Bottega Veneta and Fendi at Costco?

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Yet another indication that luxury has gone wholesale. Literally.

Costco -- that emporium of oversized merchandise like flats of tampons and gallon jars of capers -- is now selling purses by Fendi and Bottega Veneta. And guess what? Quite frankly, compared with prices at Neiman Marcus, the deals are quite spectacular. This Bottega braided hobo in camel to the right, for instance, sells for $1,299.99 at Costco.

A similar bag, left, costs $2,250 at Neiman Marcus. Now, there’s a good chance this Costco offering is a season old or slightly different. But still...

There’s no mistaking the fact that this Fendi patent shoulder bag in white (right) at Costco ($1,199) is the same exact bag as the one in black or brown for sale at Neimans for $1,730. Of course, it’s a summer bag, you say, and it makes sense that it sells for less. I agree. I am not as shocked by the prices as I am by the retailer.

Would you buy a designer bag at Costco? And if you did, would you tell people that you found your Fendi in the aisle next to the 700-pound bags of Purina?