Counterfeits abound but the original remains a safe bet. Prada handbags, Omega watches, Tiffany jewelry… Héritage boutique, specializing in the sale of second-hand luxury products, has been a hit since it opened in October 2024. Inaugurated in the One Nation Paris Outlet shopping center located in Clayes-sous-Bois, this antique shop has found its customers. Better than that, he recorded additional turnover of 21% of the set goal.
“At first, we went there as adventurers, thinking we could do it. In the end, we took the right decision. We are happy,” said Pauline Catteau, Héritage general director, with joy. Moreover, the bet is not won first. If second-hand goods have permanently anchored the consumer sector in France, the famous platform and concept store dedicated to vintage luxury Monogram finally closed this summer after a judicial liquidation. Bad signal.
Louis Vuitton leads, Gucci close behind
In the 610 m2 store, “we pay attention to trends and preferences. For example, Gucci is not very successful with us,” explains Pauline Catteau, who on the other hand admits “a strong interest in Céline and Yves Saint-Laurent.” “It’s a more discreet bag, synonymous with French elegance. I think that’s why our customers prefer it. » But in the lead, the Louis Vuitton brand remains widely popular.
And of course the “unconditional Timeless” Chanel, which is timeless adored by everyone. This shoulder bag, inspired by military bags, was designed in February 1955 so that women could freely hold their hands. This model would take the form we know today thanks to Karl Lagerfeld who, in 1983 while serving as artistic director of the house, decided to replace the original buckle with the iconic double C buckle, a reference to Coco Chanel. This was the beginning of the legend.
If the purchase of a luxury product, even second-hand, remains a significant investment, the price represents a discount of at least 30% compared to new items. Or what’s more, classic vintage Louis Vuitton models are offered at a 50% discount. “Cartier jewelry continues to increase in value this year. Due to the increase in gold prices, prices for Cartier jewelry also increase in the classic chain. Upon arrival, customers can get up to 3,000 euros for their bracelet with us,” the manager assured.
32% foreign tourists
If low prices are attractive to buyers, authenticity and high quality of vintage products are two non-negotiable elements before checking out. And that is the strength of this store, everyone can touch Hermès silk scarves, Dior handbags and examine the general appearance of the object. “When we buy at auction, we are very demanding about all this. We really need the product to be like new,” explains Pauline Catteau, who is also the group’s asset manager.
One of the entry points is also social networks, especially Instagram. “Lots of customers come from there: they saw our photos, asked us online and did not hesitate to cross the entire Île-de-France to come here,” explains the director. Statistics prove him right as two-thirds of buyers live in the region, with the majority from Yvelines and Hauts-de-Seine, and 32% are foreign tourists passing through the capital.
And each week brings its own “surprise” with new arrivals. “We have people who regularly come back to the shop, just like in a traditional bag shop,” said the daughter of the outlet shopping center’s founder, Philippe Catteau. It is true that we have found our customers, but we still have many customers. » In one year, the concept store sold more than 2,136 items, equivalent to an average of 6 products per day.
