The proposed federal class-action complaint was filed in San Francisco on Tuesday. It is based on allegations made by two Californians that Hermès is breaking antitrust laws by “tying” the sale of one item to the purchase of another.
According to the lawsuit, the company’s sales workers are in charge of the plan, pressuring clients to purchase jewelry, shoes, scarves, and other products in order to be eligible to purchase a Birkin.
“Only customers who are judged deserving may buy one.”
The lawsuit claims that Hermès does not allow customers to purchase its handcrafted, often thousands of dollar leather bags online, and that the bags are not even on display for purchase in the company’s retail locations.
“Typically, only those consumers who are deemed worthy of purchasing a Birkin handbag will be shown a Birkin handbag (in a private room),” the complaint stated.
