If you’re a fan of Hermès, do I have good news for you!!! After skipping a few years, the Hermès Canada Silk and Accessories charity sale is finally going to happen next month! With proceeds going to support the Ross Tilley Burn Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, this highly-anticipated sale is sure to be an event you won’t want to miss. Considering that this used to be a biennial event, and more than two years have passed since the last sale, my hope is that the selection is going to be even better than in prior years. If you haven’t been to an Hermès charity sale before, you can read some of my “been-there-done-that” tips and more details after the jump. You will want to come prepared, trust me!
1. The Hermès Canada Silk and Accessories charity sale will take place on May 15th, 2018 (8am-8pm) at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre (255 Front Street West, North Building, 201).
2. Even though the sale starts at 8am, you should get there early. By 8am, the line will end up snaking around the halls of Metro Toronto Convention Centre, and the most coveted pieces usually tend to be snagged by early birds. And while at the 2015 sale there were plenty of items available even for those arriving in the afternoon, late-comers at the 2011 sale weren’t as lucky – bracelets and belts were gone after the first group was allowed to enter.
3. If you’re wondering whether you’ll be able to snag a coveted Hermès purse at a huge discount, keep on dreaming. Sadly, iconic bags and shoes aren’t likely to be on offer that day. However, you will most likely see plenty of scarves, shawls, small leather accessories, enamel bracelets, and men’s ties. Back in 2011, there were a few bags and belts on offer…but sadly no “H” belts, and definitely no Birkins in sight.
4. You should also note that there are purchasing limits in place, allowing each person to buy no more than a set number of each item. Here’s what the restrictions looked like back in 2015:
– 90 & 70 cm Silk Twill – 3 per person
– Petite Hermès – 2 per person
– 140 cm Scarves – 1 per person
– Other assorted silk – 2 per person
– Enamel and Leather Jewellery – 3 per person
– Men’s Silk Ties – 10 per person
– Men’s Scarves – 2 per person
5. Avoid wearing your fave Hermès pieces to the sale unless you’re willing to coat check them. Last time around, people wearing their own Hermès items had to remove them before entering the room to “prevent any confusion”. And while you can coat check your bulky coat if you wear one, try to avoid bulky purses, as those may have to be checked as well.
6. Re-entry is not allowed and all sales are final, which means you’ll need to be really sure that you’re ready to leave before you reach the checkout. If I remember correctly, back in 2011, you weren’t allowed to go back to the sections you already passed, but in 2015, we were allowed to roam freely…but at this point, my memory is pretty fuzzy. Of course, if you want to return to the sale after you’ve paid, you’re always free to line up again (after leaving your earlier purchases at coat check). Lines in the afternoon aren’t as bad, so if you have no patience for line ups, and are only interested in scarves or ties, then showing up during the day may prove to be a more enjoyable shopping experience.
7. As far as prices are concerned, my memory is definitely failing me. I don’t want to mislead anyone, but from what I can remember, I believe scarves were around 50% off, and enamels were around $300 each back in 2015. But again, I am not certain. What I am certain about is that prices were definitely, definitely worth the line-up if you’re looking to add a few Hermès pieces to your wardrobe, or want to buy a luxurious present for someone special in your life.
8. Avoid impulse buys and buyer’s remorse by researching the Hermès designs that you truly love ahead of time (my ultimate goal is to find an Appaloosa des Steppes scarf or twilly seen in first photo of this post). Save photos of those designs and keep them handy. Event staff and volunteers are usually very helpful, and may have come across the pattern you’re after while folding scarves or preparing for the sale. Sorting through hundreds of scarves and dozens of patterns can be both fun and frustrating, but if you have something specific in mind, it doesn’t hurt to ask. It’s also a good idea to give yourself a budget and try to stick to it…though it’s easier said than done.
9. If you’re looking to buy men’s items only, then you probably won’t have to wait as long. In the past, the men’s and women’s sections were split up into two different rooms with separate lineups, and unsurprisingly, the men’s lineup was a lot shorter. On the other hand, if you want to buy both men’s and women’s items, prepare to wait in both lines…and remember that you’ll need to leave your purchases at coat check or with friends before joining the second lineup.
10. Sounds silly to even say it, but have fun and enjoy it! This sale only happens once in a blue moon aka every 2 or 3 years, so it’s your best (and probably only) chance to score brand new Hermès pieces at a discount. Remember that proceeds go to a very worthy cause – Ross Tilley Burn Centre at Sunnybrook Hospital, and you will walk away with timeless pieces that you’ll treasure for many years to come.
Have more questions? Hit me up in the comments…and see you at the sale!
