The Evolution of Hermès Store Tags

Paper swing tags. Plastic tabs. QR codes. Sometimes nothing at all.

If you’re someone who collects or even just shops carefully, that little rectangle of paper might be telling you more than you think. The Hermès store tag has evolved over the decades, just like the fabric tag that we looked at last week. From hanging swing tags to sticker-backed tabs tucked around the tag. Sometimes there’s a barcode. Sometimes a QR code. Sometimes… (depending on your country or type of scarf) nothing at all. And every version has something to say about age, origin, or intention.

It’s easy to think of them as disposable because they are meant to be removed. So many are tossed or lost, but to the collector, the store tag can be a timestamp and occasionally, even a red flag.

This week we are going through the timeline and evolution of the paper tag and I’ll show you all the ones I’ve had in my store and in my personal collection. And if you missed last week’s Substack, going over fabric tags, make sure to take a look at that one too!