For me, I looked into Quarterly a bit and found it has a specific angle in that it gives these "celebrities" a chance to put together a gift around a central theme. The theme itself doesn't have to be literal - so in this case, not every piece will be something in fashion (wearable). I read somewhere about her box containing something that influences fashion. It's also about the long-term - meaning the theme builds on itself each quarter. I was looking at it as a package that she picked out - and her interpretation of "fashion" theme. I don't think it will be a box where we get a great deal on something (or lots of somethings); there are plenty of boxes where brands are offering items free or reduced costs to be a part of a subscription - and get brand exposure (think of the $40 box valued at $100). This is more likely to be something "smart" or "creative" that she picked out - rather than deals. Maybe around the value of $100, or maybe not. I don't know. I just set my expectation in a way that wasn't in line w/ other subscriptions that were of the same price tag. This is something Nina Garcia decided to participate in quarter after quarter and we can see how she expresses herself around a theme. I can't imagine reporting a subscription to the BBB, attorney general, or anywhere else (especially, since part of it is based upon how we interpret the concept). And I am currently subscribed to another one that has been disappointing for a few months (seasonsbox). Anyways, not sure if this helped at all in terms of setting expectations on this box. Sometimes we appreciate these boxes more when we lower the expectation on them - at least that's what I find for myself. I don't recall all the clips I read when determining whether or not to buy it myself.
Just googled and found these paragraphs though (discussion how the model has changed w/ new executive leadership):
>>The other thing missing from the Quarterly Co. experience early on was an authentic connection to the celebrity contributors. The reason consumers sign up is not simply to get interesting items in the mail, but to feel like they are a part of something intimate and exclusive. But without a proper system for managing box creation and storytelling, much of this was being lost between concept and execution.
To remedy this, Lowe began encouraging the contributors to stick to long-term themes – for example Pharrell Williams likes to encourage curiosity and creativity, while Ferris is a known health and fitness aficionado. He also assigned a Contributor Manager to each celebrity making it easier for them to execute more ambitious gift ideas. The company also made simple changes like featuring the enclosed letter more prominently. Today, Lowe is focused on expanding beyond mainstream celebrities to a wider range of tastemakers, including winemakers, chefs, and designers, as well as actors and directors. For many of these individuals, this will be their first and only channel for delivering a physical item to their large followings.
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I still believe that they have shipped - or worse case will ship on Tuesday (after the weekend and the holiday). Nina only announced on Friday that it was the day they were shipping. Sometimes that means that the information is sent to the shippers - part of the process of shipping. I think we will have our boxes within a week (Friday or next Monday), depending. Fingers crossed. If not, then let's see how things go. I, personally, am looking forward to the experience since it is a different type of box than I have received so far. One with thought put in it from Nina Garcia.
/emoticons/
