Tbh I think they are trying to save costs... more than for environmental reasons. Do people really throw out velvet VCA boxes?
Yes, I have thrown out boxes including VCA, Rolex, Breguet, etc. Though DHs Alange &Sohne person insisted that we keep theirs . Though I would strongly prefer not to take jewelry boxes, sometimes it’s just easier not to make a fuss. I also am not A fan of the coffee table books. I think every VCA coffee book I’ve received (I think four of them) looks cheap or ordinary, (like an advertisement) and I even dislike the cartier humongous double volume (which I purchased). I honestly think the only well designed one was for suzanne Belperron. I’m thankful not to be A Recipient of scented candles. I have received trinkets like a porcelain jewelry dish, and none of this stuff is to my taste. Comestibles are okay, but I would rather choose and buy my own. VCA once set up a special salmon and caviar private showing for us, and I once got a box of custom LV petit fours; both were so wasteful, and so blatantly hard sell, that I kind of felt a bit uncomfortable, almost offended. I have enough crap of my own. I do not need or want excess packaging. When I buy stuff at Hermes, chanel, dior, or other, I try to walk out without the box, bag, ribbons, assorted stuff. JMO of course.
ETA: I also think the travel cases are impractical and somewhat useless. I’ve never used a travel case gifted by a jeweler. the only travel item that I somewhat like is that the Bulgari hotels have a padded tray on the women’s side of the bed for jewelry. But, it’s nothing that I would want to have for my own.
I really dislike being distracted by food or drink when I am trying things on.