A California woman and man sued fashion house Hermes, claiming the company wouldn't let them buy a Birkin bag unless they had previously purchased other Hermes products.
The lawsuit against Hermes claims that Hermes customers were forced to spend tens of thousands of dollars on scarves, shoes and belts for the chance to purchase one of the world's most coveted women's handbags.
One of the petitioners Tina CavalleriThe lawsuit states that he inquired if he could purchase such a bag from the French company in 2022, and received a response. “Special bags go to customers who continue to support our business”.
The second plaintiff Mr Mark KlinokaShe tried to buy a Birkin bag last year “but the defendant's sales representatives advised her to buy other items so that she could eventually buy a Birkin bag.”
A very limited edition handmade leather bag inspired by the late French actress Jane BurginIt has become synonymous with luxury and exclusivity and its selling price starts from $10,000 to over a million.
Loved by celebrities such as Khloe Kardashian, Jennifer Lopez and Victoria Beckham, the bags are not on display and cannot be ordered online.
“Most customers are not going to see a Birkin bag in a Hermès retail store. Usually, only those who are eligible to buy a Birkin bag will see it (in private). A select customer will have the opportunity to purchase the specific Birkin shown. A choice of style, size, color, leather type and material of your choice. There was no way to order the bag,” the suit says.
Sellers don't get a commission on the sale of a Birkin, but say they get 3 percent on the sale of other Hermès items.
“They are directed by the defendant (the company) to persuade customers to buy Birkin bags and other products,” the suit says, calling for others to join as a class. And, it argued, the company's particular practice violated antitrust law because it artificially inflated the price of a product.