I find it absolutely absurd that they are continually increasing their prices at this rate.
Sure, they will blame a sluggish economy or failing dollar, but the truth is they do it because they know they can. Not because they have to. What choice do we have? Don't you want the upcoming Black Damier Speedy?
Some execs have claimed increasing manufacturing costs. Now you have to ask yourself: If Louis Vuitton is starting to produce in the USA, wouldn't production be cheaper? Why, YES, it would. They no longer have to worry about import costs & taxes since it is now a domestically made product. Also, labor is much cheaper in the US due to lower wages and LV no longer having to pay in Euros. Minimum wage in California (LV San Dimas factory) is $8.00 - Minimum wage in France is €8.40 ($12.37USD). I'd also like to add in Europe it is generally a 35 hour work week & 6 weeks paid vacation. I'm sure they are not honoring that system here in the USA.
So if you're shopping for a new LV bag, look out for the USA made and France/Italy/Spain made, because you'll get more of your money's worth with the latter.
But again, what real choice do we have? I sure want that Black Damier Speedy.
