The “designer dupe of a lifetime” has reportedly made its way to Walmart. After going viral on TikTok, the retailer’s version of the iconic Hermès Birkin bag continues to sell out.
According to Sotheby's, an original Hermès Birkin leather bag costs about $20,000 and can reach a whopping $2 million.
While the retail giant currently offers pre-owned Birkins for only thousands of dollars, its look-alike dupes (known as “Wirkin”) went on sale for only $78 to $102, depending on size and color.
Although the dupe has garnered major attention on social media, some are questioning whether the product complies with legal standards.
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Despite this, Walmart continues to sell out the bag, presenting a significant demand for alternatives to luxury products.
Publications like USA Today even featured a few similar bags to the “Wirkin” for those who couldn’t get their hands on it fast enough.
Affordable Luxury for the Aspirational Shopper
Compared to an original Birkin, for which shoppers can expect to pay about $9,000 to $500,000 – it’s no wonder Walmart’s dupe is so popular.
By introducing a budget-friendly alternative to the luxury Hermès Birkin, Walmart opens high-end fashion to a broader consumer base.
Rapid sell-outs and “Wirkin’s” popularity on platforms like TikTok highlight its strong appeal to a market eager for luxury-inspired products at a fraction of the cost.
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This is not the first time Walmart has offered dupes of coveted products.
It recently announced its version of a viral ottoman from Target, which retails for around $100, while at Walmart, the dupe retails for just $44.
By cracking the code of consumer behavior, Walmart could position itself to better resonate with its target market, refine its sales strategies, and grow its bottom line.
Earlier this year, e.l.f. Beauty joined the dupe trend with an out-of-home campaign aimed at other brands, calling on them to follow in their footsteps and “lift each other.”
