PARIS, Oct 24 Reuters Sales at Hermes rose briskly in the third quarter, beating expectations and outshining rivals as economic headwinds did not its stop its wealthy clientele from splurging on highend Birkin handbags.

Sales for the three months to the end of September stood at 3.37 billion euros 3.60 billion, a 15.6 rise at constant exchange rates, beating a Visible Alpha consensus for 14 growth. Sales were brisk in all regions, particularly the U.S.

Analysts have cut their estimates for the luxury sector in recent weeks following a sales report from bellwether LVMH earlier this month showing shoppers are splashing out less on highend fashion as inflation and economic uncertainty rise.

But Hermes, which caters to shoppers who can afford handbags like the coveted 10,000 plus Birkin model, has a reputation of weathering economic turbulence better than rivals.

Despite an uncertain context, our outlook remains unchanged, Eric du Halgouet, Hermes executive vice president finance, told journalists, noting strong growth in the U.S. and Asia, including China.

Sales in the Americas rose 20, despite smaller price hikes than in other parts of the world, with even growth rates on both U.S. coasts, Hermes said. The Madison Avenue store in New York, which opened in October last year, also contributed strongly.

In Europe, sales grew 18.1, with Du Halgouet noting no sign of a slowdown in tourist traffic in the region, and no slowdown in France, including in the first weeks of…