French luxury retailer Hermès recorded consolidated revenue of €8.16bn ($9.34bn) in the first half of 2026, up 2% at current exchange rates from the same period a year earlier.

At constant exchange rates, revenue increased 6%, with currency movements reducing reported revenue by more than €360m over the six-month period.

Recurring operating income was €3.35bn, compared with €3.32bn a year earlier.

Net profit, group share, was €2.23bn, against €2.24bn in the first half of last year.

Second-quarter revenue totalled €4.09bn, rising 7% at constant exchange rates, which was faster than in the first quarter.

Hermès said the quicker pace was driven in particular by France, Japan and the Middle East.

Performance varied by region. The Americas posted growth of 15%, followed by Japan at 11% and Europe excluding France at 9%.

Asia excluding Japan and France each rose 2%.

The other region, made up largely of the Middle East, declined 4%, which the company said reflected “remarkable resistance” given an “unstable” geopolitical backdrop.

By business line, leather goods and saddlery and silk and textiles each grew 10%.

The other Hermès sectors category, which includes jewellery and home among other lines, increased 5%, while ready-to-wear and accessories rose 2%.

Watches were flat over the first half overall but returned to growth in the second quarter. Meanwhile, perfume and beauty fell 4%.

The group’s headcount increased by more than 600 in the first six months, including 300 added in France, bringing total staff to 27,107 at the end of June 2026.

Of that total, 16,656 were based in France.

During the period, Hermès opened stores in Hanoi, Vietnam; Beijing’s Sanlitun district and Nagoya, and opened a new Hermès Maison at 166 New Bond Street in London.

The company reiterated its medium-term objective for revenue growth at constant exchange rates, citing its integrated artisanal production model, distribution network and client loyalty while noting ongoing economic, geopolitical and monetary uncertainties.

Hermès executive chairman Axel Dumas said: “In the first half of 2026, Hermès delivered a solid performance, which reflects the strong desirability of its 16 métiers and the trust of its clients.

“Convinced by the strength of our unique artisanal model and in control of our key balances, we look to the second semester with confidence.”