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The Pack Flat range targets frequent travellers |
Go Travel, the global supplier of travel accessories, has launched its range of flat-pack luggage in Europe following a successful debut in the US market.
Showcased at the TFWA World Exhibition in October 2012, where the company was exhibiting for the tenth year, the Pack Flat luggage range features a patent-pending, fold-flat design that is said to be easily compressed for storage both at home and while travelling (also see details below).
Speaking to The Moodie Report about the world of travel accessories, Director David Lomas said the UK-based, family-owned company achieves global distribution in more than 150 countries from four warehouses and uses hi-tech factories in China to make its range of hundreds of skus, spanning travel adaptors, locks, neck cushions and buckles.
All the products are designed in-house with a focus on what will make a fast-selling impulse purchase in the travel retail environment.
Thanks to its experience of supplying the travel retail channel, Go Travel believes spinners work better than static product displays, according to Lomas. Each spinner unit allows a mixed assortment to be displayed, split up into business, bucket-and-spade and long-haul related items, depending on the location.
And the best-selling items vary by country. “Our best-seller in the US isn’t even in the top 30 products in Europe,” said Lomas, who declined to name the product.
“Some retailers we supply have 150 products, depending on the location. We can choose the products for them with a planogram, based on where the terminal is, which airlines and whether the location caters to high-end passengers. The products are packed on the display unit and then our team visits the location to merchandise it.”
The company has also discovered that passengers seek comfort when purchasing airside, while the landside traveller tends to buy practical items such as straps. “People buy [travel accessories] for themselves in duty free,” he added.
Go Travel has also found that customers desire novelty. “Customers need to see different things, such as multiple colours. It varies by country. We watch sales trends closely and also fashion and colour trends. Purple is the colour this year [2012] but next year it will be different.”
New Pack Flat luggage range showcased at Cannes fair
The Pack Flat range features a patent-pending, fold-flat design that is said to be easily compressed for storage both at home and while travelling.
Billed as sturdy and solid to the touch, the rigid cases incorporate a simple mechanism that transforms the bag from a traditional travel case to a flat, space-saving item in seconds.
Created with the space-deprived traveller in mind, once unpacked, the largest model reduces from 30.5cm in depth to 7.5cm – a 75% difference.
Go Travel uses existing luggage components to flatten the frame, keeping weight to a minimum. The bag packs flat in seconds without compromising its performance when being used, the company said.
The collection consists of two large suitcases, Check-In 28 (70 x 47cm) and Check-In 24 (61 x 42cm), one smaller, cabin-approved case Carry-On 21 (53 x 34cm) and a co-ordinating tote bag.
Targeted at frequent travellers, Pack Flat luggage is made from high-quality, hardwearing polyester fabric that is durable enough to stand up to the exertions of travel. It is available in three colours: black, brown and red.
The highlight of the range for the duty free market is expected to be the cabin-approved wheeled case, the Carry On 21, with a recommended retail price of €99.
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Top and above: The largest Pack Flat case reduces from 30.5cm in depth to 7.5cm – a 75% difference |
About Go Travel
Go Travel pioneered the first co-ordinated travel accessory collection in 1978; it now offers almost 400 products. A 20-strong design team at its London, UK headquarters develops the range, which is sold in more than 150 countries.
