Savannah James says a Hermès store in Italy fired a saleswoman after she and her friend were allegedly refused service despite having an appointment.
Savannah, 39, discussed the alleged incident during the Friday, Aug. 7, episode of Danielle Robay’s “Question Everything” podcast alongside her friend and podcast co-host, April McDaniel.
McDaniel recalled arranging shopping appointments for herself and Savannah while the pair traveled through Europe.
“We be hustling,” McDaniel said. “But they treated us like s–t. They closed down that whole motherf—–g store.”
“They did,” Savannah responded.
Savannah James Recalls Hermès Shopping Incident
When Robay asked McDaniel to explain what happened, McDaniel claimed a saleswoman at the Hermès location turned them away despite their appointment.
“And fired the lady,” McDaniel said. “I said, we’ll be back for you. I’ll be right back.”
Savannah confirmed that they had an appointment.
“We had an appointment,” she said. “And they tried to act like it was…”
“I said, baby, you caught the wrong one today,” McDaniel added.
McDaniel said Savannah remained calm during the situation but emphasized that she had no problem defending her friend.
“We’ll be back here,” McDaniel said, adding that the pair asked to see crocodile leather pieces.
“You want some smoke? You done caught one. I am crazy like that,” McDaniel joked.
Robay laughed and asked how the store eventually handled the situation.
Hermès Allegedly Offered Private Shopping Experience
According to McDaniel, the store changed its approach after the initial encounter and brought the women into a private room.
“We was in the private room with champagne and caviar,” McDaniel said. “I said, how many bags you got? Ten?”
“They brought out everything,” Savannah added.
McDaniel said she embraced the experience and joked about buying everything from bathing suits to silverware.
“I said I’ll take bathing suits, I’m buying silverware,” she said. “I was living my best life.”
The pair did not provide additional details about the alleged saleswoman or explain when the incident occurred.
Savannah and McDaniel Recall Chanel Encounter
The Hermès incident wasn’t the only luxury shopping experience the friends discussed.
McDaniel and Savannah also described an alleged encounter at a Chanel store in France. According to McDaniel, a sales associate repeatedly told Savannah not to touch a miniature bag despite the item being available for customers to handle.
Robay asked whether experiences like those affect McDaniel’s enjoyment of luxury shopping.
“No,” McDaniel replied.
“I’m calling the boss,” she continued. “We’re closing the store down. She can go like that. You’re fired. That’s the last person… I’m heated, I’m ruining the whole situation.”
PEOPLE has reached out to representatives for Savannah, Hermès and Chanel for comment.
