Inspirational Consumer: January 2006

Janette Luu, USA

A friend of mine wrote about Lovemarks in her blog and I immediately checked out the website. I never before analyzed why I bought the things I did. Obviously, the products I use are good, safe, affordable, and stylish, but of course, there’s more to the consumer-product relationship.

I buy products that are of high quality, but it’s the little things that make the difference. It is knowing that a certain size will always fit me perfectly or that I’m valued as a customer. I bought a MINI Cooper that has made me part of an online network of MINI owners. A Lovemark means never being disappointed.

I love to shop. I like to be able to see and feel what I’m buying, but once I have found a reliable product, I am willing to shop for it online. That’s how it’s been for many of my favorite shops: Banana Republic, Ikea, Gap, Crate & Barrel, Louis Vuitton, J.Crew, Border’s or Barnes & Noble, and Target. I did all of my Christmas shopping over the Internet this year because I didn’t have to fight the crowds or wrap my gifts. Getting an unexpected package at home was just as exciting as unwrapping the gift on Christmas morning.

I would love to travel around the world, and one country I must visit is Italy. I studied Latin in high school and majored in it in college, so it’s time I finally see Italian history up close and personal. If there’s a W Hotel in the city I’m visiting, I’d like to stay in it. I had a wonderful experience with the W in LA. Why not stay in a hotel that’s not only elegant, but also very hip? As I make my way around the globe, it would be such an honor to meet the Dali Lama. He can exude compassion just with his incredible smile. To be in his presence would make my journey complete.