The Chanel GST (Grand Shopping Tote) launched in 2004, was reissued in 2010 and discontinued in 2015, so every GST on the market today is a pre-owned find. Two style codes cover the line: A20995 for the original and A50995 for the reissue. This guide explains the differences, what fits inside, and what to check before buying one.
What is the Chanel GST and when was it discontinued?
The GST is the largest of three related totes: the Petite Shopping Tote (PST), the Grand Shopping Tote (GST), and the Grand Shopping Tote XL. It arrived in 2004 in caviar leather with the classic quilted pattern and interlocking CC on the front, was reissued in 2010, and left the line in 2015. Because it never returned, condition and colour now drive price far more than anything else.
A20995 vs A50995: what changed on the reissue?
The original A20995 dates from the 2004 launch. The reissued A50995 came in 2010 with refreshed hardware and interior details while keeping the same overall silhouette and caviar construction. Collectors ask for both, and neither is inherently better: the code tells you which era you are looking at, not which one to prefer.
What fits inside a GST?
Room is the GST's whole personality. It swallows a book, a water bottle, a camera, a wallet and a phone without losing its shape, and it stays light for its size even in full caviar leather. The shoulder strap is padded, which matters once the bag is full, and the caviar surface wipes clean easily.
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Why was it a 2000s It-bag?
The GST rose to fame in the early to mid 2000s on the arms of Paris Hilton and the cast of The Hills. It became the working tote of the era: formal enough for the office, easy enough for everything after it. That fame is also why demand never fully disappeared, and why well-kept examples still move quickly.
What to check before buying a used GST
- Caviar condition: look for lifting, dryness or shine loss along the corners and flap edges;
- Strap padding: make sure the padded section has not flattened or separated;
- Hardware: the CC clasp and chain should open smoothly with even plating wear for the bag's age;
- Interior: check the lining for pen marks, which are hard to remove on light interiors;
- Era codes: a correct A20995 or A50995 series tag matched to the hardware era is one signal among many, never a verdict on its own.
If you own a GST you no longer carry, we buy and consign Chanel every day: request a free quote here.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Chanel GST discontinued?
Yes. It was discontinued in 2015 after the 2010 reissue, so the pre-owned market is the only place to find one.
What does GST stand for?
Grand Shopping Tote. The smaller sibling is the PST, or Petite Shopping Tote, and there was also a larger GST XL.
GST vs PST: what is the difference?
Size and presence. The PST is the compact everyday version; the GST carries considerably more and sits larger on the shoulder; the GST XL is the biggest of the three.
How much is a pre-owned Chanel GST?
Pricing depends on colour, condition and hardware, and GSTs sit well below comparable Classic Flap money. Browse our live selection for current examples.
See the GST alongside the rest of the house in our iconic Chanel bags ranking, compare it with the Chanel 19, or browse authenticated Chanel at Luxe Du Jour.
