Hermes Faces Lawsuit for Discriminating Against Birkin Bag Buyers

In an intriguing lawsuit filed in federal court, two California residents allege that Hermes, the luxury fashion brand, has violated antitrust laws by linking the purchase of its iconic Birkin bags to the sale of other products. The plaintiffs argue that the company’s policy effectively forces customers to buy shoes, scarves, jewelry, and other items before being granted the opportunity to purchase a Birkin bag.

Hermes has not yet commented on the ongoing legal proceedings, and their legal representatives have remained silent as well.

The lawsuit refers to the Birkin bag as a “fashion icon,” a status symbol that has long denoted the owner’s social standing. However, according to the plaintiffs, potential customers are unable to purchase the Birkin bag from Hermes’ website. Furthermore, these handmade leather bags, which can cost thousands of dollars each, are not available for sale in the company’s stores.

“The bottom line is that only customers deemed worthy of purchasing a Birkin bag are allowed to view them (in a separate room),” states the lawsuit.

Additionally, the plaintiffs argue that sales associates are not incentivized to sell Hermes bags and are instead directed to use them “as a means to pressure customers into buying other products.”

With approximately 43 stores in the United States, including 8 in California, Hermes now faces demands for undisclosed compensation and requests for the court to prohibit the company from implementing anti-competitive sales policies.

According to Reuters