News 
During its 2015 financial year, the Hermès group recorded sales of 4,841 million Euros, an increase of 18% (8% at constant exchange rates). Operating profit amounted to 1,541 million (31.8 % of sales), an increase of 19%.
The steady improvement in sales registered by the group’s shops (+9% at constant exchange rates) is attributable to growth in all geographical areas, despite a mixed environment. Hermès has continued with the qualitative development of its distribution channel.
In 2015, all geographical areas registered upturns. Japan (+18%) confirmed the excellent performance observed during the first nine months of the year. Asia excluding Japan (+5%) owed its progress to sales growth in China, against a difficult background in Hong Kong and Macao. America (+7%) remains buoyant. At the end of the year, a new flagship boutique was opened in Miami, and shops in Houston and Dallas were renovated and expanded. Europe (+9%) recorded a strong performance in terms of retail sales, particularly with the renovation and expansion of sales spaces in Bond Street in London and Gum in Moscow. France (+6%) showed remarkable tenacity despite the negative impact of events at the end of the year.
Growth in Leather Goods-Saddlery (+13%), where demand remains very strong, was supported by growth in production capacity at the two new manufactories in Isère and Charente, and by the new leather goods unit in Héricourt. Investment in a second site in Franche-Comté is ongoing. The Clothing and Accessories division (+8%) benefited from the success of the latest ready-to-wear collections, particularly the first Nadège Vanhée-Cybulski collections, and from the dynamism of fashion accessories, especially shoes. The Silk and Textiles division (-1%), particularly hard hit by events in France at the end of the year, suffered from slower sales in China generally, but held up well in other areas. Perfumes (+3%) continued their upward trajectory thanks to the success of Terre d'Hermès and new products in the Jardin and Hermessence collections. Watchmaking, stable, continued to be penalised by wholesale sales on a market which remains difficult, particularly in Asia excluding Japan.
Other Hermès activities performed solidly (+9%), thanks in particular to the success of gold jewellery and the development of products for the home.
The Hermès group increased its workforce with nearly 500 new employees, including more than 400 in France, mainly in manufactories and sales teams. At the end of 2015, the group employed 12,244 people, 7,461 of whom work in France.
Thanks to its unique business model, Hermès will continue its long-term development strategy based on creativity, exceptional know-how and an offbeat promotional approach. As announced in the publication dated 10 February 2015, sales growth in 2016 could fall short of the medium-term target of around 8% at constant exchange rates, due to economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world. For Hermès, 2016 will be the year of celebrating "nature at a gallop". Through the horse, its first customer, the group has forged a genuine and deep bond with nature based on inspiration, admiration and respect.
April 07, 2016