Walmart has bought out a look-a-like Birkin - will it impact the price of Birkins?

The Birkin Bag

..crafted by the renowned French fashion house Hermès, is widely considered to be one of the most recognisable luxury bags in the world, as well as the most divisive. Its staggering price tag ensures that only the wealthiest 1% can afford to own one. Yet, in a surprising twist… Walmart, the world’s largest retailer, has introduced what, at first glance, appears to be an almost identical “dupe”.

Dupe culture, while not a new concept, is making waves once again. For decades, there has been a market for imitation luxury goods. High-quality replicas, however, have often been hard to find, usually sourced through specialised dealers or crafted on demand. To make sure you don’t get caught out spending thousands on a fake, listen to our episode ‘The art of making money from handbags, with Meg Randell’. 

What makes this Walmart dupe different is its accessibility - readily available to the masses at a price point that’s a fraction of the original. Since its creation in 1989 by Hermès, the Birkin has become much more than a handbag. It’s a symbol of status, wealth, and influence, frequently spotted on the arms of celebrities, CEOs, and fashion’s elite. You may even remember Samantha Jones from Sex and the City gushing over one. But with Walmart’s alternative now on the market, the once-clear boundary between high fashion and affordability is starting to blur.

This raises the question: What does the availability of such a dupe mean for the future of luxury fashion? Could the Walmart dupe influence the value of original Birkins? 

The Walmart Birkin dupe represents a growing tension between accessibility and exclusivity within the fashion industry. Luxury has long been defined by its unattainability, a quality that makes it so desirable. The rarity and exclusivity of Hermès Birkins have consistently driven their value up, with some models even seen as investment pieces. But the emergence of accessible dupes raises the question of whether this dynamic could change. Will people continue to purchase the real thing, when you can get a fake that rivals quality and looks genuinely real?

For many, this dupe is exciting. It opens up fashion to a wider audience, letting more people embrace a style once reserved for people who have thousands and thousands of spare change. However, for luxury brands, it could be a threat. Their value relies on the scarcity and prestige of their products. If people can achieve a similar look for a fraction of the price, will the demand for the original drop? While owning a true Hermès Birkin may still hold appeal for some, the spread of quality alternatives might affect its resale value and desirability.

We had a chat with Designer fashion pro, Megan Randell, to get her thoughts on this massive cultural moment. She says, “Whilst I understand the wider desire to own a Birkin, the Walmart dupe in no way looks like a genuine Hermès handbag. Stylistically, there are a number of key differences that any Hermès fan could spot immediately, but more importantly, the quality doesn’t compare. Genuine Hermès bags are beautifully handcrafted and, if looked after, will last a lifetime, whereas this cheap copy uses low-quality materials and labour, and is not built to last. Hermès collectors buy Hermès (if they can afford to!) not just because of the brand’s heritage and associations, but also because of their understanding of quality—no other luxury house produces pieces to such a high standard, and many feel that justifies the price tag.”

As the lines between fast fashion and luxury blur, the industry could be on the verge of transformation. Will the idea of “luxury” shift to focus on innovation and ethical craftsmanship, rather than just exclusivity? Or will brands respond by creating even more exclusive products to maintain their edge?

The Walmart Birkin dupe may seem like just another bag, but its impact goes deeper. It highlights a cultural shift where high fashion is no longer just for the few. Whether this greater accessibility will enrich the industry or dilute its essence remains to be seen. What’s clear is that the definition of luxury is evolving.

Would you spend money on a Birkin with this new dupe out there in the market? Love to hear your thoughts! 

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