Full of Bright Ideas

Thanks to new designs and colors, travel accessories are driving strong sales in travel goods stores.

Creativity in travel accessories is on the upswing and the industry is beaming at the change. New fashion-forward designs and vibrant colors are infusing the category and stimulating sales. For consumers, itís all good news as the choices have never been better. The range of colors, sizes, shapes, and functions in travel accessories means thereís something for virtually every customer and travel need. That there is such a wide offering of products to meet disparate consumer needs underscores what a pivotal role the category is playing.

Comfort items, security items, and fashion items — this abundance of fresh new products is a driving force in travel goods sales. Some of the most popular items on the market today include travel jackets, laptop carriers, support socks for preventing circulation problems during long flights, water carriers that can attach to a luggage handle, crushable hats, and purses with photo panels.

"Grab and go" items are also continuing to drive the accessories business, prompting many retailers to stock up for fall. Functional details are spread across a series of smaller pieces, instead of being stuffed into one large piece. Some of the newest impulse items include waist and neck safes, bra stashes, international converters, travel shoe carriers, Boarding Pass I.D. holders, seat belt pads, compression bags, mesh back supports, iPod cases, and travel toothpaste and toothbrushes. In addition, TSA approved locks are making it less likely that locks will get cut off during the screening process, while brightly colored luggage tags or straps are helping travelers to more easily identify their luggage on carousels.

"As the face of travel continues to evolve, manufacturers and retailers are quickly adapting to the change," says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association. "Many are now offering their customers sensible and practical new products that not only make travelers feel more safe and secure, but also make their trips more fun and enjoyable."

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 2005 issue of Travel Goods Showcase for a closer look at the newest accessories.

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.