An unusual antitrust lawsuit was filed in federal court in San Francisco on Tuesday against the maker and distributor of luxury Birkin handbags.
The class action alleges that Hermes International, a French company that sells luxury apparel, jewelry and leather goods, and its U.S. subsidiary, have violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by requiring customers interested in its high-end handbags to buy other Hermes products before being allowed to buy a Birkin.The complaint alleges that Birkin handbags -- it refers to them as "icons of fashion" -- are offered for sale in the U.S.
The complaint claims the sales associates get no commission at all on Birkin bags though they earn up to 3% on other products. This structure allegedly incentivizes them to hold Birkin bags back, all while encouraging the customer to make purchases of other Hermes products."These sales associates are directed by Defendants to only offer Birkin handbags to consumers who have established a sufficient 'purchase history' or 'purchase profile' with ...
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