Search
Close this search box.
Reading Time: 3 minutes

In a surprising twist that has left both bargain hunters and fashionistas clutching their pearls (and their knockoff pearls, too), reports suggest that Walmart has quietly ended its now-infamous Birkin bag dupes.

Just a few months ago, shoppers were gleefully flaunting their “‘80 Birkin’” finds as if they’d discovered the secret to eternal youth on a clearance rack. But alas, the dream is over, signaling what some are calling the end of an era—and others, the greatest comedic tragedy of our time. 😢💔

For those who somehow missed this highbrow cultural moment, Walmart’s audacious foray into Birkin look-alikes was nothing short of a retail masterstroke. These $80 bags—priced less than a fancy brunch for two—became the ultimate punchline to Hermès’ exclusivity schtick. Social media went bananas 🍌. Influencers showed off their Walmart “Birkins” like they’d personally defeated capitalism, while everyone else marveled at the absurdity of it all. Some influencers even dubbed them the “Wirkin” bag, because nothing screams high fashion like a pun from aisle five. 👜😂 Our original blog touched on the legal and branding implications of this bizarre retail saga—and, naturally, shared in the collective laughter at its sheer absurdity.

But Walmart’s latest announcement has brought this comedy show to an abrupt end. It appears as though the retailer has struck some sort of hush-hush deal to pull the plug on its cheeky dupes. While the specifics remain classified like a top-tier government conspiracy 🤫, all signs point to Hermès as the likely puppet master, pulling strings like a Bond villain in a silk scarf. After all, the French luxury house has a long history of taking legal action against anyone who dares to dilute their aura of unattainable fabulousness. According to Marie Claire, the decision was part of Walmart’s broader strategy to reevaluate its offerings, aligning more closely with consumer expectations and avoiding unnecessary legal entanglements. Meanwhile, Forbes and Bloomberg report that Walmart has taken its luxury game to a whole new level by partnering with Rebag to offer authentic pre-owned designer items, including Hermès bags, on its marketplace. Because if you can’t beat them in court, join them in reselling their leftovers. Who knew handbags could be so dramatic? 🎭

Legal insiders speculate that Walmart probably did a quick back-of-the-napkin calculation: fight Hermès in court or fold faster than a poorly made knockoff. Not surprisingly, they chose the path of least resistance—and the least expensive legal fees. 💸 If Hermès was indeed behind this, it’s a textbook example of how major brands can flex their legal muscle to maintain exclusivity and control over their image. ☔💼 And let’s be honest, Hermès wasn’t about to let the masses “Wirkin” it on a Walmart budget.

Meanwhile, the internet is collectively mourning the loss of the $80 Birkin. TikTok users are distraught, Instagram influencers are lighting scented candles 🕯️ in its honor, and eBay sellers are probably rubbing their hands together like cartoon villains, ready to sell their remaining dupes for “collector’s item” prices. According to Marie Claire, resale platforms like Rebag have already seen spikes in interest for Hermès items, further fueling the cultural moment that Walmart inadvertently created. One fan even called it “the end of an era,” because apparently, no one has real problems anymore. #FirstWorldProblems

Of course, this debacle raises some larger questions about society. Namely, why are we so obsessed with bags that cost more than cars? 🚗💼 And why did Walmart ever think this would end well? On one hand, Walmart’s move to stop selling the dupes might be a grudging nod to intellectual property laws. On the other, it’s a stark reminder that most of us will never, ever, in a million years, own a real Birkin. Yes, I’ll admit it—I’d love to own one myself. I mean, if reality TV personalities can casually tote them around, why can’t the rest of us? The closest we’ll get, though, is staring longingly through the glass of an Hermès boutique, feeling like extras in a fashion-themed rom-com. 🎥💔

For now, the $80 Birkin will live on in internet folklore, a cheeky reminder that even the world’s most exclusive symbols of wealth can be hilariously democratized—if only briefly. And while Walmart’s decision might save them from a legal slap on the wrist, it also means they’ve walked away from one of the funniest and most bizarre marketing moments in recent retail history. RIP, $80 Birkin. You were too good for this world. 😭👜✨

So, what’s next? Will Costco start selling $30 Rolexes? ⌚ Will Target offer a two-for-one deal on Chanel suits? 👗 Probably not, but hey, we can dream. For now, we’ll just have to settle for laughing at the absurdity of it all while clutching our non-designer totes. Farewell, Walmart Birkin. You were the comedy gold we didn’t deserve. 🥲💼 #GoneButNotForgotten

Author(s)

This content is not intended to provide legal advice or opinion as neither can be given without reference to specific events and situations. © 2021 Nelligan O’Brien Payne LLP.

Have Questions?

Enjoy this article?
Don’t forget to share.

Related Posts

Intellectual Property Law
Blog
Reading time: 3 mins
Ah, nothing screams “truth, justice, and the American way” quite like a multi-million-dollar copyright lawsuit. In a plot twist no[...]
Intellectual Property Law
Blog
Reading time: 3 mins
If you’ve ever wanted to witness the high-stakes drama of a sneaker soap opera, look no further than the lawsuit[...]
Intellectual Property Law
Blog
Reading time: 3 mins
Ah, Groundhog Day. The day when we anxiously await whether a large rodent—blessed with alleged meteorological skills—will see its shadow[...]