Luxury Travel & Lifestyle Trends

The rise of medical tourism to glittering hospitals in places like Singapore and Thailand has turned coddling and elegance into marketing necessities. As mentioned in the Herald Tribune: “It’s not just competing on medical grounds and specialties, but competing for customers who can go just about anywhere.”

‘Luxury’ has been a hot topic among marketers since the recent current economic crisis. In most cases, it has become ‘a four letter word’. There was a shift in the psychology of luxury buyers. For some, they felt awkward spending conspicuously, while so many others were in pain. For others, it was more about perception – it just wasn’t “cool” to be spending lavishly on luxury.

The Wall Street Journal reports that broadcast company, NBC Universal, is taking a new approach to advertising with behavior placement. “In just one week on NBC, the detectives on “Law and Order” investigated a cash-for-clunkers scam, a nurse on “Mercy” organized a group bike ride, Al Gore made a guest appearance on “30 Rock,” and “The Office” turned Dwight Schrute into a cape-wearing superhero obsessed with recycling.”

Retailers have known for decades that a shopping experience should be a complete experience. This is particularly true in the current climate of uncertainty and financial hardship. Consumers are looking to retailers for an escape from the daily grind; a place where they can lose themselves and feel happy. Imagine how put off they would be to find out that the store is noisy, sales staff could care less,and the place smells “off.” Don’t think for a moment they’ll be back once the economy picks up again.