by Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch
57th Street Report
Despite new import tariffs and rising prices, New Yorkers can’t get enough of luxury handbags—especially when they come with a secondhand price tag.
According to a recent New York Post article, Upper East Side resale boutique Madison Avenue Couture is thriving. The high-end consignment shop, known for its pristine Hermès Birkins and Chanel classics, has seen a 30% increase in handbag sales over the past year—despite the economic headwinds.
Owner Judy Taylor told the Post that recent tariffs on French luxury goods have only boosted the appeal of her carefully curated secondhand inventory. While customers used to browse, they’re now buying—fast. “We’re getting a lot more decisive buyers,” she said. “They know prices are going up, and they’re locking in pieces before they rise again.”
One notable sale? A $68,000 matte white alligator Birkin 25, which sold in just 12 hours.
Tariffs, Scarcity, and the Rise of Strategic Shopping
This retail resilience isn’t just about price sensitivity—it’s also about scarcity. With Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton limiting production and tightening client lists, many shoppers are turning to the resale market to get the bags they want now.
Madison Avenue Couture, located between 63rd and 64th Streets, has become a destination for collectors and fashion lovers alike, with many pieces selling within 24 hours of being posted online.
This trend speaks to more than just the power of luxury branding—it highlights how boutique resale is increasingly viewed not just as a smart financial choice, but as a primary way to access exclusive fashion. For New Yorkers in the know, resale isn’t second-best. It’s first in line.
Want to learn more? Let’s talk!
All the best,
Howard Morrel & Leslie Hirsch
Christie’s International Real Estate Group
(212) 956-4823
mha@christiesrealestategroup.com
