LUXURY BRAND REAPS GREAT HAUL OF CHINA

A BOOM in demand from Chinese shoppers boosted profits at luxury handbag maker Hermes.

The French fashion house, also known for its silk scarves, perfumes and clothes ( pictured), posted a 6pc rise in profit to £877m.

With sales of £2.4bn, it has long had some of the biggest profit margins in the business, with its famous Birkin bags selling for well over £8,000.

Chinese shoppers now account for about onethird of the global luxury sector’s sales, helping labels from Louis Vuitton owner LVMH to Gucciparent Kering.

Hermes sales in Asia, excluding Japan, were up 15pc, boosted by store openings in Hong Kong and mainland China.

Bosses said demand was high for its classic Roulis, Lindy and Cinhetic bags as well as watches and Terre D’Hermes perfumes.

The company commented: ‘ Despite growing economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties around the world, the group confirms an ambitious goal for revenue growth.’