The recession is trickling down to the consumers who buy luxury brand name bags and rely on them to boost their status. Most woman (and lots of men) in Japan sport a brand name bag. But nowadays, second hand luxury brand name handbag stores are gaining popularity and companies that lend or “kariru” these bags are increasing as well.
Most of these shops are located in and around the "mizu shobai" areas. Mizu shobai means 'water trade' and is a name used to describe the entertainment business in Japan. Host and hostess bars, snack bars, soaplands and cabarets fall into the mizu shobai world. The girls who work at these establishments must have the newest brand name bags and they usually get them as gifts from their regular customers.
Once they’re out of style the girls sell them to second hand shops and they pocket the cash waiting for the next batch of men to shower them with gifts. Not only can you find a great deal on bags, you can also find watches and jewelry at discount prices.
Another store that you probably wouldn’t think of when looking for luxury items is Don Quijote. Brand name wallets and bags can usually be found on the second floor in glass showcases. But personally, I would choose one of the mom and pop shops around Kabukicho in Shinjuku instead.
Another company that is thriving right now is called "Cariru". Taken by the Japanese word “kariru” (to lend) a lady created a company that rents Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Chanel bags for a week or more.
Believe it or not, woman rent these bags for PTA meetings, class reunions...etc. for 1,000-5,000 JPY for the mid priced bags and up to 40,000 JPY for the bags worth more, like the Hermes Birkin bag that costs 1,000,000 JPY.
Related posts:
2 Responses to “Brand Name Bags” Leave a reply ›
may i know where exactly in tokyo? are there any other places in tokyo where can i find these pawnshops thank you =)
these shops are located throughout Tokyo. I took these photos in Ikebukuro on the East side.