MARKET POTENTIAL FOR HANDMADE DESIGNER BOUTIQUE PRODUCTS
The global retail landscape is undergoing a structural shift from mass-produced homogeneity toward the "identity-driven" appeal of handmade designer boutique products, fuelled by a consumer rejection of "fast-fashion" in favor of sustainability and personal expression. This study utilizes a mixed-methods approach including a survey of 65 urban consumers and market data from 2024 2026 to quantify the market potential of the artisanal sector and evaluate psychographic drivers like authenticity and heritage that influence premium purchasing. Preliminary findings reveal a strong "Value-Action" alignment among Gen Z and Millennials, with 68% preferring traceable, human-centric origins over mass-market alternatives, while the "Digital-Artisan Interface" has decoupled market potential from local geography through social commerce. Ultimately, the research identifies the "Scale-Authenticity Paradox" as a primary challenge and argues that the rise of the "Orange Economy" represents a permanent shift in consumer psychology, requiring boutiques to adopt "Phygital" strategies and transparent "Origin-Story" marketing to scale effectively without compromising artisanal integrity.
Dhanalakshmi, V. (2026). Market Potential for Handmade Designer Boutique Products. International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, 02(04). https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i4.182
Dhanalakshmi, V.. "Market Potential for Handmade Designer Boutique Products." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology, vol. 02, no. 04, 2026, pp. . doi:https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i4.182.
Dhanalakshmi, V.. "Market Potential for Handmade Designer Boutique Products." International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology 02, no. 04 (2026). https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.55041/ijsmt.v2i4.182.
2.Actual Market Research. (2023). Global handicraft market research report: Growth, trends, and forecast. Actual Market Research Publications.
3.Bonafide Research. (2024). Global handicraft market outlook and future trends report. Bonafide Research.
4.Global Growth Insights. (2024). Handmade fashion accessories market report: Global industry analysis and forecast. Global Growth Insights Research Publications.
5.Fernandes, & Nanduri. (2024). Market demand and entrepreneurial growth in handmade craft businesses. International Journal of Entrepreneurship and Small Business, 52(2), 210–225.
6.Joy Annamma, Sherry John F., Venkatesh Alladi, Wang Jeff, & Chan Ricky. (2012). Fast fashion, sustainability, and the ethical appeal of slow fashion. Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 16(3), 273–295.
7.Henninger Claudia, Alevizou Panayiota, & Oates Caroline. (2016). What is sustainable fashion? Journal of Fashion Marketing and Management, 20(4), 400–416.
8.(2021). Creative economy outlook: Trends in international trade in creative industries. UNESCO Publishing.
9.World Bank. (2022). The role of cultural and creative industries in economic development. World Bank Publications.
10.(2023). Global handicraft market size and growth analysis report. Statista Market Insights.