Walmart announced it had partnered with the luxury consignment store Rebag to list hundreds of authenticated, "pre-loved" designer accessories in a special online bout

Walmart is not trying to convince anybody it's copying the real deal, said Koyaana Redstar, a luxury handbag authenticator.

Walmart seems to have been paying close attention to all the hubbub about its so-called "Walmart Birkin" or "Wirkin"—the under-$80 Hermès imitator that skyrocketed to viral fame after it was tracked down by TikTokers this winter. The mega-retailer is responding not by dealing in more dupes, but helping shoppers get closer to the real things.

The viral “Walmart Birkin,” an affordable alternative to the high-end Hermès Birkin bag, gained widespread attention on TikTok for mimicking the luxury look at a fraction of the price. Although Walmart has removed the listing, it inspired a market for stylish dupes.

By contrast, Walmart’s Wirkin bag represented an affordable way for everyday shoppers to embrace the Birkin aesthetic. The bags became a viral sensation on TikTok, where users celebrated the design as a playful jab at the inaccessibility of luxury goods.