Strong Dollar Makes 2015 a Better Year for American Travelers

& TRAVEL NewsTRAVEL • MANUFACTURERNotes • RETAIL

Million Dollar Zipperless Luggage Strong Dollar Makes rowdfunding website Kickstarter has its first million dollar success C story of 2015 thanks to Trunkster 2015 a Better Year for luggage. According to the makers of the new zipperless bags, it’s the most successful funding of a travel-related item American Travelers in Kickstarter’s history. The hard sided Americans traveling abroad this year will benefit from luggage met its initial $50,000 goal in 24 a strong dollar. Relative to currencies in Europe, hours and ultimately raised $1,395,370 Japan, India and elsewhere, travelers will pay in the 30-day campaign. The bags fea- ture a zipperless rolltop design, a built in less for everything from lodging to dining to scale, a USB port and an integrated GPS transportation. “This is one of the best times tracking system. Available in carry-on for Americans to travel in years,” travel writer and checked sizes, the bags will retail for Matt Kepnes told the Associated Press. $500 and $600 when they are released in August. source: abc news “England is cheaper than it was six months ago, but the euro has slumped more, making most of continental Europe an even better bargain.” Many economies are shaky, including those in Europe, Japan and China, and combined with a steadily improving U.S. economy, the 2015 dollar is strong enough that many econo- mists forecast that the Federal Reserve will raise interest rates later this year. source: associated press Trunkster zipperless luggage raised more than $1 million in its 30-day Kickstarter crowdfunding campaign. The Travel Trends of 2015 American Express Global ccording to Travel + Leisure, this Business Travel Survey year’s most important travel merican Express has released A trends are generally positive for its 2015 Global Business Travel travelers. They include an upscale shift A Survey. According to Pedro in the properties available for rent via Paredes, the company’s vice president of The Worst Day to Fly Is... services such as Airbnb, as well as a more global business consulting, what busi- he worst day to fly in the United connected experience in airports, hotels ness travelers want is for travel agents States is not the day before and everywhere in between. For instance, to prove their worth. “It’s more impor- T Thanksgiving. It’s not even close. Bluetooth enabled beacons can provide tant than ever for agents to demonstrate According to Quartz, a digital news customized, traveler-specific information their expertise,” Paredes told Travel outlet that combed FAA airport data throughout an airport, delivering infor- Market Report. “With online adoption to determine the busiest travel days of mation such as flight changes, travel increasing, they need to add value in 2013, the three worst days to fly are time to gates, and other useful tips. With helping the business traveler. They can’t all in the middle of the summer. In mobile payment services such as Apple just issue a ticket.” Business travelers 2013 they were July 18, July 25 and Pay gaining in popularity, smartphones call agents when their travel needs are July 11. Of the 30 busiest travel days will replace wallets for many travelers. tricky, so agents have to stay abreast of of the year, only three were during the New long-haul flights will change travel- industry trends and changing policies. winter months. Of those, the Friday ers’ trajectories, including the new, lon- The survey also determined that 95% before Christmas was the busiest, rank- gest flight in the world, 16 hours and of travelers prefer an aisle seat, making ing fourth overall. Rounding out the top 8,500 miles from Dallas to Sydney on a for many unhappy passengers on every 10 are additional summer dates in June, Qantas A380. source: travel + leisure flight. source: travel market report July and August. source: qz.com

Travel Goods SHOWCASE Spring 2015 21 News &Notes U.S. Airlines Plan More United Airlines Sues 22-Year- Randoseru Backpacks Flights to Cuba Old Entrepreneur Increasing in Popularity ogether with travel booking website Orbitz, United Airlines TRAVEL T has filed a civil lawsuit against 22-year-old entrepreneur Aktarer Zaman, founder of the airline ticketing website Skiplagged.com. Skiplagged helps travelers find the least expensive flights with a ashionable foreign tourists are technique known as “hidden city” ticket- returning from Japan with a new ing. When a traveler wants to fly from F kind of souvenir. Randoseru back- s the United States warms rela- New York to Chicago, for instance, the packs — the stiff leather packs ubiqui- tions with the Cuban govern- least expensive ticket might be a flight tous among Japanese school children A ment, airlines make plans to from New York to Denver with a layover — are gaining popularity with visitors add more flights to the island nation. in Chicago. With hidden city ticketing, from China and Australia in particular. Conveniently located just 90 miles off the passenger would book the flight to The well-made, box-shaped bags have the coast of Florida, Cuba was once a Denver and simply deplane in Chicago. even piqued the interest of fashion buy- popular destination for American tour- It’s not illegal, but it is a strategy that ers from Italy, Russia and the United ists and business travelers alike. And only works for one-way travel without States, and Japanese manufacturers are although the U.S. government has yet checked luggage. Frequent fliers and exporting the bags in growing numbers. to lift restrictions on tourist travel to travel agents have exploited the hidden Traditionally available in red or black Cuba, airlines and agents are now free city loophole for years, but Zaman is leather, more durable synthetic versions to provide services without the need the first to make the information easily are now made in many colors with a for a special license. American Airlines, accessible to the masses. The site is a side guarantee to last the six years of ele- Delta and JetBlue already operate char- project for the entrepreneur, who says he mentary school. With the 2020 Olympic ter service to the island, and they can does not profit from it. The suit claims Games scheduled for Tokyo, the popu- now convert those flights to regularly hidden city ticketing is prohibited by the larity of randoseru packs is expected scheduled routes. Low-cost carriers like airline, and that Skiplagged therefore to continue to rise. The bags were first Southwest Airlines and Spirit Airlines, represents unfair competition. Industry introduced to Japan in the mid-1800s as well as many foreign carriers, are analysts suggest that even if Skiplagged when soldiers began carrying imported keeping an eye on the evolving diplo- is shut down, other services will likely Dutch backpacks called ransels. matic relationship as well. source: skift replace it. source: cnn source: japan times

HEX x Staple Pigeon Cases Eagle Creek’s Rep of for iPhone 6 ech accessories maker HEX has collaborated with fashion designer the Year Award T Jeff Staple to produce a new line of wallets and cases for the iPhone 6. Eagle Creek, maker of luggage and The HEX x Staple Pigeon Collection con- travel accessories, has named Harold sists of three products made of genuine Mullins and the Atlantic Sports Group leather and printed with a custom Jeff Staple graphic. The Icon wallet incorpo- as its 2014 Rep Agency of the Year. rates three internal card slots and a cash

MANUFACTURER The group has directed sales in New pocket in a journal-style case. The Solo England and upstate New York since Wallet features 2 external card slots on 1983, and it’s the second time it has the back of the case. And the Focus Case is a classic snap case design. The HEX been honored with the award. “Harold x Staple Pigeon line is available now at Left to right, brings an enthusiasm and passion to the job that Roger Spatz, president www.staplepigeon.com and www.shop- makes him one of the most respected sales agents of Eagle Creek; hex.com, as well as at select retailers. Harold Mullins, winner; source: hex in the industry,” said Eagle Creek’s Senior National Tim McGuire, senior national sales manager The HEX x Staple Sales Manager Tim McGuire. “I am thrilled to be of Eagle Creek. Pigeon Icon wallet recognizing Harold for all his hard work and resulting for iPhone 6 is the result of a success in 2014.” Eagle Creek presents the award annually to a rep or collaboration between case- agency that delivers outstanding results and superior customer service. maker HEX and fashion designer source eagle creek This year’s award includes a trip for two to Peru. : Jeff Staple.

22 Spring 2015 Travel Goods SHOWCASE News &Notes MANUFACTURER Big News for 24-7 Bugatti Bags’ Hollywood BAQBAG’s New Website International Debut uxury leather handbag maker t’s been a busy start to the year ugatti-Sedona Inc. provided its BAQBAG has launched its new for 24-7 International. The travel Nathalie ladies’ handbag for L website at www.baqbag.com. The I goods manufacturer has inked a B inclusion in the coveted Golden company’s finely crafted European- deal with designer Lily Bloom and will Globes Ceremony Gift Bag at the 2015 made bags are based on a unique, classic launch new collections at The 2015 Golden Globe Awards in January. Only design and constructed of eco-friendly International Travel Goods Show fea- highly sought after brands and premium leather that can be traced all the way turing Lily Bloom’s signature vibrant products are included in the gift bag, back to its farm of origin, then finished prints and recycled plastic KARMA fab- which is provided to the stars, produc- with antique brass components. The ric. “We’re proud to welcome this brand ers and directors who participate in the Norwegian company will officially debut to our family,” said Scott Kosmin, 24-7 annual film and television awards cer- its bags in the United States at The 2015 International’s president and COO. “The emony. As part of a rigorous process, International Travel Goods Show in Las lifestyle collections will encompass a Bugatti presented several items to an Vegas. source: baqbag variety of prints and solid colors in both exclusive panel that selected the Italian hard- and soft-sided traveler items.” The leather bag to be included alongside Lily Bloom Collections will be avail- Gucci Guilty and Ross & Brown prod- able at specialty luggage stores, depart- ucts. “We felt that Bugatti truly repre- ment stores and Internet retailers. The sented the core values of the audience manufacturer has also named Zarby that we are rewarding with the 2015 International as the exclusive Canadian Golden Globes Ceremony Gift Bag,” distributor of Andiamo, Pathfinder reported the panel, “an amalgam of great and Pathfinder Gear. The Pathfinder craftsmanship, distinguished design and Revolution Plus carry-on was recently astonishing brand appeal.” The homepage of BAQBAG’s new website honored by Premier Traveler magazine, source: bugatti-sedona inc. The Bugatti Nathalie which tested the rugged, durable busi- ladies’ handbag was Travelpro Named Best ness luggage against strong competi- included in the Luggage in the World tion. Praising its size and weight, as coveted Golden Globes Ceremony well as the functionality of wheels, Gift Bag at the handles and other features, Premier January awards Traveler also cited the legacy brand’s show. Extra Mile Warranty by honoring it with the Best Overall distinction in its “Insider Report” carry-on comparison. source: 24-7 international

or the second year in a row, readers of Premier Traveler magazine F have honored Travelpro with the Luggage is TV Star World’s Best Luggage Award. More than icardo Beverly Hills’ Roxbury 2.0 14,000 Premier Traveler readers voted and Mirage Collections appeared for the awards in a survey on the maga- Ron the CBS TV game show, “The zine’s website last summer. No company Price is Right,” hosted by Drew Carey, on names or choices were provided in the January 22, 2015. open-ended survey. “We want to thank Ricardo’s Roxbury 2.0 Collection Premier Traveler readers, our custom- will also appear on ers, retail partners and the media for the nightly syndi- all their complimentary comments on cated game show, our products,” said Scott Applebee, vice “Wheel of Fortune,” president of marketing for Travelpro. “By hosted by Pat Sajak listening to customer feedback via social and Vanna White, and traditional media, product reviews where it will be fea- and observational research, we were able tured as the Ricardo to identify the implicit needs of the cus- Beverly Hills Gift tomer that led to the development of a Tag prize on the series of groundbreaking luggage innova- wheel. This episode tions. For more than 25 years, Travelpro The Pathfinder Revolution Plus 20" Wide Body will air on February The Roxbury 2.0 from luggage has been preferred by frequent Expandable Carry-On Spinner from 24-7 International Ricardo Beverly Hills was honored by Premier Traveler magazine with the 23, 25 and 27, 2015. travelers and flight crews around the Best Overall distinction among carry-on luggage. source: ricardo beverly hills world.” source: travelpro

Travel Goods SHOWCASE Spring 2015 23 News &Notes News for LCI Brands Jack Georges’ American Dream C. Industries, Inc. has changed video interview with leather goods maker its name to LCI Brands in Jack Georges was selected by the website L.order to more accurately rep- AUpworthy for inclusion in its “American resent the company’s growing port- Dream” campaign. The short film features Georges folio of travel and outdoor accessory discussing his own origins, as well as those of his brands. That lineup includes in-house company. “I was one of the lucky ones,” he says. “I brands Lewis N. Clark, Belle Hop and made it to America.” Georges then proceeds to tell UrbanGear, as well as distribution for the story of his life after immigrating to the United brands such as humangear, Cabeau, States, and what led to the start of his own busi- Pom-ID, GoGirl, i-stay, No-Jet-Lag, ness. He began helping in his father’s shoe shop MANUFACTURER Static Guard, tug and Wrinkle Wiz. A at age 12, where he learned about working with new addition to that list is MosRepel, leather. Eventually, like many successful entrepre- a Hong Kong-based company that neurs, Georges turned a negative event into a posi- makes natural, DEET-free insect repel- tive opportunity. For him it was the stock market lent wrist bands. The company’s newly crash of 1987. “People thought it was a tough time revamped website features an improved to start a business,” Georges says, “but my back design and upgraded functional- was against the wall.” After 27 years, Jack Georges ity which includes product manuals, still makes the same bags that gave the company videos, and reviews of all its represent- its start, and the CEO is proud not only of the qual- ed brands and products. Visit it at www. ity products he produces, but that all his bags are lcibrands.com. source: lci brands manufactured in the U.S.A. source: jack georges inc.

The Rosy Future of Mobile Payments esearchers predict that within five years, mobile payment systems will account for $130 billion of worldwide consumer spending, equal to 254

RETAIL R million users making five mobile payments per month, averaging about $9 each. Mobile payment service pro- viders will have to overcome a relatively high level of current consumer distrust of mobile payments in order to reach that high mark. Incentivized loyalty and rewards programs are likely a requirement to convince A nod to the history of travel inside Landmark’s new Cleveland store consumers to abandon the credit and debit cards that dominate payment systems. The introduction of new technologies, such as the fingerprint identification fea- Landmark Luggage ture on the iPhone 6, will help allay security fears sur- rounding mobile payments. source: tech times Opens in Cleveland Responding Positively to Negative Online Comments Cleveland’s affluent Woodmere neighborhood is the new- he web presents a wealth of opportunities for est home to luggage retailer Landmark. Joining national customers to publicly share their experiences brands such as Brooks Brothers and Lulu Lemon in the T online, good or bad. The only thing more dam- Eton Center mall, Landmark’s Cleveland store will comple- aging than a negative online comment about a business is when that business’ response makes things ment the mall’s high-end mix of dining, retail and office even worse. The American Express Open Forum tenants. New manager David Dyer was brought over from provides five tips for responding positively to negative the company’s well-established St. Louis store, and he online comments. First is to respond appropriately promises to bring that knowledge and experience with him. and professionally, never accusing the commenter of wrongdoing (even if they did wrong). Next is to keep The store features a fresh and bold look incorporating new comments brief, and think about the criticism as free branding, a new logo and a new mission. “We are thrilled as market research. Keep in mind that all responses a company to introduce many of the vendors we represent are public, and be sure to act accordingly. And lastly, into the Cleveland market,” said Landmark CEO Ray Krut, consider hiring a professional social media manager or public relations professional to handle such com- “and add the travel expertise and customer service that will plaints. Ignoring customer feedback can hurt any make the difference between a purchase made online and business’ image almost as much as responding inap- a purchase made in our store.” source: landmark luggage propriately. source: american express open forum

24 Spring 2015 Travel Goods SHOWCASE