Hermès sued for alleged antitrust violations over exclusive Birkin bag sales practices

Two plaintiffs sued Hermès for not allowing them to buy Birkin bags despite having purchase history and spending significant amounts at the brand. They allege Hermès violates antitrust laws.

Birkin bags can cost between $8,000 and $450,000. Hermès limits availability, requiring interested customers to have loyalty and rapport with sales associates to get the opportunity to purchase one.

The Birkin bag was created in 1984 from a sketch Jane Birkin made on an airplane sick bag to Hermès chairman Jean-Louis Dumas.

Birkins keep value well, with the most expensive sold being a $450,000 diamond-encrusted version. The resale market has seen bags outperform stock markets.

The exclusivity and unattainability of Birkins adds to their desirability as luxury items. Some see them as stable investments in the current economy.