- Safwan AMM
- 14 October, 2025
How a Child’s Brownie Stall Taught Me the Secret of Brand Value
A day before, I walked into a children’s market arranged by a Montessori school. Each child had their own little shop — selling crafts, snacks, or homemade treats. But one shop instantly caught my eye.
A little boy stood proudly behind his table with two items — watalappam and brownies. What made his shop different wasn’t just the food. It was the tagline written on a small board in front:
“Buy one for yourself, buy another for your lovable one, and don’t forget to bring a new one to us!” ❤️💛💚
That line felt straight out of a professional brand campaign. It wasn’t about selling — it was about creating emotion. It made you smile, think of someone you love, and even feel connected to the brand (in this case, a child’s stall!).
And that’s when I realized — this simple stall was doing something most fashion brands struggle with: communicating real value.
The Modern Challenge: People Are Buying Less, But Thinking More
In today’s world, customers have become more thoughtful and price-conscious.
According to The State of Fashion 2025 by The Business of Fashion and McKinsey, over 40% of shoppers in countries like the US, UK, and Germany are spending less on clothes, shoes, and accessories compared to last year.
But here’s the interesting part — people are still spending. They just choose where and why more carefully.
Brands that fail to show why their product is worth it lose the sale.
As Neil Saunders, managing director of GlobalData Retail, said:
“Consumers are spending. They’re just not spending with you — because you haven’t added value.”
What Sri Lankan Brands Can Learn
From small clothing boutiques in Colombo to local handmade craft sellers on Instagram — the message is the same:
👉 People don’t buy only products anymore; they buy meaning, quality, and emotion.
Just like that Montessori child selling brownies, every business must answer three simple questions in their customers’ minds:
Do I really want this?
Is it worth my money?
Does it make me feel good?
If your answer to all three is yes, you’ve built value.
The Secret Formula: How to Communicate Value
Whether you’re selling fashion, food, or furniture — here’s how to stand out:
Have a clear identity. Be known for something. Maybe your T-shirts are made from recycled cotton, or your handbags are handcrafted by local women.
Show quality, not just style. Use photos, videos, or customer stories to show what makes your product special.
Make customers feel part of your story. People love to support brands that give back, care for the planet, or uplift others.
Offer a memorable experience. From packaging to after-sales care — let every touchpoint feel human and thoughtful.
The Real Win
When brands communicate true value, customers don’t just buy — they believe.
They stop hunting for discounts and start looking for you.
Just like that little stall at the children’s market — when a brand connects hearts with meaning, it doesn’t just sell brownies.
It builds trust, loyalty, and love — one small smile at a time. 🍫❤️
