What Does Louis Vuitton Do With Unsold Items?

Have you ever wondered what happens to unsold Louis Vuitton items? Do they go on sale or get donated to charity? In this article, we will explore the fate of unsold Louis Vuitton products.

Destroying Unsold Products

Believe it or not, one of the ways Louis Vuitton deals with unsold inventory is by destroying it. Yes, you read that right!

Louis Vuitton has a policy of never going on sale. Instead, they burn or shred their unsold items to maintain their brand value and exclusivity.

This practice is not unique to Louis Vuitton. Many luxury brands like Burberry and Chanel follow similar procedures. Burberry faced backlash in 2018 when it emerged that they had burned over $37 million worth of products to avoid counterfeiters gaining access to them.

Recycling Unsold Products

Another way Louis Vuitton handles unsold inventory is by recycling them. The company has implemented a sustainability program that includes recycling and repurposing materials from unsold products.

For example, in 2020, the company announced that it would turn unsold leather goods into fertilizer for mushroom farms. This sustainable initiative aims to reduce waste and carbon emissions while also contributing towards local agriculture.

Donating Unsold Products

Contrary to popular belief, Louis Vuitton does not donate its unsold products to charity. In an interview with The New York Times in 2018, Michael Burke, the CEO of Louis Vuitton stated that “We simply cannot sell everything.”

However, the company does participate in charitable initiatives through its foundation, which focuses on supporting children’s causes worldwide.

The Bottom Line

In conclusion, Louis Vuitton deals with unsold products by either destroying them or recycling them sustainably. They do not go on sale, and the company does not donate them to charity. While this may seem wasteful, it is a strategy that many luxury brands use to maintain their exclusivity and brand value.

As consumers, it is important to be aware of these practices and make informed decisions about the brands we choose to support.