French luxury goods retailer Hermes International has posted a sales rise of 8.6% for its fourth quarter. Sales for the quarter were EUR587.3 million compared with EUR540.9 million during the prior-year period. Sales exceeded forecasts, largely due to stronger than expected sales over the Christmas period.

Leathergoods and saddlery items, silk and textiles contributed the most towards total sales, but were partially offset by weak wholesale sales.

Sales for the year totalled EUR1.9 billion, up 8.5% year-on-year.

In 2010, Hermes says it will continue to invest in expanding its distribution network and hopes to open 12 new branches during the year, including a new store in Paris and one in New York.