Confirmation of Hermès as luxury’s second force
High-end leathergoods brand Hermès has reported first-half revenues of almost €8.2 billion.
This is an increase of 1.6% compared to the same period last year. The result means Hermès is consolidating its place as the second-biggest luxury leathergoods group.
It is some way behind LVMH, whose leathergoods division achieved revenues of €18.1 billion in the first half of 2026. But Hermès overtook Kering as the sector’s second force in the course of 2025 and figures for the first six months of 2026 confirm this.
Kering’s revenues for the same period were €7.2 billion.
In its first-half figures this time, Hermès reported revenues of nearly €3.8 billion from its leathergoods and saddlery division, which includes women’s and men’s bags, travel items, small leathergoods, saddles, bridles and all equestrian objects and clothing. This category achieved growth of 5.1% year on year.
It also reported revenues of €2.2 billion for ready-to-wear and accessories. Hermès includes sales of shoes, gloves and belts in this category, which experienced a drop in revenues of 2.5% compared to the first six months of 2025.
The company pointed out that, taking figures for the second quarter in isolation, leathergoods and saddlery saw growth of 8.4% year on year, while ready-to-wear and accessories returned to growth with an increase of 1.5%.
Executive chairman, Axel Dumas, said the company had had “a solid performance” in the first half. He said its products remained desireable and that the company had “the trust of its clients”.
He claimed the Hermès model of relying on artisan craftsmanship set it apart and the company was looking forward to the second half of 2026 with confidence.
