No Covid Blues for Hermes as Sales Soar

The logo of French luxury group Hermes is seen at a store. Reuters
The logo of French luxury group Hermes is seen at a store. Reuters
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No Covid Blues for Hermes as Sales Soar

The logo of French luxury group Hermes is seen at a store. Reuters
The logo of French luxury group Hermes is seen at a store. Reuters

French luxury goods group Hermes said Thursday that its sales jumped 38 percent in the first quarter of the year compared with 2020, bolstered by a strong performance in Asia.

The maker of Birkin handbags said its revenues reached 2.1 billion euros ($2.5 billion) in January-March, which was higher than even the same period in 2019, before the global Covid-19 pandemic struck.

The sharp rise was driven mainly by increased demand for the group's bags, clothing and watches in China and other Asian markets, with consumers turning to online shopping despite the hefty Hermes price tags.

"The success of online sales has been confirmed," finance director Eric du Halgouet told reporters by phone, adding that internet sales had seen "growth in three figures across all regions."

Sales in the United States climbed 23 percent from a year earlier, but they stagnated in Europe, where many major economies, including France, remain locked down.

Fellow French luxury group Kering, which owns brands such as Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, announced Tuesday that its sales had also risen to a level higher than the same period of 2019, underlining how coronavirus-hit 2020 was a blip for the high-end luxury market.



Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Dialogue on Empowering Creativity, Shaping Future of Saudi Fashion

The session will explore the vital role of education as a foundation for nurturing creativity and promoting sustainable growth in the Saudi fashion industry
The session will explore the vital role of education as a foundation for nurturing creativity and promoting sustainable growth in the Saudi fashion industry
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Fashion Commission Hosts Virtual Dialogue on Empowering Creativity, Shaping Future of Saudi Fashion

The session will explore the vital role of education as a foundation for nurturing creativity and promoting sustainable growth in the Saudi fashion industry
The session will explore the vital role of education as a foundation for nurturing creativity and promoting sustainable growth in the Saudi fashion industry

The Fashion Commission is hosting a virtual dialogue session on Thursday centered on empowering creativity and shaping the future of Saudi fashion.

The session is part of an ongoing series of open sessions designed to keep stakeholders and enthusiasts informed about sector developments and to foster continuous dialogue on its strategic direction.

The session will explore the vital role of education as a foundation for nurturing creativity and promoting sustainable growth in the Saudi fashion industry. It will also highlight the commission’s educational initiatives aligned with Saudi Vision 2030, aimed at strengthening the creative economy.

Participants will learn about key educational and training programs developed in partnership with local and international institutions, supporting those interested in design, textiles, handicrafts, entrepreneurship, and other essential skills driving the fashion sector.

The commission invites students, designers, entrepreneurs, academics, and fashion enthusiasts to join this open meeting - a platform for direct dialogue with officials and industry experts - accessible via a link shared on its official page on X.