Luxury fashion powerhouse Hermès has moved to dismiss a consumer lawsuit in the United States, labeling the claims as “far-fetched” and unsubstantiated. The lawsuit, filed in San Francisco federal court, alleges that Hermès coerces shoppers into extravagant spending before granting them access to its coveted Birkin handbags.
In its defense, Hermès refuted the accusations, asserting that the plaintiffs failed to demonstrate any violation of U.S. antitrust law in the sale of its luxury handbags. The lawsuit, initiated in March, contends that Hermès restricts access to Birkin bags solely to customers with a significant purchase history, effectively linking Birkin sales to the purchase of other high-end items like jewelry and shoes.
However, Hermès countered these claims, emphasizing that the purchase history requirement does not preclude customers without such history from acquiring a Birkin. The luxury brand argued that such a practice is neither illegal nor uncommon in the industry, emphasizing that the antitrust laws do not penalize companies for producing highly sought-after products.
Representatives for Hermès, including its legal counsel at Latham & Watkins, refrained from immediate comment in response to requests for clarification. Similarly, attorneys representing the California-based plaintiffs did not provide immediate responses to inquiries.
According to the lawsuit, Birkin bags are not available for online purchase through Hermès’ platform, nor are they openly displayed for sale in the company’s retail outlets. Instead, the complaint alleges that Hermès sales associates actively encourage customers to purchase additional items to enhance their chances of acquiring a Birkin.
In its defense, Hermès emphasized that the alleged tying of Birkin sales to other products fails to meet the rigorous legal standards required to establish an unlawful practice. The luxury brand underscored its competition in the marketplace, highlighting the diverse array of products it offers, which are subject to competition from various sellers.
As Hermès seeks to refute the allegations and dismiss the lawsuit, the case underscores the complexities surrounding the intersection of luxury retail practices and consumer protection laws.
