# Customer Gifting Suites Grey Bandit's Gifting Suite Gave Customers the Influencer Treatment By Laura McQuarrie | Published 2024-11-08 | Business Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gifting-suite References: [glossy.co](https://www.glossy.co/pop/glossy-pop-newsletter-why-gen-z-fashion-brand-grey-bandit-hosted-a-gifting-suite-for-customers/) & [instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DBzBU5kRWHS/?hl=en)  Gen Z-targeted fashion brand [Grey Bandit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grey-bandit-spring-2024-collection) transformed the traditional influencer gifting suite by creating a customer-centric experience typically reserved for social media users with large online followings—or members of the media, editors or celebrities. “With [traditional influencer marketing](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ikea-sleepfluencers-campaign), the ROI isn’t there anymore, and it just keeps getting more and more expensive,” co-founder Courtney Glasser revealed to Glossy, “It’s just not sustainable for our brand to work with influencers like we used to.” At the first-ever [customer gifting suite](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/diy-experience), Grey Bandit focused on sharing new, never-before-seen styles, and guests got to walk away with items like branded T-shirts and tote bags filled with items like a scarf, a piece of jewelry, and small items like pouches, socks and stickers. The 200 customers invited by the brand also received a sweater and a sleepwear set. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.9/10 - Popularity: 25% | Activity: 31% | Freshness: 30% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business) > [Retail](https://www.trendhunter.com/retail) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Customer-centric Gifting:** Grey Bandit shifted the focus from influencers to everyday customers, creating a more inclusive and engaging marketing strategy. - **Exclusive Event Marketing:** The brand's event showcased new fashion lines in a unique setting, emphasizing direct customer interaction over traditional advertising. - **Experiential Marketing:** With hands-on gifting suites offering personalized swag bags, brands are crafting memorable experiences that resonate deeply with consumers. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Fashion Retail:** Fashion brands are innovating by hosting exclusive gifting events, directly connecting with and rewarding their loyal customers. - **Marketing and Advertising:** Shifting away from influencer reliance, companies are exploring new ways to engage customers through direct, immersive experiences. - **Event Planning:** There is a growing demand for customized, unique event experiences that facilitate direct brand-to-consumer interactions. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Customer-Exclusive Brand Trips](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/customer-brand-trip.md) - [Peer-Powered Gifting Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peer-powered-gifting.md) - [Experiential Luggage Events](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/beis-bloomingdales-takeover.md) - [Caribbean-Inspired Gifting Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-well-connected.md) - [Customer-Led Loyalty Programs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-iconic.md) - [Gen Z Elevated Spring Basics](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/grey-bandit-spring-2024-collection.md) - [Customizable Co-Created Sneakers](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sneaker-maker.md) - [Branded Holiday Gifting Suites](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holiday-gifting-suite.md) - [Gamified Back-to-Campus Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/uo-haul.md)