Why this matters for our partners:
This interview is part of our commitment to bringing high-level corporate insights to our platform. By highlighting the expertise of leaders like Matteo Pittaluga, we provide our audience with the blueprint for professional success and business scalability.

Q1. The Power of Tangibility:

In an increasingly digital world, why does high-quality physical merchandise remain such a critical tool for brand loyalty and identity?

A1:

High-quality products may not deliver immediate gains in brand loyalty or brand perception, but they are a fundamental requirement for long-term brand building. While direct consumer feedback is not always available, brands’ long-term sourcing decisions consistently reflect the importance of maintaining product quality. In one apparel project, a brand evaluated two suppliers within the same product category. Supplier A offered higher product quality at a higher price point, while Supplier B was more cost-competitive with lower overall quality. To support the brand’s decision-making, we arranged side-by-side sampling from both suppliers, allowing the brand to directly compare materials, craftsmanship, and overall product feel. After reviewing the samples, the brand chose to move forward with Supplier A, despite being fully aware of Supplier B’s pricing advantage. Once the higher-quality product was launched, the brand showed little willingness to compromise on quality in future production. Maintaining consistent product standards—and protecting the brand’s established market perception—ultimately outweighed short-term cost considerations.

Q2: Customization at Scale: 

What are the main challenges brands face when moving from standard products to fully customized merchandise? How does HyperSKU help simplify this transition? 

A2 :

When brands expand from a few core products to a broader product line, they often face operational and inventory challenges. For example, a fashion brand initially focused on T-shirts and hoodies decided to launch new lifestyle and accessory items. While these products were successfully developed, their sales were weaker than core items, creating inventory and planning pressure. We advised the brand to limit the number of new categories per launch and keep initial inventory small, allowing for small-scale market testing. This approach helped reduce risk, manage inventory, and gain clearer insights into which products resonated with customers—enabling more confident and sustainable product line expansion.

Q3: Premium Experience

When it comes to premium gifting, what specific elements turn a simple product into a high-end brand experience? 

A3

From our experience, packaging is often the first signal of quality customers notice. Its impact is strongest when it is designed together with the overall product experience, rather than treated as a separate add-on. Brands with higher quality expectations usually request customized packaging from the start. Because of this, we approach these projects by planning the product set and packaging as one integrated concept instead of presenting individual items. For example, one client wanted to create a gifting set featuring a coffee machine and matching cups. Instead of only suggesting product options, we developed a complete concept that combined the bundle with a custom-designed gift box.

This reflects a pattern we see across premium projects: for high-end audiences, packaging is not just a finishing touch—it strongly influences how the product’s value and brand positioning are perceived.

Q4. Supply Chain Excellence

 End-to-end execution is often the “silent hero” of a successful campaign. How does HyperSKU ensure quality control and timely delivery when managing complex global gifting projects?

A4:

Our approach to supply chain execution is to reduce risk early through proactive and structured communication. Across customization, production, and shipment, we set clear checkpoints and require visual or documented confirmation at each key milestone. This helps prevent small issues from escalating later and ensures that specifications are followed consistently. We also standardize workflows and define clear expectations for suppliers, which significantly improves coordination across multiple parties. To support on-time delivery, we build buffer time into the initial timeline—factoring in production, shipping, and international transit—so clients have realistic expectations. When projects run smoothly, this often results in earlier delivery and a better overall experience.

Q5:Future Trends

Looking ahead, what shifts are you seeing in the customized merch industry–specially regarding sustainable materials or “on-demand” production models?

A5:

Two shifts are becoming increasingly visible in customized merchandise: more conscious material selection and more flexible production strategies. Brands are showing stronger interest in recycled or lower-impact materials—not always as the top priority, but increasingly as a standard consideration. At the same time, many are moving toward smaller, test-driven production runs instead of large upfront commitments, allowing them to validate demand before scaling. In short, the industry is evolving toward lower inventory risk and stronger brand-value alignment.

Other Supporting Materials: HyperSKU’s Merch Catalog (utilize this for visuals)

HYPERSKU Catalogue

VISIT Hypersku WEBSITE