Hermes makes coveted Birkin bags too hard to buy, US shoppers say in lawsuit

The opulent, French-crafted Birkin purse is a standing image for wealthy folks around the globe and may fetch greater than US$100,000. However two consumers in California declare it has turn into so unique that its maker, Hermes Worldwide, is breaking US antitrust regulation.

Hermes received’t promote the uncommon luggage to only anybody, and it requires potential consumers to buy 1000’s of {dollars} of different merchandise only for the prospect they’ll get entry to the coveted leather-based totes, in keeping with a lawsuit filed on Tuesday searching for class-action standing.

Birkin luggage aren’t obtainable for buy on the Hermes web site or displayed of their shops, the place gross sales workers solely present them in non-public rooms to “chosen” consumers who’re “deemed worthy”, Tina Cavalleri and Mark Glinoga alleged of their grievance in federal courtroom in San Francisco.

They declare that quantities to an unfair enterprise observe for a public retailer and a violation of antitrust regulation.

Hermes didn’t instantly reply to a request for remark Wednesday.

Cavalleri mentioned she’s spent 1000’s of {dollars} at Hermes, and was coerced into buying “ancillary merchandise so as to acquire entry” to a Birkin bag.

She claims she was unable to purchase one in September 2022 and was advised by Hermes that the luggage had been bought to “shoppers who’ve been constant in supporting our enterprise”.

Glinoga mentioned he “made a number of makes an attempt to buy a Birkin bag, however was advised on every event he wanted to buy different gadgets and equipment”.

Is a Hermès Birkin bag actually such a great funding? Sure – right here’s why

The swimsuit accused Hermes of structuring its compensation for gross sales associates in a means that reinforces what they describe because the “illegal observe of tying the acquisition” of Birkin luggage to different merchandise.

The associates, in keeping with the swimsuit, don’t earn fee on Birkin luggage however do on different Hermes merchandise which can be cheaper.

Birkin purses are handcrafted by French artisans and vary in worth from tens of 1000’s to greater than US$100,000, in keeping with the swimsuit.

The plaintiffs are searching for unspecified restitution and damages and an order that might require Hermes to shift its gross sales practices.