Walmart's $80 'Birkin' bag sparks social media buzz

The "Walmart Birkin" resembles iconic Hermès Birkin handbag but sells for a fraction of the cost. (Walmart.ca)

Walmart is making headlines for selling a bag that resembles the iconic Hermès Birkin but at a fraction of the cost.

The so-called "Walmart Birkin" is priced at just $80, while the genuine article can fetch upwards of six figures.

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The affordable alternative has social media buzzing. TikTok user StyledByKristi shared her excitement with followers, saying, "My Walmart Birkin came in. Let's open it. Eighty bucks. You can pretend that you got Birkin."

@styledbykristi Walmart Birkin. Thanks for the recommendation @Jessi My ♬ original sound - StyledByKristi

For some, the bag represents accessibility to high-end fashion. Others see it as a sign that luxury brands are losing their exclusivity.

"I am noticing now a trend where it feels like the counterfeit industry, and especially the dupe industry, has really become so socially kind of acceptable now," said YouTuber Anna Bey. "All of a sudden there is a Birkin copy at Walmart, and people are literally going crazy about it."

The bag has also sparked a broader conversation about inclusivity in fashion. TikToker Chronically_Beautifill dismissed criticism of the dupe, saying, "No one ordering these thinks it's a Birkin. Let's just not get our panties in a twist… So sorry if that irks you."

@chronically_beautifill I just know all these ladies are so jealous of My new “Birkin”. They have NO IDEA!! 😏#walmartbirkin #birkinbag #luxurybags #birkinbags ♬ Sneaky Snitch - Kevin MacLeod

TikTok user Carochng said the bag has stirred strong emotions because of its impact on the perceived value of luxury items.

"The reason why rich people are so mad is because this is supposed to be a status symbol," she said.

Still, not everyone sees Walmart's offering as a true competitor to the real thing.

"I mean, you know, she looks like she's from Walmart, but it's a cute little, just like a basic brown tote," said TikToker Moriahcrobinson. "So, I ain't mad about it."

Some argue that dupes have already affected major luxury brands.

@carochng

loving the walmart birkin discourse rn

♬ original sound - carolyn

"There are so many brands that got duped that have lost their value because of those dupes like Dior, LV, Goyard," says Carochng. "Like now all those pieces are kind of tacky because there's so many fakes out there."

The $80 Walmart bag currently sold out online.