are more relaxed, carefree, and willing to explore because it is a new area and a new experience. This experience could help you overcome your apprehension and when you return home you will feel more comfortable about going into your local boutiques.

Good luck and keep us posted if you have more questions.

Read:

What Do You Wear While Luxury Shopping