Window display of the Hermes store on Rue Faubourg-Saint-Honore in Paris. High-end French retailer, Hermes, has come through the financial crisis relatively unharmed. Founded in 1837, the brand started as a luxury saddlery producing high-quality riding gear. Today, it produces hand-crafted leather goods, ready-to-wear clothes for men and women, silk scarves and other accessories. Hermes currently has 16 stores in China and plans to launch a new brand this year - 'Shang Xia' - specially for the Chinese market. The first store will open in Spring 2010. There are also long-term plans to open 'Shang Xia' stores in Paris. Paris, FRANCE - 10/01/2010.