Ultimate Guide To Africa April 2015 | Seite 25

coordinated to create an engaging and lasting sensory experience. Luxury is essentially an emotional connection to a product or brand and retailers are ensuring that not only the super-rich, but also the upscale buyers are pampered and made to feel special. “Luxury branding has always been about an intimate knowledge of your audience and how to create the right reputation. Defining luxury is as much an art as it is a science, but inspiring unforgettable experiences and building relationships in this market is paramount,” concludes Jeremy. Regulars //theluxurynetworkinternational.com 25 in the know the rise. And with a predominantly youthful demographic, the youth are looking for products that convey the right image, and follow the latest international trends including technology and clothing brands. Luxury goods retailers have identified this trend and are rapidly investing in the current infrastructure shortfall to accommodate the growing thirst for luxury brands in these emerging markets, where bling is still king. Consultant Bain & Co says 60% of Africa’s dollar millionaires live in South Africa, which is the region’s largest economy. “The real opportunity is … the emergence of the new middle class," says Claudia D’Arpizio, a partner at Bain. Luxury marketing is thus a highly sought-after niche industry where every brand interaction needs to be strategically Accommodation directory “Luxury branding has always been about an intimate knowledge of your audience and how to create the right reputation.” Services Guide Accommodation guide read Features Ultimate guide to Africa - for Luxury Travel