Louis Vuitton takes drastic measures to allay bag shortage
Louis Vuitton, purveyor of luxury leather goods, has become a victim of its own success after burgeoning demand from Asia incurred a supply crisis for the specialist retailer.
Demand is currently exceeding the capacity of its 11 workshops, prompting the firm to take drastic measures as thoughts turn to the lucrative Christmas market.
With fears of half empty shelves over the key sales season Louis Vuitton has elected to take the drastic step of clothing their flagship Champs Elysees store an hour early.
Measures already in operation include restricting sales to tourists, notably Japan, where the goods cost 20% more.
It is hoped this will allow the firm, famous for its monogrammed holdalls, to rebuild stock levels for the season.
With an eye to an expected 35% growth in the Chinese luxury goods market this year Louis Vuitton has already moved to recruit 320 new craftsmen and will open a twelfth workshop next year.