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, quality, authenticity and responsible growth.
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 the Odyssey in 2021. In the face of challenges and successes, the Group has continued its journey, true to its identity and the Saddler’s Spirit.
Performance of the integrated craftmanship model
Hermès leverages its craftsmanship division, the second pillar of its strategy, with nearly 6,000 craftspeople in France. Backed by the House's rich history shaped by six generations of craftspeople, Hermès is resolutely turned to the future through its values, which address the concerns of our modern societies. 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 distribution network
Hermès' in-house distribution model, with its network of stores and e-commerce sites, proved its effectiveness during the health crisis. The House’s tools were adapted to a transformed customer relationship in order to respond to rapid changes in demand and maintain a special relationship with customers.
The exclusive distribution network consists primarily of branches run by the Group around the Hermès brand. Each of the 303 stores across the world offers a personalised selection of objects, to exceed the specific expectations of its customers and offer a distinct purchasing experience in each and every store. Each store 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 Hermès since its creation. It is illustrated by its abundant creativity, a capacity for constant innovation, new métiers, new production workshops 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
The Group is stepping up its efforts in terms of social, societal and environmental performance. The “All artisans of sustainable development” strategic framework serves as a roadmap for all Management Committees and makes it possible to systematise and scale up actions and better measure their effects.
Hermès’ highly integrated craftsmanship model promotes the creation of skilled jobs in France and social inclusion. Hermès is convinced that the diversity of talents is a source of wealth, creativity and innovation. 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.
