March is in the Bag!

Welcome to the inaugural edition of the What’s Trending Newsletter from Lapine. Each month, we’ll bring you what’s happening at retail, the trends that are driving these happenings, and a spotlight to showcase products that bring these trends to life. This month we’re looking at bags—duffel bags and luggage, to be exact. It’s a mushrooming category among Millennials, thanks to a trend of spontaneous, experiential trips. These shorter, more frequent excursions create a need for convenient, lightweight and versatile travel accessories. Enjoy!

Retail Trends

Overall retail sales of travel equipment in the outdoor travel bag market were up 7% to $149MM in 12 months ending April 2018 vs. the same time period in 2017

Travel is trending duffel–duffel bags and travel backpacks made up over 90% of the gains in the category.
Duffel bags, the largest travel equipment category, were up 11% and travel backpacks were up 5%.
Luggage companies continue to improve on duffel design with rolling wheels, backpack straps, layers, pockets/compartments, even waterproof/rugged material to make them more functional for expanding consumer needs.

Consumer Trends

83% of Millennials are taking shorter, more frequent, experiential trips versus one long adventure, hence the demand for convenient, lightweight travel accessories

Shorter, more frequent trips means less luggage lugging and a greater need for versatile, overhead compartment-friendly travel bags.
A shift in consumer lifestyles towards comfort, value and versatility, has increased demand for fashion and accessories that can easily go from the office to the gym to a weekend getaway.
Function and versatility are key purchase influencers to Millennials who tend to combine business trips with leisure travel, taking an average of 7.7 business trips a year.
Smaller than a suitcase, bigger than a tote, the duffel bag is perfect for everyday gear, day trips, and long weekends.

Product Highlights

High Sierra® Convertible Duffel

The Outdoor Tactical Carry gear is for the urban nomad who loves to traverse the canyons in their truck, the backwaters in their raft, or hike the bazaars of Morocco with equal amounts of ease, style, and flair. Detachable backpack straps and sternum strap allows for backpack-style carry when needed. Grab handles on all sides for easy carry. Water-resistant 600D Poly with PU coating main duffel body.

Rustico Tahoe Travel Duffel

Designed for the journey ahead, the Tahoe Travel Duffle brings two of the roughest and rugged materials together, waxed canvas and rich top-grain leather. It’s the perfect weekend bag with built in carry-on dimensions for that quick trip to a new city or cabin getaway. Prepare to board while being the envy of first-class.

Features

Built with top-grain cowhide and waxed canvas
Adjustable, leather shoulder strap
Two exterior zipper pockets
Solid leather base

Skyway® Whidbey 22” Duffel

The Whidbey Weekender Duffel performs equally well as a travel bag for quick getaways and as an everyday gym bag. Along with ventilated and water-resistant pockets, it also offers two ways to carry, lockable zippers, and a spacious interior to pack away whatever you need.

Features