Luxury Brands Leaving: Hermès and Chanel Are Fleeing From These Following Countries

Norway, the world’s fourth-richest country
Ranks seventh in happiness worldwide
Discourages flaunting wealth

Although there are no direct flights from our country to Norway, the unique charm of this destination makes the long flight time worthwhile.

Norway is famously the world’s fourth richest country, with a robust welfare system and per capita income reaching $118,440, making its citizens lead affluent lives.

However, Norway presents a slightly different scene than other countries. It is difficult to find typical luxury stores such as Chanel, Hermes, and Louis Vuitton, which are present in most global tourist destinations.

Norway is also famous as a welfare powerhouse—the state shoulders most basic living costs, from medical expenses to education and childcare.

Norway can afford to spend this much on welfare because it is one of the wealthiest resource countries in Europe. Oil revenues account for 20% of GDP and 50% of exports.

Walking down the streets of Norway, one encounters a slightly different scene than in other countries. It’s hard to find people carrying the ‘common’ Louis Vuitton or Chanel luxury bags.

This is rooted in the Norwegian citizens’ consciousness, as they consume with retirement and pension life in mind. There is a firmly established mindset that forbids luxury goods, alcohol, and cigarettes.

With a significantly reduced consumer base, stores are reluctant to set up shop. Even in the large shopping malls in downtown Oslo, Norway, it’s hard to find luxury brands among the 100 or so brands present.

In Norway, a culture discourages flaunting wealth or wearing luxury goods that do not suit one’s circumstances.

They prioritize their happiness and enjoyment over conscious consumption.

By 2023, Norway’s happiness ranking will be seventh in the world, among the top tier of OECD member countries.

Their habit of enjoying the happiness of everyday life given to them based on a frugal lifestyle seems to have influenced the rise in the happiness index of the citizens.

Meanwhile, a thief who stole luxury sunglasses in July became a Norwegian Member of Parliament, causing controversy.

According to foreign media, Bjørnar Moxnes, the leader of the Norwegian Red Party, allegedly stole two pairs of sunglasses from a duty-free shop at Oslo Airport in Norway in June.

Eventually, Moxnes resigned as party leader but announced he would continue his duties as a member of parliament.

The Norwegian police imposed a fine of 3,000 kroner, equivalent to about $370, on him.

By. Heo Jae-woo (fv_editor@fastviewkorea.com)