Accessories Purchases Help to Fuel Retail Sales

PRINCETON, NJ — Accessories have grown into such a strong category for travel goods retailers that they're helping to generate impulse buying and, more importantly, stimulate retail sales.

Some of today's most innovative accessories, which are currently being featured in the July/August issue of Travel Goods Showcase, not only revolve around safety concerns but also create more comfort and convenience for travelers. One manufacturer has introduced a clear container called the DryPouch, which protects a traveler's sensitive electronics, such as cell phones, cameras, watches, passports, IDs, cash, documents and other valuables. Patented locking tabs generate an air-tight, waterproof seal, providing 100% protection against water, sand, salt, dust, mud, rain, and snow.

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Child distance monitors are now available that alert parents with an ear piercing alarm when their children have wandered away too far in busy airports, amusement parks or malls. Another manufacturer has developed a travel lock with red and green security windows that contain built-in sensors to let travelers know when baggage handlers or unknown parties have opened their bags. The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has also endorsed a collection of specially coded locks that allow baggage handlers to open locked luggage without damaging the bag.

One of the newest trends addressed within Travel Goods Showcase is comfort while flying. One new product in this category is the all-purpose reading light, which allows travelers to enjoy reading on airplanes at night without disturbing their fellow passengers. Travelers can now happily read their books without having to turn on the overhead light. The reading lights contain clear optical grade acrylic backgrounds that lay flat on the page. The lights, which are available in several versions for standard books and paperbacks, illuminate the entire page without "spillover" to nearby passengers.

A common dilemma for many travelers is deciding how much underwear to bring on a trip and whether they want to take the time to launder it before returning home. Problem solved with a new line of disposable briefs that can be worn once and tossed.

Many of this year's new handbag and small leather goods introductions have one big thing in common — color. The bags are not only making a big splash in accessories, but also helping to brighten up window displays. Designers are moving away from the old standard — basic black — toward rich, exotic shades like pumpkin, eggplant, titanium silver, lime, pink, and blue camouflage, and more subdued colors such as red, navy, camel and taupe. Black is also taking a back seat to pink, lilac, and olive. Looks in the latest handbags and smaller goods have changed as well, with chains and quilted nylons becoming popular.

The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the travel goods industry. A national trade association, TGA represents the manufacturers, distributors, and retailers of luggage, leather goods, business and travel accessories, business and computer cases, handbags, and other products for people who travel.

For more information, contact the Travel Goods Association at 609-720-1200, ext. 205, John Misiano at john@travel-goods.org, or visit the organization's website at www.travel-goods.org, or request a copy of the July/August issue of Travel Goods Showcase for a closer look at the newest accessories and trends.