Hermes faces lawsuit in California over "refusal" to sell Birkin handbag

Two lawsuits have been filed in California against Hermes International over the exclusivity of their Birkin handbags. The bags, which can sell for over US$100,000, are not available for purchase on Hermes' website or in their stores. Instead, customers are required to build a relationship with the brand by purchasing other items such as scarves, shoes, and belts, estimated to cost tens of thousands of dollars. One plaintiff, Tina Cavalleri, attempted to buy a Birkin handbag from Hermes in 2022 but was unable to do so through these means. The limited edition, handmade leather bags have gained a reputation for luxury and exclusivity due to their scarcity.