Lately, the number of companies that accept crypto payments has increased hugely. While, at first, the crypto sector was considered quite a niche, now it has transformed into a worldwide phenomenon which is appealing for plenty of industries, including the luxury sector.
Bitcoin is the first digital currency ever created that has inspired all the other cryptocurrencies that appeared after. From becoming a legal tender in some states around the globe to being accepted by luxury brands, Bitcoin has had quite a fantastic evolution.
Now, people not only know how to buy Bitcoin but are also acknowledged with the latest trends and events related to this amazing coin.
Plus, the wide variety of brands from several industries, such as jewelry, fashion and hospitality, have enhanced the appeal of digital coins even more.
In this article, we will explore which brands have jumped on the crypto bandwagon and what are the reasons for doing so. Interested to find out more? Keep reading.
Why are luxury brands accepting crypto payments?
Luxury brands need to keep up with the demands of their customers, and this is one of the most powerful reasons why they have accepted crypto in their operations. Many people around the world believe that cryptocurrencies will have a mainstream adoption sooner rather than later, which is why digital currencies might lead the way to the next generation of super spenders.
And this new generation will want to take advantage of the opportunities that crypto will bring. Still, unfortunately, they might be unable to do so because crypto is not accepted in each enterprise around the globe.
So, those companies that integrate crypto payments will be able to gain more customers, giving the possibility to anyone to buy the products they want with any type of payment option they prefer.
Luxury brands needed to be present in the landscape that is reshaping the new generation. Additionally, by accepting crypto payments, luxury brands will appeal to affluent millennials and millionaires who are excited and familiar with the crypto space.
What are the luxury brands that accept crypto payments?
Balenciaga
Balenciaga is a French luxury fashion brand that began to accept payments with BTC and ETH in June 2022. These crypto payments can be made for online transactions and in some of their stores in the USA. In the future, they want to have greater acceptance of crypto and offer more payment options to all their clients.
Farfetch
Farfetch is a digital luxury fashion platform that has also joined the crypto bandwagon. In October 2022, the company announced that it started to take advantage of the crypto payment capabilities in no more no less than 37 countries. Not only that, but they accept more currencies as digital payment, including ETH, BTC, USD Coin (USDC), and Tether (USDT), among many others.
Hublot
Hublot, a Swiss luxury watchmaker, has been one of the earliest crypto adopters in terms of luxury brands. For instance, it accepted Bitcoin payments first in 2018 for a limited edition of watches.
However, in June 2022, Hublot announced that it would start accepting crypto payments for transactions that would be worth up to $30,000. Currently, the brand is accepting 13 cryptocurrencies, including ETH, BTC, SHIB, USDC, and DOGE, and the list can continue.
Gucci
Gucci is an Italian high-end fashion brand that has taken the first step in the crypto space with the collection of non-fungible tokens named “SuperGucci.” This collection was launched in collaboration with a vinyl toy brand, Superplastic. This occurred in February 2022.
However, two months later, Gucci announced that it would officially start integrating crypto payments in some of its U.S. stores. To do so, they will send their customers a Q.R. code via email so that they can scan it and pay using their crypto wallet. From that time until now, Gucci has accepted ten cryptocurrencies, including ETH, BTC, SHIB, APE, and DOGE, and others.
Ralph Lauren
Ralph Lauren, the American luxury fashion brand, also decided to accept crypto payments in April 2023 in a concept store located in Miami. The store wants to integrate ETH, BTC, MATIC and DOGE. Additionally, the shop will have luxury products and unique accessories that will be available only in this location.
The purpose of the shop is to offer a more digital and modern atmosphere, where customers will have the chance to benefit from interactive screens to schedule their styling appointments and search for the products in the catalog.
TAG Heuer
TAG Heuer is also a Swiss luxury watchmaker that decided to accept crypto payments in May 2022 for its U.S. website. So, people from the U.S. are able to buy their desired products by using 12 cryptocurrencies. However, the transactions must be up to $10,000; otherwise, there are no other requirements and no minimum sum. BTC, LTC, ETH, SHIB, DOGE and BCH are some of the available digital currencies.
The bottom line
Digital currencies bring many advantages to the world in general as they offer a secure, quick, accessible and decentralized payment solution. This is why they have changed the game for numerous sectors, including luxury retail shops. So, all the companies that want to keep up with the demands of their customers must consider accepting digital currencies.
People from all over the world have started to see digital coins as an important payment option, and this is why this alternative has attracted more sellers and traders. So, in the future, there will surely be more customers interested in this type of payment.
Although numerous brands and companies from all around the globe have adopted crypto payments, some are still considering whether it is a good idea. Companies should also keep in mind the disadvantages, including volatility, to see if this idea is suitable for them.
With so many organizations already adopting crypto payments, including plenty from the luxury retail market, we can expect a great future from digital currencies.