By Marco Passoni
When we look back, I think we will see 2022 as a formative year – both for our industry and for the planet as a whole. If the pandemic was a reset which brought about seismic shifts in our world, then this was the year when we started to build the ‘new normal’ we have talked so much about.
We have all begun to reassess what is truly important. For us as businesses in the luxury and travel retail markets, that has been both a personal journey and a professional one, as we seek to ensure our companies ideals are in line with those of our shoppers.
This reimagining has taken place against the backdrop of a world which continues to be rocked by enormous change, while digital and platforms become more and more important in our lives, we are all also beginning to truly recognise the vital importance of sustainability and protecting our planet for the future. Meanwhile, the ongoing war in Ukraine and the rising cost of living serve as a reminder of the challenges which continue to plague the planet on every level.
We have all begun to reassess what is truly important. For us as businesses in the luxury and travel retail markets, that has been both a personal journey and a professional one.
In my opinion, the greatest successes of the past year have one thing in common – a focus on something bigger than ourselves. The ideals of collaboration and building a more sustainable future have led to creations of true brilliance this year. Just take a look at the recent Earthshot Prize, presented by the Prince of Wales in Boston: there were awards for The Indigenous Women of The Great Barrier Reef, who are working together to protect the oceans of their native Australia; or 44.01, a company which works to mineralise CO2 in rock.
The same is true closer to home, with new partnerships and ideas creating genuine excitement and newness in our industry at a time when they have never been more important: I still remember how impressed I was when I first saw the GateZero concept from Heinemann and HighSnobiety or heard of Lotte’s plans for a metaverse store and fitting rooms
A sense of unity and togetherness will be a big part of this festive season. This is our first post-Covid Christmas with travel restrictions eased enough to allow families from around the world to come together in celebration.
So, in this spirit Christmas, I have one wish for this season – and for the year ahead: A more sustainable and united world.
I do not mean this in the sense of a sweet Dickensian sentiment, but as a guiding principle leading to real and tangible actions this Christmas and beyond.
At 2.0 & Partners we firmly believe that actions speak louder than words. That is why for the past few years we have proudly been working alongside Ecologi to plant trees and offset our carbon footprint. We understand that travel is central to our business, but we must do what we can to preserve our planet for the future and to-date we have planted thousands trees – and there are more to come.
I have one wish for this season – and for the year ahead: A more sustainable and united world. I do not mean this in the sense of a sweet Dickensian sentiment, but as a guiding principle leading to real and tangible actions this Christmas and beyond.
But we cannot just put a band aid over the issue of sustainability. There is more to protecting our world than planting trees and claiming we have done our bit – despite what some believe. As a life-long sailor and lover of the sea, protecting our oceans is a cause very close to my heart and I am delighted that very soon we will announce a new programme of support to help preserve one of our planet’s most vital ecosystems.
As we work with charitable partners on these excellent causes, we also have collaboration at the heart of our business in luxury travel retail. Now more than ever, it is vital that every brand’s unique message and experience comes through strong for shoppers. It is the experience and that moment that they are buying and that they will share with their loved ones as they travel this Christmas. This year has also shown us the true wonder which can be created when stakeholders work together in true harmony, putting excellence over profits – because while great work will create benefits for all, creating benefits for yourself will not always lead to great outcomes.
2022 has been the foundation stone for the world we will build in the wake of the pandemic. As we move forward, let’s make sure it is a world which is truly united and sustainable for all.
In the meantime, we at 2.0 & Partners wish you all a happy holiday season.
