Smart Hermes, but falls flat champagne

  The willingness of Europe for expensive handbags and scarves appears stronger than his preference for French luxury group Hermes champagne as today a sales increase of 16% achieved while champagne producer Laurent-Perrier has decreased by 10.5%.

Hermes, who sold £ 300 silk scarves and £ 10,000 Birkin handbags, noted that demand "remained strong in Europe," and reported second-quarter sales rose 16% to € 910.4 million (EUR 788 million). The group said the figure through his clothing and accessories range has been strengthened.

However, Laurent-Perrier reported economic conditions "difficult" in Europe, and posted first quarter revenues fell by 10.5% to € 40.7 million.

Hermes, who continue to compete LVMH building secret questions in the group, said trading in the United States and Asia has also strong. "Given the turnover in the first half of the year, consolidated sales ... can easily exceed 10% of the medium-term growth," he added.

Hermes has recently outperformed other luxury competitors, even rationing because some of the most expensive items.

The only weak point category for the group is its watches division, but has still managed to increase sales by 3% during the quarter.