"California Lawsuits Target Hermes' Birkin Bag Sales Exclusivity"

Two Californians have filed a class-action lawsuit against Hermès, alleging that the luxury brand's practice of only offering Birkin handbags to customers with a purchase history violates antitrust and business practice laws. The plaintiffs claim that this practice artificially inflates the cost of acquiring a Birkin bag and limits consumer choice. The lawsuit highlights the exclusivity and high demand for Birkin bags, which can cost between $8,000 and $450,000, and the challenges customers face in purchasing them, including the need for a purchase history with the brand and luck in being offered the bag.