The snobbery debate

If you didn't know already, Charles is very excited about the purchase of his first proper shoes - and beautiful shoes they are too. What interested me about Charles' purchase was the customer service he received. Despite being a little scruffy, at Crockett & Jones on Jermyn Street Charles wasn't given special (dis)treatment (read his review here). In fact he was welcomed to the 'Crockett & Jones club'.

In comparison the treatment you receive in 'luxury' fashion shops unless you're extremely well-heeled can often be outright rude (which is why I love Net-a-porter). True luxury companies seem to welcome you whatever your background, and probably are even more welcoming if you show genuine interest in the products, craftsmanship, etc. I was thinking about why this might be and came to these conclusions:

1) The people that work in the true luxury market have really amazing products that it's easy to get enthused about.

2) They've made careers out of their passion for a particular product - they are not working there for the discount.

3) That the true luxury market realises that a customer is pretty much a customer for life. Luxury is addictive. I expect once you go bespoke there's no going back. Plus, handmade in England vs. factory-made in Asia? No contest

That's as far as I got.