Dance classes and balloon rides - an alternative to traditional gifts

Bored with traditional gifts and taking their cue from western businesses, a few Romanian entrepreneurs are seeking to persuade consumers with above-average income that a balloon ride, a spa session and a dance class are appropriate gifts for friends or bosses, writes BUSINESS Magazin weekly (www.businessmagazin.ro)

“The best-selling gifts are those that promise thrills – an aeroplane flight, a balloon ride, or a spa session,” says Rodica Șuteu, one of the founders of White Rabbit, a local company that sells experience gifts.
Another such company is 2Xperience, which in 2009 started to sell individual and corporate customers experience gifts. Over the next few years, the company intends to tap into the Swiss market, and open an office in Geneva. With that in mind, it is preparing to relaunch its website in five languages.
“The idea for 2Xperience came to us after we received such an experience gift,” recall Andreea-Cristina Dincă, 24, and Bogdan Romașcu, 27, founders of 2Xperience.