NEW YORK — The travel industry seems to finally be getting back on its feet after Sept. 11, 2001, with an estimated 37.2 million people having traveled this past Thanksgiving holiday alone, according to AAA. All those passengers mean a whole lot of baggage in the trunk and on the plane, and as such, luggage makers are reporting improvement in the category.
“In the last 14 months we’ve seen a slight growth,” said Ken Hinman, vice president of sales and marketing for Hartmann one of many brands expanding their offerings for spring. “But the last five months have been tremendous. We’re getting back to pre-9/11 numbers.”
For the fourth quarter of 2004, Hartmann introduced a limited-edition customized collection of travel gear. Using the firm’s Web site, customers can personalize their luggage with a choice of two patterns and six styles. The first round is offered in zebra- or cheetah-print calf hair, and new designs will be offered seasonally throughout the year.
Two brands are reentering the market after a challenging few years. Nine West, a division of Jones Apparel Inc., is relaunching its luggage and travel accessories with a licensed collection by Olivet International Inc. The pieces will be available in the fall and carried at specialty retailers that already carry Nine West brand footwear, accessories and apparel, luggage specialty stores and luggage departments of department stores.
French brand Lancel has relaunched its accessories collection in the U.S. Pierre Keyser, president of PKO, Inc. which has a 10-year distribution agreement with Lancel for wholesale and retail in North America, is confident the handbags will be well-received by customers but he’s more interested in opportunities in the luggage market based on the growth in travel. Lancel’s collection of suitcases and carry-ons will only be available in the company’s boutiques, the first of which is scheduled to open in Beverly Hills in March.
Carry-on bags have garnered a lot of attention as travelers try to avoid checking baggage due to long lines and security concerns. Tumi, known primarily for its business traveler-oriented gear, has launched a new signature style for women. Roller bags come in standard 22-inch and smaller 20-inch styles. The four citrus color combinations offer a stylish alternative to the basic black nylon version for women who travel for work. But the firm is also hoping to attract leisure travelers looking for a high-function, high-fashion piece. The signature collection offers interior options such as detachable jewelry pouches, a toiletry case and garment bag, as well as an indispensable temperature and size conversion card.