Bottega Veneta Hong Kong

[Douglas]

So I popped into the Bottega Veneta store in the Landmark building in Central Hong Kong a few weeks ago. I was returning from a business appointment and a stop in to pick up a few shirts from Jantzen. I was dressed in business casual wear - slacks, button-up shirt, no tie, but a well-tailored Isaia blazer and pocket square. I was carrying a laptop case over my shoulder and a small Jantzen bag with 4 shirts for my girlfriend in it.

From the minute I walked into the store, I noticed I was being watched like a hawk. I asked to see a wallet and they weren't keen on giving it to me to look at. Finally one of their employees took my Jantzen bag from my hands and said they would look after it for me, though nobody mentioned my laptop case. Only after my Jantzen bag had been taken from me was anyone really willing to let me finger any goods.

It's always fun to be made out as a shoplifter. Assholes.

 

[gazman70k]

Originally Posted by Douglas

It's always fun to be made out as a shoplifter. Assholes.

I am not surprised about that at all. Hong Kong luxury brands really need to give their staff some better training. The have very little product knowledge or totally misuse or misrepresent any available knowledge they have. Perhaps its their poor English skills.

Another thing I hate is where staff are too pushy to sell you something and will tailgate you. They may be trying to help but it really ruins the shopping experience.

Gaz

 

[Spatlese]

Originally Posted by gazman70k

Another thing I hate is where staff are too pushy to sell you something and will tailgate you. They may be trying to help but it really ruins the shopping experience.

Gaz

This has been more my experience visiting higher end HK stores, and during my last trip I was dressed for the most part approaching amjack state. But maybe I was being delusional, and they really did just tailgate thinking I was a thief.

 

[GuidoWongolini]

mmmm.. I've never had that problem..

I was just there last Sunday!

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by Phat Guido

mmmm.. I've never had that problem..

I was just there last Sunday!

Well then maybe the answer is that I just need to dress better.

 

[versusqc]

maybe it's more about Phat being asian?

 

[Douglas]

Originally Posted by versusqc

maybe it's more about Phat being asian?

I'm half Asian and pass for full all the time.

 

[sf_esq]

I hate being followed around the entire time I'm in any store in Hong Kong. It's so annoying. I do however find it somewhat amusing when I walk into any store and six to seven people say "hello" to you. You can walk out, walk back in 30 seconds later, and everyone of those six to seven people will say "hello" again. I love Hong Kong.

 

[effang]

are you black or arab?

 

[A Guy from Shanghai]

You know those coal mine owners from mainland are treated exceptionally well at any major HK store. You just need to act like one of them.

 

[wind88]

Originally Posted by A Guy from Shanghai

You know those coal mine owners from mainland are treated exceptionally well at any major HK store. You just need to act like one of them.

Also, you should make sure your suit tag is still intact.

 

[Viktri]

Originally Posted by Douglas

Well then maybe the answer is that I just need to dress better.

Did you smell of fear?

Did you speak fluently?
There are so many reasons for watching you (so many things for them to hate on) so don't let it bug you.

Like PG, I was treated fairly well there this summer. Was wearing jeans, boots, t shirt. I wasn't wearing/holding a bag iirc.

gazman70k: it isn't their English skills, it's just how it is.

 

[sf_esq]

Originally Posted by effang

are you black or arab?

If that question is directed at me, no.

 

[acidboy]

crappy salespeople is par for the course in HK, surprisingly the best service and treatment you can get imo is in their local chain Giordano- but otherwise its better to just keep to yourself and don't bother socializing unless necessary.

 

[erdavis]

I have odd and variable service in Hong Kong. I never take it personally when they think I am some swank shoplifter and want to "hold my bag". I just accept that they see alot of sketchy people (it is China afterall) so that extra concern about the motives of their customers is warranted.

I am prejudice I guess, but it is hard for me to trust quality in China. I either worry its bogus or not the grade it is being represented as.

I pay the diference and often buy in other countries with a better tradition of honesty, EVEN if the goods I am buying are made in China.