Strategy
Hermès is an independent company backed by family shareholders. Its strategy is based on three pillars: creation, craftsmanship and an exclusive distribution network.
Since 1837, the Group has remained true to its values of freedom, demanding craftsmanship savoir‑faire, authenticity and responsible growth. Its integrated craftsmanship business model places quality and sustainability at the centre.
Creation at the core of Hermès's strategy
Hermès creates and manufactures quality objects designed to last, to be passed on from one generation to the next, and to be repaired. This approach requires these issues to be taken into account at every stage, from design to sales.
Hermès’ strategy is based on creative freedom. Each year, a theme inspires creators and Artistic Directors. Driven by a history spanning nearly 200 years, during which the House has continued to develop with audacity and ingenuity, Hermès paid homage to the theme of Astonishment in 2023. Inspired by creation at Hermès, the ability to astonish is a constant source of innovation and dynamism for the House.
Performance of the integrated craftmanship model
Hermès leverages its craftsmanship division, the second pillar of its strategy, with more than 7,300 craftspeople in France. Backed by a history shaped by six generations, Hermès moves with the times, but always respecting tradition, transmission and innovation.
The House works alongside those who master, preserve and transmit craftsmanship savoir‑faire through their knowledge of materials and their exceptional techniques. Each new leather goods workshop is an architectural project in its own right, enabling around 300 jobs to be created and promoting a pleasant working environment on a human scale.
The dynamics of an exclusive, omnichannel and multi-local distribution network
Hermès' own distribution model is based on a network of stores, most of which are operated directly, and innovative e‑commerce sales sites, making it possible to respond to rapid changes in demand and maintain a privileged relationship with customers.
The exclusive distribution network consists primarily of branches run by the Group around the Hermès brand. Each of the 294 stores across the world offers a personalised selection of objects, to exceed the specific expectations of customers and offer a distinct purchasing experience in each and every store. Each store is unique and enables its customers to explore and discover the most beautiful products, and extends the House’s lustre worldwide.
An entrepreneurial spirit and independence
The entrepreneurial spirit has been at the heart of Maison Hermès since its creation. It is illustrated by its abundant creativity, a capacity for constant innovation, new métiers, new production units and store openings.
This strategy offers store managers freedom of purchase, to meet the specific needs of their customers. Two podiums are organised every year to present the fall‑winter and spring‑summer collections. These bring together all store and country managers, managers of the different métiers, as well as designers, to present all collections to the sales teams, who are thus responsible for compiling their own collections and making their store unique, with a special mix of products.
Responsible growth and humanist values
As a company that respects the nature that inspires it, Hermès ensures the preservation of its resources and its impact on natural environments and local ecosystems, with an artisanal production model. The Group is stepping up its efforts in terms of social, societal and environmental performance.
Hermès’ highly integrated craftsmanship model promotes the creation of skilled jobs in France and social inclusion. The Group has more than doubled its workforce in 10 years and more than 60% of recruitment takes place in France. The diversity of talents is a source of wealth, creativity and innovation. In 2023, Hermès accelerated its job creation by recruiting 2,400 people, including 1,400 in France. More than 22,000 employees promote Hermès worldwide. These women and men who guarantee the quality of the objects, constitute a heritage for the House. To affirm its commitment to education, the House is developing its training schools for its major craftsmanship métiers.
Hermès, a family business, has been able to adapt to changes while favouring a long‑term approach. The Group, on the strength of its craftsmanship savoir‑faire, its exclusive distribution network and its creative heritage, will continue its sustainable and responsible development.
