No, there are other options out there besides Hermes.
In Dana Thomas' book "Deluxe," she says the future of luxury will be with small boutiques (Hermes is anything but now let alone after their expansion) and custom work. If you've really got the Dollars, Euros, Yen or whatever else to spend, true luxury will be with clothing, shoes, jewelry and such that are totally customized to your wishes and size.
There's a French company that custom makes women's shirts, and they're cheaper than Hermes' ready to wear. Years ago I heard about a leather company that's so exclusive you have to be referred to buy one of their bags (they're in France, too), and their quality is top notch. John Lobb shoes, suits from London tailors, custom luggage from Tanner Kroelle...there's no real shortage of people willing to make something fabulous.
Hermes' strengths are that they've marketed themselves so well that they're the first luxury brand that springs to mind when it comes to silk scarves. Their small leather goods are interesting, a bit different and very colorful if that's what you want. Or black/brown if that's what you prefer. They also, like Tiffany, carry something for most price points, and that can add a lot to a company's bottom line. I also give them credit for being one of the few major fragrance producers that's still pursuing quality ingredients when others have gone cheapo.
When it comes to their assortment, yes, they've got an interesting mix, but they make it difficult for the consumer to get a lot of what they want. Karos seem to be far rarer than any Birkin or Kelly, most of their bags are pretty plain given the price point (no real design work to speak of), and unless you've got a SA that'll do the computer work, what's available will be what's in THAT store. I love my SA, but honestly, I usually go to HER with what I want, and she tracks it down. She's been fab about it, but I've never had to work this hard with another retailer. I also wonder how "exclusive" Hermes is going to be when they're all over the blasted place. Birkins and Kellys are already common in some cultures, and that alone would push me toward custom.
Great customer service? I don't think Hermes is so far above anyone else that they could be singled out as superior. I've gotten great service at Wal Mart, Target, Kroger, Neiman Marcus...I've also had some of the worst service at these stores, and at Hermes, too.
Well, they sort of are. I don't know of any other brand that compares in quality, design, assortment and customer service.
). I wanted the green one but just bought the Morocaine sandle scarf in green (with the blue edge) from a seller on Ebay for £159..it's brand new, in box and I've bought items from the seller before so know it's genuine. 
