Before starting any project, we always begin with field research. Visiting stores on-site helps us understand the real environment, uncover insights, and find inspiration. It's how we ground our work in what's happening—and where we often spot meaningful details worth carrying forward. While exploring Parisian supermarkets for an upcoming project, our team at Blink noticed something charming: the widespread use of handwritten price tags. More than just a stylistic choice, these handwritten notes create a warm, approachable atmosphere—something that feels surprisingly rare in today’s highly polished retail environments.

But why do these premium grocery stores, known for their top-tier products, embrace such an analog touch? Groceries are part of our daily lives—familiar, essential, and intimate. Amid shelves packed with neatly arranged goods, the casual, imperfect quality of a handwritten sign feels human. It breaks the uniformity and invites us in. The variation in font sizes, colors, and loose structure brings energy and rhythm to the shelf. These signs catch the eye, guide attention, and make the shopping experience more dynamic and engaging.

Historically, local markets used handwritten signs out of necessity. But even today, shoppers associate them with authenticity and sincerity—like a person, not a system, is speaking directly to them. There’s also a practical benefit: handwritten signs are easy to update on the fly, making them both personal and functional. That’s why even the most premium food retailers continue to use this method—it makes luxury feel accessible and genuine. We’re inspired by this philosophy and look forward to carrying it forward in our own design approach. Stay tuned.