As the 2019 travel season swings into high gear, promotional product suppliers are relying on luggage items made of high-quality materials that boast name recognition to fly the friendly skies! Suitcases, carry-ons, duffles, backpacks, and accessories provide consumers with the means to hit the gym, escape for a quick getaway, or delight in a well-deserved vacation. And, with the warmer weather along comes items such as fanny packs, driftwood-inspired luggage tags, and swimsuit bags to round out luggage offerings.
When it comes to air travel, consumers are looking to maximize their luggage space while avoiding excess baggage fees that most airlines charge, according to Carrie Lewis of BIC Graphic. “Things like compact roll-up cosmetic cases help keep toiletries organized in limited space,” she comments. “Additionally, our Portable Digital Luggage Scale has been a popular promo because it helps travelers be prepared (and their bags underweight) before they reach the ticket counter.”
Packing cubes are also currently trending for maintaining neatness and tidiness while on the road—attributing this to the popularity of Marie Kondo and her KonMari method of organizing. These can separate apparel by outfit or type of item and compress down bulkier items during the winter months. Organizers that keep electronics, cables, chargers, and headphones from getting tangled are also popular, especially when traveling for business when you need to stay connected on the road.
Duffles are a top choice at Sportsman Cap & Bag. “They are functional, can easily promote the company logo, and are able to be used for long periods of time,” Dave Porter states. Not only do they appeal to a large demographic with their style and durability, duffles can be embroidered or screen printed, Porter maintains. The possibilities are endless.
Many travelers would also rather carry their bags on a flight rather than check them, so they get in and out of the airport as quickly as possible, Gwen Brey of Beacon Promotions reports, which has resulted in the company ensuring all its luggage items are legal carry-on size. “We’ve added the 360-degree spinner wheels as that is a great feature when traveling,” she says. “The expandable design is also a feature that people want, especially on their return trip with their additional souvenirs.”
Sales of hard-side luggage are on the rise at PCNA, according to Kyle Boronky, who believes this trend is driven by retail as well as an interest in the protection a hard shell provides—as opposed to a soft-sided piece. This luggage is also a little more water resistant, which comes in handy when luggage is getting loaded on the runway in a rainstorm, Boronky notes. Under Seat Luggage is also popular since most airlines are restricting how much luggage can be brought on board. “These can be great for overnight trips or some really adventurous folks can fit several days in a small underseater!” he raves. New this year is a hybrid underseat/carry-on upright luggage that can be expanded into a carry-on piece.
Gary Mosley of Kati Sportcap & Bag believes that customers desire a quick and easy customer experience that is personalized to their needs. “Offering easy-to-embroider duffles in a variety of brands, styles, and colors—while making the process quick and easy—instantly creates a positive relationship between us and the consumer,” he affirms.
Suppliers are “rolling” out an exciting array of enticing luggage, baggage, and duffle options for distributors to present to their clients this year. According to Mosley of Kati Sportcap & Bag, one of the company’s newest and best-selling duffles is the Champion Branded Duffle (CS2003)—which he reports is lightweight, easy to carry, and has multiple zippered pockets that will appeal to a wide variety of end-users. The light pink has been a popular choice so far, he adds.
The Champion Barrel Duffle (CS2000) is a top choice at Sportsman Cap & Bag. According to Porter, it is the perfect bag for a trip to the gym or a weekend getaway. Made from 600D/900D polyester, it has one large main zippered compartment, and interior zippered pocket, as well as a front zippered compartment. It comes in four colors; and each bag has an adjustable, removable shoulder strap, top carry handles, and a carry handle on each end. He also points to the Dri Duck Weekender Bag as a favorite, which allows the consumer to carry all necessities is one easy-to-use weekender bag. Features include a zippered main compartment with expansion snaps for more capacity, an inside pocket, and an exterior zippered pocket. Also included is an adjustable, removable canvas and webbing shoulder strap and snap canvas wrap handles.
BIC Graphic also has some exciting new additions to its luggage line. Lewis says the 4-Color Process Luggage Belt is a great accessory for business professionals and travelers because it has a vivid and colorful imprint to quickly differentiate luggage and save time at the airport. “The 59-3/4”L x 1-7/8”H imprint area provides a lot of area for a unique brand message,” she comments. In addition, the company’s Bubble Top Cosmetic Case is the perfect size to carry makeup for a weekend getaway, Lewis relates, with a clear case to keep everything visible—while the pop of color along the top adds personality to a brand message. Finally, the company’s exclusive KAPSTON™ Natisino Duffle grabs attention with retail-inspired features in tan or black leatherette, Lewis adds. “The deboss imprint stands out on a matching, attached tag while the duffle itself has several organizational pockets and a padded shoulder strap for comfort.”
Three styles have been added to PCNA’s luggage repertoire: The Hybrid Underseat/Carry-on Upright Luggage; the Metallic Upright Expandable Luggage with Tag—which Boronky notes is an ABS piece that has a lot of features for the price and resembles the aluminum pieces from brands such as Away; and Graphite 20” Upright Luggage, which Boronky points out is a great price-point piece.
Beacon Promotions’ best seller is its CT306D leather and canvas rolling carry-on, according to Brey, who adds that demand has been strong for these two items.
Distributors should keep their customers’ needs and wants top-of-mind when it comes to selling luggage, suppliers concur. Sportsman Cap & Bag’s Porter recommends asking customers open-ended questions while considering the customer’s goals. “The best way to sell products is to serve the customer—use your expertise to help them be as successful as possible,” he emphasizes.
Boronky at PCNA concurs. “Understand what the needs are for your particular customer,” he adds. “Some customers are hyper-focused on price point, some on brands, some on particular styles (underseaters for example).”
This is where variety comes in, according to Mosley of Kati Sportcap & Bag, who notes that with the variety of styles, colors, and prices, it is a guarantee to find one that piques a customer’s interest.
Brey of Beacon Promotions also weighs in. “Because these are usually higher priced items, they work great for sales incentives, anniversary, or holiday gifts and awards,” she comments. “The carry-on can be personalized with initials, so that is another feature that guarantees it will be used and appreciated.”
In conclusion, Lewis at BIC Graphic conveys the lasting impact logoed luggage can have. “When you think of all the different types of luggage and how much baggage goes through airports each year, it’s easy to see why each and everyone should be imprinted with your clients’ logos,” she stresses. “Travel is appealing to a broad audience—male and female, young and old—so promos can be effective for clients working in almost any industry.”
Case Study
Gwen Brey, Beacon Promotions: A manufacturing plant had several long-term employees retire. The HR Director selected the CT306D Switzer Canyon Rolling Carry-On as the thank you gift for their many years of dedicated service. She felt it was the perfect gift as the employees expressed their desire to do more traveling in retirement. She also felt the quality product and craftsmanship would match their long-term commitment to the company.