Harvey Nichols sees strong sales of tech-enabled luxury handbag

By

Sandra Halliday

Published
Dec 22, 2016

A handbag by Gianoi that can charge a smartphone and alert its owner to calls and texts has become a top seller at Harvey Nichols’ Edinburgh branch, according to reports.

The £1,350 calf leather and snakeskin bag comes with a USB plug and concealed battery that can charge an iPhone 5, 6 or 7. Its external logo also lights up while the phone is charging if the owner gets a call, text or social media update.

Harvey Nichols spokeswoman Lindsay Stewart told the Times that customers have been buying the bags and other high-value gifts this year. “It’s very much quality over quantity this season,” she said.

The company also said that alcoholic chocolates have left behind their unfashionable image and are now seen as an upscale gift, while the store’s introduction of gummy bears and sweets infused with rosé wine has seen constant strong sales in recent weeks.