A Paris vacation in my world usually involves handbag research. It is less expensive, in my experience, to buy Louis Vuitton handbags in France. But, on my most recent trip, I discovered that there is actually more value in buying Goyard handbags in France, especially if you do not have one of their boutiques nearby.
Goyard is an brand of luxury handbags that has been in business since 1853. It’s known for carrying an air of secrecy and exclusivity with it that is almost unusual in today’s online world. It is not possible to buy Goyardonline. They do not have a catalog or pricing available online either. In fact, at the time of this writing, I count 29 boutiques total in the entire world.
Goyard Paris Stores
We were staying at Mandarin Oriental, Paris which is just a few short blocks away from the Goyard boutiques on rue Saint-Honoré. This is actually one of my favorite neighborhoods in all of Paris to base a vacation because there is so much to do within walking distance. Everything from favorite macaron shops to Toraya, my absolute favorite Japanese wagashi shop (which does not have many outlets internationally), is here.
I say boutiques, plural, because there are two Goyard’s right across the street from each other. One carries handbags, wallets and other small leather goods while the other across the street specializes in luggage and household leather goods (like Goyard dog accessories and much more). The luggage store has the iconic trunks stacked in front.
The only other Goyard Paris boutique is inside the Printemps department store on Boulevard Haussmann.
Tips for Buying Goyard in Paris
So, you’re on a Paris vacation and are thinking about buying a Goyard handbag. Now what?
Be Prepared to Wait
A short line had already formed by the time my daughter and I arrived to the rue Saint-HonoréGoyard store at about 9:55 a.m. on a Monday, five minutes before the store opened. I would guess there were about six or so staff in the store and they let in exactly the amount of people who could enjoy one-on-one, literally white-gloved attention in addition to one or two others left to browse. Not very many people are allowed in at once. We didn’t wait long… maybe about 15 minutes or so but the line was substantially longer when we passed by later in the day. It is a small store compared to the grand Paris Louis Vuitton boutiques.
Be Prepared to Buy
Because so few people are let in at a time, it does behoove you to research the Goyard handbag or accessories you might to buy in advance. I did feel pressure to make a decision quickly. Staff was extremely helpful and attentive though I was pegged (rightfully so) as a serious buyer. I intended to walk out with a yellow Saint Louis PM handbag (the bigger one) but it just didn’t look right. I asked to see maybe 4 other bags until the white Saint Louis GM bag really caught my eye.
Bring your passport to the store
Otherwise, you will not be eligible for the VAT (value-added tax) refund.
Factors That Determine Your Savings
Savings on overseas purchases is determined by the following ever-changing factors:
- Retail price including applicable tax in your home country
- Currency exchange rate
- Foreign exchange fees (on credit cards or any fees paid to convert cash)
- VAT refund
How The VAT Refund Works
VAT is a consumption tax that is already included in the price of items purchased in France (as well as many other countries abroad). The rate of VAT varies depending on what you’re purchasing, but the standard rate in France is 20%. If seeking a VAT refund, you will not receive the full 20% back as there is, understandably, a processing fee.
Goyardwill fill out the paperwork and have you sign the document in the correct spots right there in the store. The document needs to be processed at the airport prior to departure. Kiosks are available for digital stamping of the forms oryou may wait in line for a customs officer to issue a manual stamp. Either way, after receiving a digital or manual stamp, seal the form in the provided envelope and drop it in the designated box. Await your refund which will land on your credit card several weeks later.
Apparently, you can wait in line to have the refund in cash processed right then and there but I’ve never had time to do that.
You MUST process your VAT refund BEFORE checking in for your flight.The main reason for this is that you may need to show your purchase to the customs officer (though the odds of this if processing via kiosk are low). There way to process a VAT refund onceinside the airport terminal. I have forgotten to have the VAT refund stamped in the chaos of getting to the airport and checking in on time. Don’t do this, otherwise you’ll forfeit the refund.
Goyard Saint Louis GMHandbag By The Numbers
The price of my bag in France was €1040 (roughly €866 + 20% VAT of €174) compared to $1685USD ($1560retail price plus 8% California sales tax of $125.44).
The amount claimed on the VAT refund is €174 but there is a processing fee so I received€124as a refund.
€1040 (retail price in France) – €124 (actual VAT refund)= €916 (true price in euros) or $1008 (at an current exchange rate of 1.11 dollars to the euro).
$1685 (price in US) –$1008 (price in France converted from euros to USD) = $677 savings
This means that I saved 41% by buying the Goyard handbag in Paris. Not bad.
Other Things to Note
If you have purchased more abroad than what customs allows, you may have to pay customs duty upon returning home. U.S. residents may bring home $800 of goods purchased abroad per person, per month if travel outside of the U.S. exceeds 48 hours.
Customs is complicated. You can’t bring in $800 worth of booze or tobacco for example. It pays to research what you’d like to bring home and how much you’d pay in advance. There are restrictions by country. It’s not a clear-cut $800 in all circumstances.
From what I understand, perIATA, a family of three can group their allowance for a single purchase of $2400, for example. Don’t take my word for it, always check before you go as things change anyway. I have Global Entry so I try very hard not exceed my customs allowance. If you have Global Entry or some other trusted traveler program and get caught exceeding your customs allowance without declaring goods, you may lose these privileges.
Using a credit card with a foreign exchange fee will cut into your savings. My American AAdvantage Citi Executive Platinum card does not have a foreign exchange fee. My business card charges 3%.
Goyard White Saint Louis GM Handbag Review
I was worried about the white canvas being difficult to maintain and it’s surprisingly durable. It looks fabulous with jeans, black dresses and pretty much everything. I LOVE it.
It is a perfect luxury travel handbag because it folds completely flat. It is significantly more lightweight than a Louis Vuitton Neverfull of the same size. However, it can not handle the same amount of weight. I have a heavy Canon DSLR camera that seems to put stress on the Saint Louis. I would not recommend carrying heavy things in it. But for every day, it’s by far my favorite handbag at the moment.
Have you purchased a Goyard handbag in France? If so, please share your in-store experience.
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Katie Dillon
Katie Dillon is the managing editor of La Jolla Mom. She helps readers plan San Diego vacations through her hotel expertise (that stems from living in a Four Seasons hotel) and local connections. Readers have access to exclusive discounts on theme park tickets (like Disneyland and San Diego Zoo) and perks at luxury hotels worldwide through her. She also shares insider tips for visiting major cities worldwide like Hong Kong, London, Paris, and Shanghai that her family has either lived in or visits regularly (or both).
FAQs
Is Goyard sold in department stores? ›
So, the only way for shoppers to get their hands on Goyard bags (if you don't have big connections like the royal family does) is at high-end boutiques, select department stores or through resellers. The U.S. has stores selling Goyard in New York City, Chicago, Dallas, San Francisco and Beverly Hills.
Can you purchase Goyard bags online? ›Can I buy a Goyard online? Maison Goyard does not engage in e-commerce - however, depending on your proximity with one of our comptoirs, distance order services may be available.
Is Goyard made in Paris? ›...
Goyard.
| Flagship location, 233 rue Saint-Honoré, Paris | |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1792 |
| Headquarters | Paris , France |
All authentic Goyard bags have a serial number on the inside of the item. On older Goyard St. Louis totes, you can find it clearly printed on the interior pouch. For later models, serial numbers can be found embossed on the end of the leather strap connecting the pouch to the tote.
What is the most popular Goyard color? ›The burgundy colored Goyardine is one of the most sought after colors in the Goyard family and would be a great Autumn handbag choice.
Why is Goyard so special? ›"Their brand is not just about legacy and heritage, it's also about functionality," Rati Levesque, Chief Merchant of luxury resale site The Real Real, noted. "Their bags are easy, light, and well-made. The brand holds resell value because it's like an heirloom. It's an insider's bag, but it doesn't scream luxury."
Why does Goyard not sell online? ›Goyard is an brand of luxury handbags that has been in business since 1853. It's known for carrying an air of secrecy and exclusivity with it that is almost unusual in today's online world. It is not possible to buy Goyard online. They do not have a catalog or pricing available online either.
How do you pronounce Goyard bag? ›How to Pronounce Goyard? (CORRECTLY) French ... - YouTube
Is Goyard owned by Louis Vuitton? ›Goyard was established in Paris in 1853. Founded in the House of Martin by Pierre-Francois Martin, the brand is older than Louis Vuitton by just one year. However, today you can clearly see that the two luxury luggage handbag and accessory brands took different paths from the very beginning.
Why do people buy Goyard? ›With every piece of Goyard luxury luggage, there is history and proud family heritage behind it. The family-owned business withstood the test of time by creating every Goyard item with great care. High-quality and durable, each piece of luxury luggage is an impressive piece of limited edition merchandise.
Is Goyard canvas or leather? ›
Goyard bags are made from coated canvas, leather trims, and fabric interiors. The exterior can be cleaned by wiping it down with a soft cloth dampened with gentle soap and water.
Is Goyard considered luxury? ›Goyard, the French luxury house—with its easily recognizable chevron-printed canvas and leather travel goods—has become one of the most coveted, albeit under the radar, brands in the world.
How do you clean the inside of a Goyard bag? ›Clean your Goyardine canvas product with a soft, lint-free fabric, with large movements. Avoid intensive and repetitive rubbing to prevent abrasion of the 'Chevron' pattern. Clean the inside of the bag using a soft brush to dust it. Machine-washing or any other mechanical procedure will permanently damage the product.
What do Goyard serial numbers mean? ›Each Goyard item has an identification code, which is the bag's traceability. But just because you find a serial number on your bag does not mean that it guarantees the authenticity of the bag. Indeed, counterfeiters write false numbers or produce thousands of bags under the same code.
Do Goyard bags come with plastic on handles? ›Goyard bags come in a plain dust bag that is placed within a plain, unmarked brown box. 4. A Goyard bag will never come with plastic covered handles or leather tags on the handle.
What is classic Goyard color? ›It can be personalized by having names, initials, numbers, or stripes hand painted on the bag. ** In 2014, Goyard reclassified the Red color to special color. Classic Colors are now black and black with trim , all other colors including red are considered Special colors.
Which is bigger Goyard PM or GM? ›There are a few different size options for the Goyard tote and I went back and forth forever on which size to get! I ended up getting the GM size which is the bigger one (PM is a little bit smaller).
Which is bigger mm or PM with Goyard? ›Goyard first launched the Artois PM back in 2014, and sometime this week, the Artois MM will be made available. Made exactly the same as its predecessor with all the trimmings (reinforced base, sturdier handles, zipper closure on top), the only difference is the size which is much larger than the PM.
Will Goyard go out of style? ›The longtime prestige associated with Goyard means that your bag will never go out of style, and its limited availability makes it a favorite for ladies who love sophisticated, classic style but don't want to look like everybody else."
Is Goyard quiet luxury? ›It shuns advertising – preferring silence, or whispering softly in someone's ears because it's more elegant and efficient than screaming.
How many Goyard stores are in the US? ›
Even in countries where Goyard has a concentrated number of locations, such as France (which boasts 4 stores total, 3 of which are in Paris) and the United States (with 5 Goyard stores), it is clear that the House is not focused on expansion.
Who owns Goyard? ›Goyard's owner, Jean-Michel Signoles, purchased much of the duke and duchess' collection when Sotheby's auctioned off the contents of their Paris home in 1997. A document case and monogrammed trunk went for nearly $15,000, while another lot sold for $32,500, Town & Country reported.
How much does a Goyard backpack cost? ›The $4,300 Backpack That Style Gods Want
Storied Parisian label Goyard, founded on the art of trunk-making, has been a favorite of the crusty socialite set since monocles were all the rage. Lately it's begun taking over U.S. street style, too.
Goyard, the legendary Paris trunk-maker, has landed in Milan. Covering a 753-square-foot surface, Goyard's first Italian flagship is located on Via Gesù 2, at the corner of Via Montenapoleone, in the central Quadrilatero fashion district.
How do you say Chanel in French? ›How to pronounce CHANEL the right way - YouTube
How do you pronounce Moynat in French? ›How to Pronounce Moynat? (CORRECTLY) - YouTube
How do you say luxury brand name? ›How To Pronounce Fashion & Luxury Brand Names - YouTube
What is Goyard in slang? ›(baseball, slang) To hit a home run. Jones went yard in the third.
Is there Goyard in Dubai? ›Conversation. Dear Madam, unfortunately there is no Goyard boutique or stockist in Dubai.
How many Goyard stores are there? ›Firstly, Goyard only sells at a select few stores – 35 around the world, to be exact – with only six in the US, in New York, Chicago, Dallas, Miami, Beverly Hills, and San Francisco, alongside a few store-in-store boutiques at Bergdorf Goodman (and at Barney's back when Barney's, well, existed).
What is the Goyard pattern called? ›
There is a symbolic meaning behind the Chevron pattern on Goyard luggage. Originally, when Edmond Goyard was establishing himself as the first trunk maker, he implemented his name into the canvas -- even before the year 1900!
How much is a Goyard duffle bag? ›How Much is a Goyard Duffle? The price for a goyard duffle starts at $1,150 and tops out at $7,940, and on average, selling for $3,420.
Is Goyard low key? ›Low-key Luxury
Although Goyard may not be as widely known as Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Gucci, the luxury brand's elusiveness is exactly what makes it the ultimate status symbol among the world's wealthiest people. Goyard thrives on remaining discreet and quiet within the fashion industry.
GOYARD ST.LOUIS
The tote is made of a signature logo Goyard canvas, also known as Goyardine, which consists of cotton, hemp, and linen. It is waterproof, scratch free and super durable. Due to the material, the bag is extremely lightweight, which allows you to put as much in it as you wish and not kill your shoulders.
Although intended to be permanent, the monograms can be removed, a request often made when a customer divorces and her initials change.
What are Goyard wallets made of? ›Goyard Matignon Wallet Monogram Chevron Zip-around Black/Cognac/Cream. The Goyard zip-around Monogram Chevron wallet features a black, cognac, and cream coated canvas and leather. The interior includes a tan leather and compartments for cash and essentials.
Is Goyard fast fashion? ›It sells extremely fast, which is why you can command prices close to retail.” How to explain all of this? Well, there's the Kanye effect, of course. But Goyard has drawn an exclusive clientele since François Goyard established the house in 1853.
Does Goyard make clothes? ›See, Goyard does not make clothing, never has (only some of the finest leather goods and silk accessories money can buy), which is why they didn't recognize Khaled's patterned piece of outerwear as legit.
What is Louis Vuitton net worth? ›How much a company is worth is typically represented by its market capitalization, or the current stock price multiplied by the number of shares outstanding. Louis Vuitton net worth as of September 23, 2022 is $310.16B.
How do you clean stains off a leather purse? ›Remove Stains From Leather Handbags | Easy Fashion Tips
How do you wash a purse? ›
Mix a tablespoon of mild laundry detergent in a bowl of lukewarm water. Then dip a sponge in the solution and clean off the entire bag. When done, rinse the sponge, then dip it in plain water to rinse off the detergent. Wipe a dry cloth over the handbag to dry.
How do you clean a luxury bag? ›"Gently hand-wash nylon with mild soap, rinse with water, press almost dry with a large clean towel, and air dry for a couple of hours," Chen Wu says. For leather bags, she advises to "mix a solution of warm water and dish soap, dip a soft cloth into it, wring it out, and gently wipe the leather surfaces.
Does Goyard card holder have serial number? ›On a Goyard card holder/wallet, the serial number is listed on the inside side seam in the front pocket.
How can you tell a fake Goyard print? ›How to authenticate Goyard bags featuring the St Louis PM bag
How many stores does Goyard have? ›In fact, they explicitly state on their website that they “don't engage in e-commerce in any way.” Instead, customers need to visit one of their 8 stores in the US (located in New York, LA, San Francisco, Dallas, Chicago, and Miami), or any of the other select number of cities which house a Goyard boutique (of which ...
Is Goyard owned by Louis Vuitton? ›Goyard was established in Paris in 1853. Founded in the House of Martin by Pierre-Francois Martin, the brand is older than Louis Vuitton by just one year. However, today you can clearly see that the two luxury luggage handbag and accessory brands took different paths from the very beginning.
Is Goyard out of style? ›Logo-Filled Bags
The longtime prestige associated with Goyard means that your bag will never go out of style, and its limited availability makes it a favorite for ladies who love sophisticated, classic style but don't want to look like everybody else."
How to Pronounce Goyard? (CORRECTLY) French ... - YouTube
Can I buy Goyard in Italy? ›Goyard has arrived in Italy. Owned by businessman Jean-Michel Signoles since 1998 (the founder of the Chipie brand), the historic Parisian trunkmaker has opened its first Italy store, located in the luxury area of Milan, according to the brand's website.
Is Goyard considered luxury? ›Goyard, the French luxury house—with its easily recognizable chevron-printed canvas and leather travel goods—has become one of the most coveted, albeit under the radar, brands in the world.
Is Goyard leather or canvas? ›
Goyard bags are made from coated canvas, leather trims, and fabric interiors. The exterior can be cleaned by wiping it down with a soft cloth dampened with gentle soap and water.
Who is the owner of Goyard? ›Goyard's owner, Jean-Michel Signoles, purchased much of the duke and duchess' collection when Sotheby's auctioned off the contents of their Paris home in 1997. A document case and monogrammed trunk went for nearly $15,000, while another lot sold for $32,500, Town & Country reported.
Why does Goyard not sell online? ›Goyard is an brand of luxury handbags that has been in business since 1853. It's known for carrying an air of secrecy and exclusivity with it that is almost unusual in today's online world. It is not possible to buy Goyard online. They do not have a catalog or pricing available online either.
What is Goyard in slang? ›(baseball, slang) To hit a home run. Jones went yard in the third.
Why do people buy Goyard? ›With every piece of Goyard luxury luggage, there is history and proud family heritage behind it. The family-owned business withstood the test of time by creating every Goyard item with great care. High-quality and durable, each piece of luxury luggage is an impressive piece of limited edition merchandise.
What are Goyard classic colors? ›Featuring the Goyard Saint Louis Tote Bag in classic colors (Black/black, black/tan). The Saint Louis Tote Bag is one of the most popular bags from Goyard. The bag is made out of canvas which is made of cotton, linen and hemp and has been created in the image of a treasure chest.
Which is bigger Goyard PM or GM? ›There are a few different size options for the Goyard tote and I went back and forth forever on which size to get! I ended up getting the GM size which is the bigger one (PM is a little bit smaller).
How do you say Chanel in French? ›How to pronounce CHANEL the right way - YouTube
How do you pronounce YSL? ›How to pronounce Yves Saint Laurent - YouTube