Interview with JANNIE SANFORD AND DEVE SANFORD of Dbrand Distribution
How do you assess the luxury industry today?
The luxury industry has changed quite a bit; even over the last decade. Today, there are so many more choices available. Thanks to the digital world, consumers are very well informed about what is happening all over the globe and tend to want to follow the latest trends.
What do you feel has been the key to your success with Dbrand Distribution?
Dbrand Distribution has always taken an active role in building cultural bridges between the east and west. Linking the two has remained a fundamental principal that our business has relied upon for the past 10 years. The importance of mirroring what is happening in the digital market has been the key to our success. In simplest terms, it’s about accessibility. People have become more aware about what is happening and what is available around the entire world. It’s our job assess those de-mands and meet those needs.
Long term vision for Dbrand Distribution?
Every year we launch creative initiatives to engage the consumer and we would love to expand on that in terms of unique collaborations and partnerships. Our long term vision is to grow our portfolio of partner brands all over the world with a concentration in the Middle East and Asia.
What’s your overview of luxury goods market in the Middle East/GCC?
The GCC luxury market is estimated at $ 7.6 billion with a growth of 11.8% and it’s only getting bigger.
This market is innovative but at the same time knows a lot of changes: social, economic and cultural.
At a consumer level, we have seen a shift from a consumer focusing on the price to a consumer looking for choice and more recently to one looking for a
unique shopping experiences. Today, the consumer is looking for width and depth in the choices, therefore the return of the multi-brand stores with a more specialized offer. The Middle East luxury market is very promising and is becoming a center of attention. This market benefits from a diverse young population, (mostly expats) with shopping rooted in the culture and traditions.
Dream client to collaboration?
We would love to work with businessman, Adrian Cheng. What he has been able to achieve in re-defining retail spaces and experiences is unparalleled and the way of the future. He has single handedly created a contemporary Chinese culture with his K11 Art Foundation and Art Malls.
Who are some of the notable clients you’ve worked with?
We have had the opportunity to work with so many wonderful clients and each one of them have been special to us. Some of our clients include large hotel/ resort groups, celebrities and designers.
What’s an objective you aim to achieve at Dbrand Distribution?
Our main objective is to continue building brands with passion and excellence by delivering and providing unique and exceptional experiences in the luxury retail market. We also aim to be continually engaged in giving back to the global community.
How does Dbrand Distribution describe luxury?
For us luxury does not have a straight forward definition. Luxury is complex. It no longer relies on great craftsmanship. For this generation, the definition of luxury has become multi-faceted. It’s not about the cost of an item, it’s about the message it relays. A couture gown that took 4000 hours to hand embroider at an atelier has just as much “wow” factor as a t-shirt with an encrypted message by a media influencer.