Retailing Emotion: The Evolving Business of Gift-Giving

Posted 2025-08-08 17:51:52

The global gifts retailing market was valued at USD 18.41 billion in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.26 percent during the forecast period, underscoring continued consumer engagement with gift-giving drives across diverse regions.In North America, elevated levels of disposable income, deeply ingrained gifting culture, and omnichannel retail expansion reinforce regional market strength. Consumers gravitate toward personalized and experience-based gifts, and retailers increasingly deploy sophisticated e-commerce platforms coupled with experiential in-store offerings. Cross-border supply chains play a crucial role, facilitating access to global artisans while regional manufacturing trends pivot toward domestically produced premium giftware, aligning with market penetration strategies aimed at reducing transit-related delays and enhancing sustainability messaging.

Meanwhile, in Europe, gifting occasions are expanding beyond traditional holidays into corporate and cultural events, supported by high consumer expectations for quality and ethical production. Regulatory alignment across EU countries around product safety and labeling, including environmental standards, impacts sourcing decisions and encourages suppliers to adopt localized production or vetted import channels to ensure compliance. Trade-specific factors such as Brexit-related tariffs and customs complexities are prompting retailers to rethink supply routes, using regional distribution hubs to stabilize inventory flows and preserve pricing competitiveness. In Asia Pacific, the convergence of rising middle-class affluence, e-commerce penetration, and social media–driven gifting trends is propelling market expansion. Urban centers in China, India, and Southeast Asia are witnessing rapid retail network extensions, with regional manufacturing trends leaning toward scalable small-batch artisanal goods that can be integrated into cross-border platforms, reflecting adaptive market penetration strategies tailored to local consumer sensibilities.

Drivers shaping regional performance are distinct yet complementary. In North America, demand is boosted by seasonal peaks and a strong gifting culture tied to holidays such as Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, prompting retailers to innovate with curated gift sets and subscription services. Europe benefits from high discretionary spending on premium and eco-friendly gifts—recyclable packaging and ethically sourced goods are increasingly in demand—while corporate gifting budgets provide steady volume outside peak seasons. In Asia Pacific, strong GDP growth in emerging economies, expanding consumer base, and rapidly improving payment and logistics infrastructure drive widespread adoption of both traditional and digital gifting solutions.

However, opportunities are abundant. In North America, gifting tied to experiential living—such as personalized wellness kits and virtual event vouchers—offers avenues to uplift average transaction value and deepen engagement. In Europe, green gifting solutions, including plantable paper cards, sustainable decor, and upcycled products, align with consumer values and may command pricing premiums. In Asia Pacific, rapid urbanization and growing preference for convenience drive demand for instant delivery packages and digital gift cards, allowing retailers to expand reach while managing inventory risk through digital channels.

Emerging trends converge globally but manifest regionally. North America is witnessing a shift toward omnichannel engagement—with consumers researching online but buying in-store or opting for in-app purchases—prompting retailers to unify inventory and offer seamless fulfillment options. Europe is embracing transparent provenance and maker stories, with QR-coded gift labels linking consumers to artisan profiles and production details. In Asia Pacific, social commerce and influencer-driven gifting campaigns are gaining traction, with micro-influencers promoting curated bundles tailored to local tastes and festive calendars, creating viral momentum.

The competitive landscape in this space is dominated by a select cadre of major players with significant market presence and distribution reach. The top holders of substantial market share include: