Emballage

The smallest of gifts or souvenirs comes in a bag with a tiny ribbon, a label with the name of the store and the expression, “Le plaisir d’offrir,” or the joy of giving.



Boutique - Rose Anita, Juan-les-Pins

Tea strainers, aprons, crystal ashtrays or jewelry. C’est pour offrir? Je vous fais un paquet cadeau? At Rose Anita, I received an elegant green and pink bag for the purchase (en solde).

My earliest recollections on arriving in France include chocolates in a special box tied with a satin ribbon, souvenirs at the newsstand or bookstore in a special decorative paper and household items like glasses or mugs boxed and wrapped elegantly and efficiently by a storekeeper with impeccably manicured nails. They treated even the most insignificant of pottery bowls, olive wood trays or books like a luxury item from Hermès or Baccarat! And the way in which they wrapped them—with the seam on top and the ends with triangles. (For a "how to," see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YiXhxA9a39A.) All of this care and detail contributed to the oh-là-là impact of packaging.

Packaging has extended beyond the packages themselves to the decor of store windows.



The professional exhibition, Emballage, which ran Nov. 22-25, 2010, at Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition, had more than 1,300 exhibitors, providing innovative and sustainable displays on beauty, beverages, food and health. Packaging adds distinction and contributes to branding.



Sephora - Nice Etoile
The November 2010 press kit for the exhibit Emballage quoted Charles Duclaux, Groupe L’Oréal, as saying that packaging helps distinguish brands and serves as a “vector of innovation.”

Chantal Sandoz, Groupe Carrefour, said that “ideal packaging solution. . . matches the product.” (for more information, see http://en.emballageweb.com/ExposiumCms/cms_sites/partage555010/presse/DOSSIER_DE_PRESSE_SALON_GB.pdf ).


Good packaging of small presents makes me want to open them. Packaging of store-front windows draws me in. Maybe I should rethink my packaging of Christmas presents. . . .



Chocolate store - Antibes



Sometimes professional gift wrapping is preferred!