Personalisation Trend

While "bricks and mortar" retailing is increasingly threatened by online sales, those shops and brands that are able to offer personalisation can show that they are able to meet consumers' needs and understand their changing purchasing habits, and by providing special services can build brand loyalty.

Luxury fashion brands that are able to provide in-store personalisation can create unique retail experiences for customers via the added interaction through customisation, from providing engraving services to adding personalised details to a apply on a piece of clothing or accessories, or as simple as adjusting a shoulder strap for a cross-body hand-bag to suit the needs of the customer.

Recently in search of a unique gift for a loved one, I came across on-line personalisation company Vanilla Reindeer, which provides personalised packaging including gift bags, cards, boxes and more, whatever the occasion.

I decided on a small box of chocolates (you can decide on a box of 9, 16 or 25) and after make my choice from a selection of ready designs, I was taken to a product editor.

I chose a photo from my own albums and positioned onto the box, and placed the order.  Within a couple of days, the chocolates reached my destination in a well-protected packaging.  The whole process was simple and satisfying.

London-based on-line jewellery boutique Merci Maman provides a good selection of gold jewellery - from necklaces to bracelets and bangles, earrings and rings.

To go with their best selling necklaces, which come in varying lengths, there is a selection of semi-precious gemstone pendants to choose from which come with their signature disc charms on which  one can choose to have a message or name, special date or  initials engraved to personalise the gift.

Merci Maman’s adjustable flat bangle is ideal for stacking with other wrist jewellery or to be worn on its own, is available in Sterling Silver, 18K rose gold plated (as above on the right) and 18K gold plated.  The brand provides hand-engrav ing of up to 60 letters (this one customised with the word “Love”), and it comes with its own gift box too.

All photos © Lucia Carpio 2019