L'Occitane observes shift from gifting to self-consumption in travel retail

New senior executive highlighted consumer trends in the Asia-Pacific region.

The L'Occitane Group has strengthened its travel retail business with new senior team members, including Green Yip, the newly appointed Regional Managing Director for Asia Pacific Travel Retail. 

A major trend identified by Yip in the travel retail sector is the transition from gifting to self-consumption. “This also encourages the shift from tangible consumptions to intangible experience. When consumers are looking for a product for themselves, they are expecting more personalised and sensorial services,” Yip explained. 

Yip also noted that artisanal fragrances are at the forefront of this trend, as consumers seek unique and personalised products that offer a deeper connection and sensory experience.

Addressing the challenges in the travel retail sector, Yip emphasised the need for agility and innovation in navigating post-pandemic travel patterns and changing consumer behaviour. “I would say one of the key challenges is navigating the ever evolving travel patterns and consumer behaviour post pandemic, which require agility and innovations to meet changing demands,” she stated.

Despite these challenges, Yip sees substantial opportunities. “The growing numbers of global travellers, especially from emerging markets in Asia Pacific, offer a substantial consumer base for us with agility and leverage, leveraging on digital technology to enhance the shopping experience,” he said. 

Yip’s vision for L'Occitane’s travel retail business in the Asia-Pacific region focuses on enhancing consumer experience by blending the brand’s rich heritage with modern demands. “To further elevate our consumer experience by seamlessly blending our rich Vancouver heritage with the dynamic and the leads of the modern demands,” she shared.

Innovative products and personalised services that resonate with the clientele are key components of this vision. Yip emphasised the importance of being where the consumers are, introducing offerings that meet their expectations and desires.

“Sustainability is deeply ingrained in our brand DNA and reflects our commitment to respect the planet and its people from our very foundations,” Yip highlighted. This commitment has been integral to the brand since its inception 48 years ago.

In travel retail operations, L'Occitane continues to uphold this core value by integrating sustainability into every aspect of its business. This includes responsibly sourcing ingredients, supporting local communities, and reducing environmental footprint through initiatives such as eco-friendly packaging and energy-efficient practices.