The Brief
- A rare vintage 1987 Louis Vuitton Cartouchiere handbag valued at $725 was stolen within seconds from a vendor’s booth at Chicago’s Randolph Street Market after the owner briefly stepped away.
- JCR Luxury owner John Crispino says thieves have stolen nearly $5,000 worth of merchandise from him over the past year, prompting him to lock display items, bring fewer high-end bags to markets and raise prices.
- Crispino is searching resale sites and working with other vintage dealers to locate the stolen bag, but says the theft highlights a growing challenge for small businesses selling at outdoor markets.
CHICAGO – What started as another weekend selling vintage luxury handbags at one of Chicago’s most popular outdoor markets ended with a costly loss for one small business owner.
John Crispino, owner of JCR Luxury, says a rare vintage Cartouchiere Louis Vuitton handbag was stolen from his booth during the Randolph Street Market in Chicago’s West Loop on Sunday.
Now, he says the theft is forcing him—and other small business owners—to rethink how they sell their merchandise.
Rare designer bag disappears in seconds
Crispino has spent the last three years building JCR Luxury, a business specializing in authenticated vintage designer handbags from brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel.…