(CNN) — It’s so hard to get your hands on an Hermès Birkin bag that it should be illegal. Hermès’ ultra-exclusive positioning has meant Birkin sales have continued to overperform in the market even as most other luxury brands see demand slowing from post-pandemic highs. A scarcity-driven distribution model has helped drive desire for Birkins, as well as more broadly fuel Hermès’ business. Saroyan Humphrey/WWD/Getty ImagesThe lawsuit alleges shoppers are required to buy ancillary products (items like scarves, pillows or shoes) before being allowed to purchase a Birkin handbag. Presumably, the plaintiffs could buy a Birkin from The RealReal even if they can’t from Hermès directly.

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Persons: —, Birkin, Hermès, Kelly, aren’t, Alex Tai, ”, snagging, Erwan, Haffner, Saroyan Humphrey, WWD, ’ ”, Susan Scafidi, “ It’s, Sebastien Bozon Organizations: The, Fashion, CNN, HSBC, Law, Microsoft, Fashion Law, Fordham University, Getty Locations: Northern California, waitlists, Paris, China, California, Hermès, Allenjoie, France, AFP