IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN, WHEN WE PREPARE FOR THE TRAVEL GOODS SHOW AND PUT our best foot forward. It’s one of the most exciting times of year for the travel goods industry and, from where I sit, there’s a lot to be excited about.
Discovering new things is always thrilling, and there’s plenty of newness to be found in this issue as we showcase some of the new products and exhibitors you’ll see for the very first time at The Show. These new products look great and work even better — it’s amazing to see the ways function-driven items can be made to look chic and fashionable.
As we all know, “green” is in, but while this worldwide movement is hardly new to TGA, with many members already using recycled materials and environmentally friendly production methods, this year’s Travel Goods Show will make a big green push. We’re trading in our customary Show tote bags and replacing them with sturdy reusable carriers made from recycled soda, water, and food containers. Our one-time-use water bottles have been replaced by reusable bottles that can be refilled at water stations located throughout The Show floor. In addition, we’ve partnered with the San Diego Convention Center to implement an aggressive recycling program. This isn’t just about The Show; it’s a reflection of how TGA and our industry conducts business all year long. In fact, this issue of Travel Goods Showcase is printed on recycled paper, as is all of the printed materials you’ll receive at The Show.
We’ll also make a big business impact at The Show with the Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program, answering a need we’ve heard expressed from retailers and manufacturers alike. With so many retail outlets, and so many products available, it’s imperative for customers to receive consistent sales messages from knowledgeable, well-informed sales associates.
The Travel Goods Specialist online education program includes modules on selecting appropriate travel goods for different modes of travel and destinations, luggage and leather goods materials and construction, and travel regulations and security.
Our goal is to provide industry-wide uniformity, and to differentiate those who become certified from those working without that same knowledge base in big box stores. We would hope to avoid having the travel goods specialty retail industry become a chaotic commodities market, like what’s happened with cell phones and PDAs. In those markets, customers are left to educate themselves and puzzle over dozens of choices. Is it any wonder most people are dissatisfied with their cell phones? They aren’t given clear information, or any assistance in evaluating their needs and making smart choices.
The Travel Goods Specialist Certification Program is a retail advantage you’ll only get from TGA. It’s a sales advantage that will help build customer satisfaction by alleviating confusion (is ballistic nylon bulletproof? Can I take this on the airplane?), and is just another example of how TGA partners with its retail members to help them build their businesses.
There’s a lot to love in this issue. Stop by the TGA booth and try out sample modules from the Travel Goods Specialist Certificate Program. See how green our industry has become. See how we’re putting on a greener show. And, get ready to show off!
Editor-in-chief
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