Walmart's version of the Hermes Birkin has taken over the internet

Budget-conscious buyers looking for luxury alternatives have flocked to Walmart's Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the 'Wirkin.'

Budget-conscious buyers looking for luxury alternatives have flocked to Walmart’s Birkin bag look-alike, nicknamed the “Wirkin.”

The leather handbag available on Walmart’s website is a more affordable alternative to French luxury goods maker Hermès’ Birkin bag. Many Wirkins appear to have sold out after buzz on social media.

Luxury brands like Hermès have remained in the public eye, but their prices put them out of reach for most people. Nonetheless, bargain-hungry shoppers love indulging — making cheaper, high-quality duplicates appealing.

Fashion influencers also play into the hype of these look-alikes, which the rise of online shopping and cheap shipping prices, even from halfway across the world, have made more accessible than ever.

Hermès doesn’t sell its bag online, but Maison de Luxe, a Los Angeles-based company that sells brand new and pre-owned Hermès bags, lists Birkin bags between US$26,500 and $399,999. A “standard model” Birkin, which takes up to 40 hours to make by hand by a single artisan, can start at around $7,200 according to SACLÀB, a Munich-based marketplace.

Would-be Birkin buyers filed a lawsuit in March alleging that to buy a Birkin bag they first needed to purchase other Hermes accessories and items, effectively adding to the cost to snag one of the high-profile handbags.

On the flip side, the Walmart Birkin that has gained traction sells for as little as $78, depending on size and color. Kamugo, the maker of one Wirkin,says the purse is made with genuine cowhide leather but uses synthetic leather inside of the bag.