Strong sales momentum across all business lines in all geographical areas (+33% at current exchanges rates)
The group’s consolidated revenue reached €2,765 million in the first quarter of 2022, up 33% at current exchange rates and 27% at constant exchange rates. Sales were particularly dynamic in group stores, especially in America and Europe, driven by the acceleration in all the business lines and the sustained growth in Leather Goods.
Axel Dumas, Executive Chairman of Hermès, said: “The strong growth in sales at the beginning of this year reflects the desirability of our collections and the confidence of our customers in our artisanal and responsible approach. Despite a still uncertain context, the group is accelerating its strategic investments, recruitments and training to support the growth of all the métiers of the house.”
Sales by geographical area at the end of March (at constant exchange rates unless otherwise indicated)
At the end of March 2022, all the geographical areas posted strong growth. Sales accelerated in group stores with a 28% increase compared to 2021. The network continued to develop with store openings and extensions, and the strengthening of online sales worldwide.
- Asia excluding Japan (+20%) benefitted at the beginning of the year from a very good Chinese New Year and from sustained activity, especially in Thailand, Singapore, and Australia. Since mid-March, Greater China has been penalised by new health restrictions and some store closures, particularly in Shanghai and Shenyang. The stores Pacific Place in Hong Kong and One Central in Macao reopened in January and February respectively after renovation. A new store opened in Zhengzhou at the end of March, the first store for Hermès in the Chinese province of Henan. In March, the HermèsFit event was held in Bangkok, Thailand, around fashion accessories on the theme of sport, after New York and Paris.
- Japan (+17%) pursued its sustained increase, which relied on the loyalty of local customers and the success of the collections.
- Americas (+44%) recorded a strong acceleration at the end of March, thanks to a good momentum in the United States. The South Coast Plaza store reopened on the Californian coast in Costa Mesa near Los Angeles, after renovation and extension.
- Europe excluding France (+44%) and France (+40%) benefitted from favourable comparison basis and achieved a sustained growth particularly in the UK, Germany, Italy and Spain. In France, the 12th Saut Hermès edition was successfully held for the first time at the Grand Palais Éphémère at the Champ-de-Mars in Paris, while preserving its authenticity in a sporting and joyful atmosphere.
Sales by business line at the end of March (at constant exchange rates unless otherwise indicated)
At the end of March 2022, all businesses confirmed strong momentum and benefitted from the acceleration of the Ready-to-Wear and Accessories division, Watches and Other Hermès Business Lines (Jewellery and Homeware).
Growth in Leather Goods and Saddlery (+16%) was based on the increase in production capacity and sustained demand. Two new workshops have been announced for 2025 and 2026, in L’Isle-d’Espagnac (Charente) and Loupes (Gironde), the 23rd and 24th leather goods production sites and will eventually employ 500 craftsmen. They will come in addition to the three sites under construction in Louviers (Eure) in 2022, La Sormonne (Ardennes) in 2023 and Riom (Puy-de-Dôme) by 2024.
The Ready-to-Wear and Accessories business line (+44%) confirmed remarkable growth, driven by the success of the ready-to-wear, fashion accessories and footwear collections. The women’s fall-winter 2022 fashion show held in March at the Garde républicaine in Paris met with great success, following that of the men’s collection revealed at the Mobilier national in January.
The Silk and Textiles business line (+27%) performed well, benefitting from an enriched offer of new uses and new know-how in terms of materials and formats.
Perfume and Beauty (+18%) are driven by the house's creations and olfactory proposals. The Hermès Beauty line launched a fourth chapter in March with a new approach to the complexion with Hermès Plein Air.
Watches (+62%) achieved an outstanding performance, reflecting the technical watch-making expertise and creativity of the collections. The new Arceau, Le temps voyageur watch, revealing a unique presentation of different times around the world, met with great success at the international Watches and Wonders Exhibition in Geneva at the end of March.
Other Hermès business lines (+37%) confirmed their momentum, thanks to Homeware and Jewellery. The Soleil d’Hermès tableware collection, with geometric designs of sunshine, will be presented in June in Milan.
A responsible, sustainable model
To support the strong growth of their activity, while passing on their know-how of excellence, all the regional leather goods centres are gradually opening their École Hermès des savoir-faire, which issue a diploma in leather working (CAP) recognised by the French National Education authority. After the one Fitilieu last autumn, the Ardennes centre opened its École Hermès des savoir-faire in February.
Hermès is stepping up its investments and recruitments, thereby strengthening its role as a social actor and responsible employer.
Other highlights
At the end of March 2022, currency fluctuations represented a positive impact of €116 million on revenue.
During the first quarter, Hermès International redeemed 51,890 shares for €61 million, excluding transactions completed within the framework of the liquidity contract.
Effective 1 March 2022, Sharon MacBeath, Group Human Resources Director and Agnès de Villers, Chairman and CEO of Hermès Perfume and Beauty, joined the Executive Committee.
Outlook
For 2022, the impacts of the health context are still difficult to assess. Our highly integrated craftsmanship model and balanced distribution network, as well as the creativity of our collections and our customers' loyalty allow us to look to the future with confidence.
In the medium-term, despite the economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world, the group confirms an ambitious goal for revenue growth at constant exchange rates.
Thanks to its unique business model, Hermès is pursuing its long-term development strategy based on creativity, maintaining control over know-how and singular communication.
