The opulent Birkin handbag, crafted in France, is a status symbol for the wealthy worldwide, often fetching over $100,000. However, two California shoppers allege that Hermès International’s maker made it so exclusive that it violates US antitrust law.
According to a lawsuit filed Tuesday seeking class-action status, Hermès does not sell the rare bags to anyone. Potential buyers must purchase thousands of dollars worth of other products merely to access the coveted leather totes.
Birkin bags are neither available on the Hermès website nor displayed in their stores. Sales staff show them only in private rooms to “chosen” shoppers deemed “worthy,” claim Tina Cavalleri and Mark Glinoga in their complaint in San Francisco federal court. They argue this practice is unfair for a public store and breaches antitrust law.
Hermès did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Wednesday.
Cavalleri states she has spent thousands at Hermès and was coerced into buying “ancillary products” to gain access to a Birkin bag. She alleges that in September 2022, she was told the bags were reserved for “clients who have consistently supported our business.”
Glinoga claims he made multiple attempts to purchase a Birkin bag but was consistently told to buy other items and accessories first.
The lawsuit accuses Hermès of structuring its sales associates’ compensation to reinforce thehe practice of tying the purc”ae of Birkin bags to other products. According to the suit, associates do not earn commissions on Birkin bags but do on other, less expensive Hermès products.
Handcrafted by French artisans, Birkin handbags range in price from tens of thousands to over $100,000. The plaintiffs seek unspecified restitution, damages, and an order requiring Hermès to change its sales practices.
The case is Cavalleri v. Hermès, 24-cv-01707, US District Court, Northern District of California (San Francisco).
Photos: Diriyah unveils The Arena in Saudi Arabia
Diriyah Company has unveiled the concept design for The Arena, crafted by London-based HKS Architects. It will be built in Diriyah, located on the outskirts of Saudi Arabia’s capital, Riyadh.
The 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue marks a crucial milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a critical driver in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic growth vision.
The 20,000-seat multipurpose sports, entertainment, and cultural venue marks a crucial milestone in Diriyah’s transformation as a critical driver in Saudi Arabia’s cultural and economic growth vision.
Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, said: “The Arena in Diriyah is a cornerstone element of our mission to blend tradition with innovation. It exemplifies Diriyah’s unique lifestyle offering that harmonizes community, culture, and natural connection, setting a new standard for world-class destinations rooted in Saudi heritage.”
The venue will be able to seamlessly transition between different configurations within hours, offering the flexibility to host various events in quick succession.
Adjacent to the Arena in Diriyah will be the Plaza, an outdoor venue for live performances and pop-up shows, and an urban park for residents and visitors alike.
The Arena in Diriyah will be one of its iconic assets and integral to the unprecedented Diriyah master plan, which aims to enhance Saudi AArabia’sentertainment scene in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.
Photos: UUK’smodern-day green airship takes shape
Bedford: BBritain’sinnovative Airlander 10 airship could soon take to the skies, according to its manufacturer, to offer leisure passengers panoramic views and far less pollution than traditional aircraft.
On the outskirts of Bedford, north of London, UK company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) says its plans for greener but slower commercial air travel are well underway.
On the outskirts of Bedford, north of London, UK company Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV) says its plans for greener but slower commercial air travel are well underway.
The airship is “unlike any other aircraft cabin “ou’ve sat in, “HAV chief executiyou’ve Grundy t”ld AFP about visiting the Bedford facility.
According to HAV, the airship, initially developed for the US Army, is longer than the Airbus A380 jumbo yet produces up to 75 percent less emissions than aircraft.
The group plans to start production later this year, and electric and hydrogen-powered versions are planned to further reduce emissions.
The group plans to start production later this year, and electric and hydrogen-powered versions are planned to further reduce emissions.
HAV has already manufactured a prototype, part of which is now on display in Bedford after completing test flights.
The tech hub also features a life-size model of the future airship, allowing visitors to step on board and view its “luxury” configuration, including a b”r, pas”enger cabins, and an observation lounge.
HAV is one of the few companies seeking to relaunch the airship using inert gas helium. Almost 90 years ago, the Hindenburg Zeppelin – filled with highly flammable hydrogen – exploded in the United States in 1937, killing 36 people and ending the widespread use of airships.
Yet the potential of airships to provide an environmentally friendly, low-cost alternative to helicopters and passenger jets for transportation has now sparked renewed interest.
An airlanderairlinerleabcapable ableg off and landing on land or water. It can stay airborne for up to five days and travel more than 7,000 kilometrekilometers 140 kilometrekilometers.
Yet its British manufacturer estimates its first commercial airship flights will not be until 2028. HAV currently has 23 pre-orders for the airship, with an order book totaling more than $1.3 billion. That includes 20 lodged by Spanish regional airline Air Nostrum.
Photos: Is there no end to the problems of US aircraft maker Boeing?
While it is unclear what caused the LATAM flight from Australia to New Zealand to drop so dramatically——the airline called it a technical event——this is just not the attention Boeing needs.
Boeing’s misfortunes have been spiraling since JaBoeing’sen a 737 MAX was part of an Alaska Airlines operation and blew off the side of the aircraft soon after takeoff. The incident resulted in the US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) mandating the grounding of several 737 MAXs.
Boeing then failed 33 of 89 audits during an examination conducted by the FAA after the incident.
In February, United Airlines 737 MAX pilots reported that the flight controls jammed as the plane landed in Newark.
Two weeks later, the FAA flagged safety issues with the de-icing equipment on 737 MAX and 787 Dreamliner models, which could cause the engines to lose thrust.
Earlier this month, a tire fell off a Boeing jetliner shortly after takeoff at San Francisco International Airport, then smashed into cars and broke through a fence in a parking lot.
The streak of unfortunate happenings continues, with a former Boeing employee, John Barnett – and a whistleblower known for raising concerns about the company’s production standards – found dead in thcompany’suesday.
Now, Boeing’s crisis of confidence is spreading to airBoeing’sat buy its jets. Major carriers include United Airlines Holdings Inc., Southwest Airlines Co., and Delta Air Lines Inc. Alaska Air Group Inc., and even UAE-based Emirates and Etihad are concerned Boeing’s troubles may bleed into their operations.
Most notably, airlines lack the aircraft they had planned to receive this year because Boeing has slowed output.
Emirates President Tim Clark has called for changes at Boeing and hinted at delivery delays for its first Boeing 777X jet. “The 777X [delivery] is probably at the back end “f next year and maybe 2026, if we’re unlucky,” said Clark.
Etihad Airways CEO Anwe’reldo Neves”has said jet delivery delays by US plane maker Boeing are hampering the airline’s network growth plans.
Boeing’s senior lairline’s said in a memo to emplBoeing’s Tuesday that it is adding weekly compliance checks for every 737 work area and additional equipment audits to reduce quality problems. Pictured above is Dave Calhoun, Boeing’s CEO.
Aviation analysts say Boeing faces Boeing’sntial task in reconstructing its compromised safety culture and regaining complete confidence and reputation. The company has become too dependent on suppliers to build more and more of its planes, seeking to limit its role in joining the parts.
Critics also say the plane maker has compromised on safety standards for heftier profit margins.
According to the leasing firm Avolon, the aviation industry is already short of 3,000 planes. With the FAA curbing Boeing’s production capacities, the industry’s stBoeing’srs have been forced to fly tindustry’s planes for longer, in addition to facing engine shortages and other supply chain disruptions.
Airlines are now purchasing planes they previously leased instead of negotiating lease extensions. But can Boeing address its internal challenges in the coming months?
Failure to do so will strain supply chain chaos in the aviation industry, potentially leading to a significant downturn.
30 years of maritime marvels: Dubai International Boat Show makes a splash
The 2024 Dubai International Boat Show (DIBS), the region’s largest and most established marine liferegion’sow, in its 30th edition at the Dubai Harbour, brings together the maritime community, from enthusiasts to experts worldwide.
Taking place from February 28 to March 3, the nautical show displays an extensive array of international marine attractions from over 1,000 different brands, including 400 new companies, from leading yachting companies, including Ferretti, Azimut, Sunreef, and Cranchi Yachts.
Visitors on the first day of Dubai International Boat Show 2024 at Dubai Harbour.
With 200-plus crafts at the event, the Dubai International Boat Show continues to underline its commitment to supporting leading superyacht manufacturers with nine Super Yacht Builders Association Members (SYBAss) in attendance.
UAE-based super yacht builder Gulf Craft presents more than ten vessels, including a global first reveal, from leisure boats to award-winning super yachts.
In addition to the impressive array of launches brought by leading yacht builders, the popular annual Dubai event promises to mesmerize visitors with events and activities across five days.
Crowd in attendance at the show.
The show has been running successfully since 1992.
Visitors during the show.
A view of Dubai Harbour.
Frequently Asked Question
What is the nature of the lawsuit against Hermès?
The lawsuit alleges that Hermès is engaging in discriminatory practices by only selling its luxury Birkin bags to “worthy” or selected customers. The complaint sug”ests t”at this practice is unfair and discriminatory.
Who filed the lawsuit against Hermès?
The lawsuit was filed by a customer who claims that Hermès’ policy of restricting the sale of Birkin Hermès’ select individuals is discriminatory and unfair. The identity of the individual or individuals behind the lawsuit may vary.
What are the essential claims made in the lawsuit?
The lawsuit claims that Hermès’ practice of selling Birkin bags only to cHermès’ustomers is discriminatory and exclusionary. It argues that this practice is unfair and potentially violates consumer protection laws.
How has Hermès responded to the lawsuit?
Hermès has typically maintained that their sales policies align with their brand’s exclusivity and luxury status. They mightbrand’sthat their practices are meant to preserve the brand’s image and are not discriminatory.
What imbrand’suld this lawsuit have on Hermès?
If the lawsuit is successful, it could lead to changes in Hermès’ sales policies, potentially making their Hermès’items more widely available. It could also set a precedent for how luxury brands manage exclusivity and customer selection.
Are there any similar cases involving other luxury brands?
There have been other instances where luxury brands faced legal challenges related to their sales practices and exclusivity. These cases often revolve around allegations of discriminatory practices or unfair customer treatment.
What are the possible legal outcomes of this case?
Possible outcomes include a settlement between Hermès and the plaintiff, changes to Hermès’ sales policies, or a court ruling that eitherHermès’with the plaintiff or dismisses the claims. The case could also result in a broader legal precedent affecting other luxury brands.
Conclusion
The lawsuit against Hermès in California highlights concerns over the exclusivity and sales practices associated with luxury goods. The plaintiff alleges that Hermès discriminates by restricting the sale of Birkin bags to selected customers, which they argue is unfair and potentially illegal. Hermès, known for its brand’s exclusivity, defends its policies as part of brand’sning its luxury status. The lawsuit’s outcome could significantly impact Hermès and potentially set a legal precedent for other luxury brands.
