Have you ever wondered why Louis Vuitton products are cheaper in Hawaii than in most other places? If you are a fan of luxury shopping, you might want to know the answer to this question. After all, who doesn’t love saving money on high-end fashion items?
In this article, we will reveal the main reason why Louis Vuitton products are cheaper in Hawaii: the lack of sales tax. We will also show you how much you can save, what products are discounted, and some tips for shopping in Hawaii. By the end of this article, you will be ready to plan your next trip to the Aloha State and enjoy the luxury shopping experience.
How Much Can You Save on Louis Vuitton in Hawaii?
The prices of Louis Vuitton products in Hawaii are lower than in the US mainland, thanks to the tax exemption. Hawaii does not charge sales tax on luxury goods, unlike most other states. This means that you can save up to 10% on your purchases, depending on the state you are comparing with.
To give you an idea of how much you can save, let’s look at some examples of specific items and their price differences. We will use the prices from the official Louis Vuitton website as of February 2024, and compare them with the prices in New York, which has a sales tax rate of 8.875%.
| Item | Price in Hawaii | Price in New York | Savings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neverfull MM | $1,620 | $1,763.25 | $143.25 |
| Speedy Bandoulière 25 | $1,610 | $1,752.38 | $142.38 |
| Keepall Bandoulière 55 | $2,280 | $2,481.70 | $201.70 |
| Zippy Wallet | $1,050 | $1,143.13 | $93.13 |
| LV Archlight Sneaker | $1,090 | $1,186.04 | $96.04 |
| Monogram Shawl | $710 | $772.62 | $62.62 |
As you can see, the savings are significant, especially for the more expensive items. You can save even more if you compare with other states that have higher sales tax rates, such as California (10.25%), Texas (8.25%), or Illinois (10.25%).
But that’s not all. You can also save from Hawaii’s lower tax rate compared to other states. Hawaii has a general excise tax (GET) of 4.712%, which is applied to most goods and services. However, this tax is much lower than the combined state and local taxes in other states. For example, the average combined tax rate in the US is 7.12%, according to the Tax Foundation. This means that you can save an additional 2.408% on your purchases in Hawaii.
To illustrate this, let’s take the example of the Neverfull MM again. The price in Hawaii is $1,620, which includes the GET of 4.712%. The price without the GET is $1,547.02. If you buy this item in another state with an average tax rate of 7.12%, you would pay $1,657.01. This means that you can save $37.99 by shopping in Hawaii.
In summary, you can save up to 10% on your Louis Vuitton purchases in Hawaii by avoiding the sales tax, and an additional 2.408% by paying the lower GET. This adds up to a total savings of 12.408%, which is quite impressive.
What Products Are Discounted in Hawaii?
Now that you know how much you can save, you might be wondering what products are discounted in Hawaii. The answer is: almost everything. Louis Vuitton offers discounts on a wide range of product categories in Hawaii, such as:
- Handbags
- Luggage
- Leather goods
- Shoes
- Accessories
- Clothes
The discounts vary depending on the product category and the original price. Generally, the higher the price, the higher the discount. For example, you can save more on luggage than on handbags, and more on handbags than on accessories.
The discounts are also based on the tax exemption, the local appeal, and the market demand. For example, some products are more popular or exclusive in Hawaii, such as the Hawaii limited edition products. These products are designed to reflect the Hawaiian culture and lifestyle, and are only available in Hawaii. They are usually cheaper than the regular products, and have a higher resale value.
Some examples of Hawaii limited edition products are:
- Hawaii Monogram Canvas
- Hawaii Damier Azur Canvas
- Hawaii Monogram Vernis
- Hawaii Monogram Empreinte
- Hawaii Epi Leather
These products feature the word “Hawaii” or the Hawaiian flag on the canvas or the leather. They also come in different colors and styles, such as pink, blue, green, or tropical. They are perfect for adding some Hawaiian flair to your wardrobe.
Tips for Shopping in Hawaii
Now that you know how much you can save and what products are discounted in Hawaii, you might be eager to book your flight and start shopping. But before you do that, here are some tips for shopping in Hawaii that will help you make the most of your trip.
- Plan ahead: The best time to shop for Louis Vuitton in Hawaii is during the off-season, when there are fewer tourists and more availability. The off-season is usually from April to June and from September to November. You can also check the official Louis Vuitton website for the latest news and promotions in Hawaii.
- Choose your location: There are six Louis Vuitton stores in Hawaii, located in Honolulu, Waikiki, Ala Moana, Maui, and Kona. Each store has its own inventory and selection, so you might want to visit more than one to find what you are looking for. You can also call or email the stores in advance to check the availability and reserve the items you want.
- Pay with cash or credit card: The easiest and cheapest way to pay for your Louis Vuitton purchases in Hawaii is with cash or credit card. If you pay with cash, you can avoid the foreign transaction fees that some banks charge. If you pay with credit card, you can take advantage of the exchange rate and the rewards programs. However, you should avoid paying with traveler’s checks, as they are not widely accepted and may incur additional fees.
- Ship your items: If you buy a lot of items or bulky items, you might want to ship them to your home address instead of carrying them with you. This way, you can save on luggage fees and avoid the hassle of customs. You can ask the Louis Vuitton store to ship your items for you, or you can use a third-party service such as FedEx or UPS. However, you should be aware that shipping costs and delivery times may vary depending on the destination and the service provider.
By following these tips, you can shop for Louis Vuitton in Hawaii with ease and confidence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Louis Vuitton products are cheaper in Hawaii than in most other places because of the lack of sales tax. You can save up to 12.408% on your purchases, depending on the product category and the original price. You can also find a variety of products that are discounted in Hawaii, such as the Hawaii limited edition products. To make the most of your shopping experience, you should plan ahead, choose your location, pay with cash or credit card, and ship your items.
Shopping for Louis Vuitton in Hawaii is a great way to treat yourself and save money at the same time. If you are a fan of luxury shopping, you should definitely consider visiting Hawaii and enjoying the Aloha spirit. You will not regret it.
We hope you enjoyed this article and learned something new. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them below. We would love to hear from you.
