Meet the Hong Kong concierge companies that can source those things you’ve always wanted

Online shopping may have made high fashion more accessible, but as the e-commerce space becomes more crowded, Asian shoppers are relying on concierge companies and luxury specialists to help them navigate the increasingly crowded marketplace.

“The internet has transformed the way people shop, but more choice makes it more difficult to get what you want. Many of our Asian clients are coming to us to help source limited edition or hard-to-get items, be it fashion or otherwise. This service has always been one of our key deliverables but now we have a team of six specialists in London who work directly with brands and other sources,” says Emma Sherrard, executive chairman of Quintessentially Asia Pacific.

Although Quintessentially is known for giving members access to a number of exclusive services associated with lifestyle, travel or dining, the company has received an increasing number of requests to source covetable fashion items for Asian clients. Recent finds have included a Hermes limited edition Bolide 45 Shark travel bag and a Patek Philippe 40th Anniversary Edition Nautilus Platinum Watch (only 700 pieces were made).

“It’s complicated to do yourself especially if the item is overseas which means taxes and duties may be involved. We leverage our global network to find it, and just ask members to pay any additional fees (such as shipping and taxes). We don’t charge a markup,” says Sherrard.

Relaunched late last year, New York-based The Luxe Link, is another business that is capitalising on this growing demand from Asia. Originally founded in 2006 as ShopGopher, the company helps shoppers purchase and acquire items from US-based retailers. As part of their newly expanded offerings the Luxe Link now offers a more comprehensive service including research, purchasing and door-to-door delivery, coordinated by a team of five specialists.