Travel Goods Show 'Gears' Up With Fashion-Forward Products

Washington, DC - March 12 - Today's traveler is not only seeking increased comfort and convenience while traveling, but is searching for products that also offer fashion and functionality, according to the latest trends that emerged at last month's Travel Goods Show. Approximately 250 manufacturers who gathered together at the Travel Goods Association-sponsored event introduced many products in bright colors, fashion-forward materials, and exciting new styles. At the same time, many offered products that included new ergonomic handles and wheel systems that help make travel much less of a hassle during these security and safety-conscious times.

"As the economy begins to recover, and business and leisure travel picks up, more and more travelers are seeking items that not only address issues related to maintaining comfort, convenience and security during a journey, but also make a personal statement," stated Michele Marini Pittenger, president, Travel Goods Association. "This year, more than ever, we're seeing items that focus on fashion, form and function, with a particular emphasis in putting fun back into functionality."

New trends that emerged during the three-day event included:

FASHION: Bright Colors by Top Designers

This year, many companies moved away from black in their luggage and accessories offerings toward bright, funky colors. Some of the new cool colors that appeared in collections included pumpkin, eggplant, titanium silver and blue camouflage. For spring, it's lime, sunshine lemon and mango. Many designers also focused on women's products, introducing new lightweight luggage, totes and duffels, as well as pastel pink laptop computer cases and patent leather knapsacks for computers in shocking pink and white that were not only attractive to the eye but also make a statement.

In addition, many new fabrics and materials were introduced, including microsuede, stonewashed cotton canvas, and microfleece grid fabric. A wide-range of exotic fabrics are also being used in a number of luggage pieces, including jacquard, crinkle nylon/polyester blends, rip-stop polyester, suede skin, herringbone, and nappa cashmere cowhide. Even interior linings are being constructed in metallic finishes.

FORM: Easing Travel with Lighter, Ergonomic Designs

With more women in the workplace, lightening the load for female road warriors continues to be a focus. Lightweight frames in several new collections make it easier to maneuver a case, yet the case is as durable as a heavier piece of luggage. Many of these new products are being produced by and specifically designed for women, including portfolios, computer bags and wheeled totes for female professionals. In addition, at least one company has introduced a new luggage line that features special sections for toiletries, cosmetics, shoes and other items that female travelers depend upon to make travel more convenient.

Ergonomically-designed items continue to be in high-demand and new items included luggage with handle systems that can be alternated for left-handed and right-handed people; products with weight-bearing, push-button retractable handles and four swivel wheels that allow bags to pivot 360 degrees; luggage with a shock-absorbing wheel system that adjusts to surface changes for smooth rolling; one with wheels that rotate to allow upright rolling in any direction for easy mobility; and a collection that features a removable wheel and handle system for numerous travel options.

Some items in the New Products Pavilion that gained some of the greatest attention included: A locker on wheels that doubles as a seat; 100% cotton disposable underwear for travelers without access to running water; a toothbrush holder that sticks to a bathroom mirror to keep the toothbrush free from germs, and a daypack knapsack with a locking device that allows travelers to leave the pack unattended as they go for a swim or take a snooze on the train.

FUNCTION: Meeting the Needs of Special Market Travelers

Many of the exhibitors at this year's Show introduced a wide range of items geared to special groups of travelers beyond the female and business traveler, such as teens, parents traveling with small children, and even items of interest for the co-ed traveling to college or for a semester abroad.

For instance, manufacturers concentrated on the teen market by introducing a range of backpacks that hold numerous electronic essentials, such as PDAs, MP3 players, and cell phones. Bags from several backpack companies also offered extra comfort features like padded shoulder pads and lumbar pads for the back. For child security, one manufacturer is marketing a device that will sound an alarm when a child strays from an adult's supervision, while another company makes rugged, steel footlockers that protect laptops and other valuables for children leaving the nest and living in college dorms.

For those seeking hands-free security, one travel accessory company introduced a new line of travel socks that hold identification, passport, currency and keys. Another item that was popular with retail buyers included new versions of hands-free I.D holders. One company offers a wallet-like device that's worn around the neck, while other versions included a holder with a patented security window.

RECOGNIZING EXCELLENCE

Three major awards were presented during The Travel Goods Show. The TGA Award of Excellence was given to Michael Korchmar of The Leather Specialty Company. This time-honored award commends outstanding professional achievement by an individual or company to the industry, the Association and to the community. The Marketing Innovation Award was presented to eBags for the company's online merchandising excellence and marketing creativity. Finally, The Product Innovation Award was presented to Travel Sentry for its invention of TSA-approved locks that can be opened by baggage handlers at airports. Travelpro and Samsonite were selected as the second and third place winners of this award in recognition of the highest standards for innovation and progress in the travel goods industry.

The Travel Goods Show is the nation's largest trade show for travel goods and accessories manufacturers and brings together approximately 250 leading companies displaying more than 40,000 travel-related products with more than 2,000 lines of travel goods from top manufacturers and suppliers around the globe. This three-day tradeshow event draws more than 5,000 attendees and is sponsored by the Travel Goods Association (TGA).

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The Travel Goods Association is the voice of the U.S. 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 about the Travel Goods Association, contact John Misiano via phone at 609-720-1200, ext. 205, or by email at john@travel-goods.org.