- In February 2024, Etsy has launched "Gift Mode," an AI-driven feature that enhances the gift shopping experience by offering personalized suggestions based on recipient profiles. This innovative tool combines machine learning algorithms with human curation to match gifts with over 200 recipient personas, making gift selection more intuitive and engaging. The introduction of Gift Mode presents a significant opportunity for the UK personalized gifts market by highlighting how advanced technology can improve gift personalization. By utilizing AI for tailored recommendations, Etsy sets a standard for other retailers, encouraging them to adopt similar technologies. As digital printing and AI become more integrated into personalization, businesses can create unique products that cater to consumer preferences, driving customer satisfaction and growth in the personalized gifts sector
- In October 2024, Hallmark has launched Gift Card Greetings, an innovative combination of a physical greeting card and a digital gift card, designed for convenient and personalized gifting. This new line, powered by The Gift Card Shop, offers customers over 100 popular brands to choose from, making it ideal for various occasions such as birthdays, weddings, and holidays. With a simple scanning process to redeem the digital gift card, Hallmark enhances the gifting experience by merging heartfelt messages with a modern twist
- In July 2024, Marks & Spencer (M&S) has unveiled plans to open a new 80,000 sq ft flagship store in Bristol’s Cabot Circus, supported by a USD 27.08 million investment and expected to create approximately 150 jobs. This expansion boosts M&S’s presence in Bristol, offering customers enhanced access to personalized gift options across food, clothing, and beauty, making it a premier destination for special occasion shopping
