In the challenging landscape of the retail world, New York’s elite women continue to indulge in luxury handbags, spending up to $15,000 on secondhand pieces.
Madison Avenue Couture (MAC), a discreet luxury consignment business, has made this possible. Situated behind thick glass doors on West 57th Street, the Midtown Manhattan showroom operates by appointment only, ensuring an exclusive experience for its clientele.
“We make sure they are legit,” stated chief executive Judy Taylor about the vetting process for visitors. The business’s commitment to authenticity has made it a go-to for those seeking high-end brands such as Hermès, Chanel, and Louis Vuitton.
Despite some struggles within the broader fashion sector, MAC is experiencing significant growth. The company anticipates a 30% increase in sales this year, following a record-breaking $50 million in sales last year, representing a 35% rise from 2023.
Most of MAC’s sales occur online, demonstrating a shift in consumer behavior, especially during the pandemic. During a brief visit last month, MAC’s VP of sales, Alexis Clarbour, received multiple sales alerts, including a $4,500 Chanel clutch and a $5,450 Hermès Picotin handbag.
On April 29 alone, while Taylor and Clarbour were opening a new boutique in Palm Beach, Clarbour’s phone signaled sales summing up to an impressive $265,000 before noon, allowing for a moment of relaxation at the beach.
The luxury market has seen fluctuations, particularly among large companies like LVMH and Chanel, but MAC appears to be well-positioned. Taylor notes a change in seller behavior, with many looking to sell their handbags due to economic pressures while buyers are eager to take advantage of current prices before potential hikes.
“We’re in a sweet spot,” Taylor remarked, recognizing the surge in interest from buyers who fear increasing costs in the near future.
In the wake of stock market volatility after Liberation Day on April 2, sales dipped briefly. However, the slowdown lasted just a couple of days, followed by renewed interest in purchases, showcasing the resilience of the marketplace.
Before the pandemic, MAC’s average sale price was $26,000; today, it stands at $14,000. Small-ticket items, including Hermès Picotin bags priced at $3,600, Evelyne bags at $3,750, and wallets under $1,000, are witnessing robust demand. The strategy to diversify into lower-priced inventory has proven effective for driving sales.
Security at MAC’s showroom is notably stringent, reflecting rising crime concerns. Prospective clients undergo thorough screening, including background checks, LinkedIn vetting, and government ID verification. Once admitted, they encounter surveillance cameras and associates equipped with bank-teller-style panic buttons to ensure safety.
Despite these measures, the allure of luxury shopping remains strong, with MAC’s two new showrooms in New York and Palm Beach fully booked and serving approximately 15 private appointments per week.
Clients are treated to Veuve Clicquot champagne while they examine pre-selected handbags, typically around five per their visit. High-value accessories are transported from a nearby, meticulously organized facility reminiscent of a lavish, overstocked walk-in closet, stocked with items boasting five-figure price tags.
Among these treasures, a pre-owned Hermès Birkin 35, priced at $16,000, was marked as “out of stock” last week, indicating a robust demand.
Taylor emphasizes the exclusivity of their clientele, describing them as primarily high-net-worth individuals working in investment banks, hedge funds, and law firms, many of whom are also involved in philanthropy.
Every handbag has its own story, sometimes revealed through personal notes found tucked away inside. These messages range from heartfelt birthday wishes to love letters, with some even finding a home on MAC’s kitchen refrigerator as sweet reminders of emotional significance.
In conclusion, even amid tariffs, crime fears, and fluctuating economic conditions, the luxury handbag market in New York remains vibrant. The persistent “ka-ching” from Clarbour’s phone signals not just transactions but the enduring allure of high-end fashion among consumers who are clearly unwilling to resist the call of luxury.
image source from：https://nypost.com/2025/06/16/business/nyc-boutique-racks-up-used-handbag-sales-despite-tariffs/
