UPDATE 2-Hermes outshines rivals, optimistic about Christmas

* Hermes says to exceed target of flat sales at constant fx

* Sees current operating profit falling 5 pct vs 2008

* Q3 sales up 10.2 pct, 4.8 pct at constant currencies

(Rewrites throughout, adds details, FD, analyst comments)

By Astrid Wendlandt, European Luxury Goods Correspondent

PARIS, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Hermes (HRMS.PA) is optimistic about Christmas after sales of its luxury goods continued to improve in October, the French company said on Friday.

The maker of silk scarves and crocodile handbags published sales figures that showed yet again that it is one of only a few luxury good companies to see any growth during the crisis.

"We are optimistic about the end of the year and about Christmas," Hermes Finance Director Mireille Maury told Reuters in an interview.

Hermes, known for its audacious designers, has enjoyed resilient demand during the crisis partly because shoppers consider its timeless style to be good value for money.