Meghan Markle’s high-end lifestyle brand As Ever might be flying off the shelves—but the people selling it at Netflix’s upcoming stores probably won’t be able to afford it themselves.
That’s the awkward truth behind the Duchess of Sussex’s latest retail move, as Netflix prepares to open its first physical stores in the U.S.
From Streaming to Shelves: Netflix Goes Brick-and-Mortar
Netflix is stepping into the retail world with two new experiential stores—Netflix House—set to open later this year in Philadelphia and Dallas.
These will offer fans interactive show-themed experiences, restaurants, and exclusive merchandise.
Among the featured products? Meghan Markle’s As Ever collection—think orange blossom honey at $28 a jar, crepe mix for $14, and wine that starts at $90 for a three-bottle bundle.
Glamorous Prices, Modest Paychecks
But here’s the catch. The people hired to sell these luxury products—Netflix House “Crew Members”—will be earning just $20 an hour.
That means a jar of Meghan’s honey costs more than an hour’s wage, and her wine bundles are well out of reach for anyone working a full shift at the store.
Even something as simple as a tin of flower sprinkles will cost $15—a stretch for workers trying to make ends meet.
Meghan’s Lifestyle vs. Real-Life Wages
The contrast hasn’t gone unnoticed. Critics have pointed out how the opulence of Meghan’s As Ever brand—rooted in wellness, aesthetic simplicity, and California cool—feels completely detached from the daily reality of those who’ll be ringing up the sales.
Despite that, Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos seems confident.
He’s praised Meghan’s “underestimated cultural influence” and believes As Ever will be a hit with consumers.
Job Listings Reveal Staff Expectations
Netflix has released job postings for their upcoming stores, including Crew Member roles at the King of Prussia Mall in Philadelphia and the Galleria Mall in Dallas.
The job descriptions sound upbeat: employees will manage queues, scan tickets, sell merchandise, and create a fun, immersive experience for guests.
But applicants must be 18 or older, know the Netflix brand well, and be ready to work weekends and holidays—all for that $20 hourly wage.
Pop-Up Past Raises Concerns
This isn’t Netflix’s first rodeo in retail. Last year’s Stranger Things pop-up in Dallas received mixed reviews—some visitors loved it, others slammed it as chaotic and overpriced.
That experience has made some question what kind of retail quality fans can expect from Netflix House this time around.
Meghan’s Brand Faces Mixed Reactions
Meghan, who recently launched her As Ever brand alongside her Netflix show With Love, Meghan, has been called everything from the “new Martha Stewart” to an out-of-touch celebrity influencer.
But not everyone is buying into her image makeover.
Lifestyle mogul Martha Stewart, when asked about Meghan’s new brand, didn’t hold back.
“I hope she knows what she’s talking about,” Stewart said, stressing the importance of being authentic and knowledgeable.
She went on to praise Gwyneth Paltrow, Meghan’s neighbor and fellow entrepreneur, for her success—prompting some royal watchers to speculate that Stewart was subtly shading the Duchess.
The Royal Reinvention Continues
As Meghan continues to shape her post-royal career, As Ever seems to be her most ambitious venture yet.
Whether consumers connect with her California dream—or see it as another celebrity cash-in—remains to be seen.
And as her luxury products hit shelves at Netflix House, one thing is clear: they may attract fans with deep pockets, but not necessarily the workers selling them.