 Some
people have a thing for shoes. Others have a thing for watches.
I just realized that I have a thing for business cases. I must,
because when I moved recently, I was shocked to find that I had over 15
business and computer cases and totes in my travel goods wardrobe. In
fact, I had 14 cases until two months ago when I did the product edit
for this issue and saw one of the brief bags featured in the color
spreads and just had to have it. I guess I'm in the right industry, but
really, I must be stopped.
So, how did this happen? How does one person need 15 briefcases? I
have one business case for every year I've been associated with this
industry! And, except for one that was given to me as a gift, I paid
good money for all of them. If you asked me which one I could have done
without, I would draw a blank. I've used them all -- different business
cases for the different business needs I have -- which is probably why
none of them show much wear or tear. I used to share a story with the
media about an attorney I know who had seven different business cases --
each one filled with files from a different case he's trying. A very
unique filing system for sure! For the open and shut cases, he carries
an underarm portfolio; for his landmark cases, he uses a wheeled catalog
case. Now, I've got him beat by eight business cases, and I don't even
know how it happened.
Once faced with the realization that no one really needs 15 business
cases, I tried to give a few of them away -- really I did. But each one
of them has a different look and serves a different need.
In "Back to Business," our feature story on business and computer
cases beginning on page 22, one manufacturer confirms that I am not
alone in my obsession. "The traditional business case has expanded to
the point where a typical man or woman now owns several different cases
-- one they'll use for a meeting, one that will hold a computer, and a
couple they may use for more informal settings. Women today may own a
computer backpack, accordion style portfolio, and traditional briefcase.
I find the business case market very exciting right now."
And, so do we. See pages 26-33 for a glimpse at some of the newest
and smartest business cases and computer bags to dress up your
customers' workday wardrobes. "Versatility," according to one
retailer we quoted, "has never been so important."
Doing business is what this issue of Travel Goods Showcase is really
all about. For a look at the "State of the Retail and the Travel Goods
Industry Today," turn to page 34. One retailer tells us, "business has
been challenging, and customers have been equally challenging. They want
the most they can get for their money in these tough economic times and
they also expect to be appreciated for their purchases. Customer traffic
is not back to normal, but I see optimism once again. Customer service
is paramount in times like this."
Not coincidentally, our guest column in this issue addresses this
very subject. "The Customer is Not Always Right, But Should Always Be
First," beginning on page 39, advises companies "to run your business
with your customers' needs and wants as your primary focus. If you want
to build a reputation for superior customer care, be sure to build every
inch of your business with your customer as your top priority."
Here at Travel Goods Showcase, our readers continue to be our top
priority! We want to hear from you. Email us your thoughts, comments, and ideas at michele@travel-goods.org and we'll put them to work for you! We hope you
enjoy this issue.
Michele Marini Pittenger with her
15 business cases, computer cases, and totes.
Copyright © 2003. Travel Goods Association
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