French luxury group Hermes International's reported a drop in first-quarter revenues due to late deliveries.

However, Hermes reported that sales in the three months ended March climbed 3.3 percent to 324.8 million euros, from 314.5 million euros a year ago, driven by robust sales in its main leather goods category.

Though sales grew 8 percent in Hermes retail outlets, the company was weaker at wholesale, due mainly to late deliveries in small leather goods, watches and tableware.

Fashion also is performing well, and the sales of Jean Paul Gaultier's second ready-to-wear collection for the house has been deemed "very good."

Overall sales of Hermes apparel and fashion accessories, including shoes, gloves and hats, improved 7.2 percent to 75.8 million euros.

Fragrance sales at Hermes jumped 19 percent on "excellent" sales of the new Un Jardin sur le Nil perfume.

Talika Santhanan 

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