Hermès Sued Over Claims of Forcing Additional Purchases to Buy Coveted Birkin Bags

Hermès is being sued for allegedly requiring customers to purchase other items in order to buy a Birkin bag. This "tying" practice is claimed to violate antitrust law.

The lawsuit alleges Hermès sales associates earn commissions on other items but not Birkin bags, incentivizing them to push customers to make additional purchases before selling a Birkin.

One plaintiff claims she was "unable to purchase another Birkin Handbag in September 2022" despite having already spent tens of thousands at Hermès.

The second plaintiff was allegedly told on multiple occasions he needed to buy more Hermès products before he could purchase a Birkin.

Plaintiffs are seeking class action status, damages, and an order stopping Hermès from requiring tied purchases to buy a Birkin bag.