Hermes Makes Birkin Bags Too Hard to Buy, Shoppers Claim in Suit

The opulent, French-crafted Birkin handbag is a status symbol for rich people around the world and can fetch more than $100,000. But two shoppers in California claim it has become so exclusive that its maker, Hermes International, is breaking US antitrust law.

Hermes won’t sell the rare bags to just anyone, and it requires potential buyers to purchase thousands of dollars of other products just for the chance they’ll get access to the coveted leather totes, according to a lawsuit filed Tuesday seeking class-action status.

Birkin bags aren’t available for purchase on the Hermes website or displayed in ...