In this guest piece, Victorinox Head of Global Channels Thomas Bodenmann addresses the evolution of travel gear as a category, and how the Swiss lifestyle brand is adapting.
Travel gear is one of the few categories in travel retail which must readily react to fundamental changes in the way we go about our lives, where functionality, not indulgence, lies at its heart. As travel evolves, so must travel gear, putting the onus on manufacturers to consistently invest and innovate.
Over 20 years ago Victorinox launched its first Travel Gear Collection, Mobilizer NXT – a ballistic nylon carry-on. Featuring high-functionality and an enduring frame, Mobilizer NXT was an icon of its time and met the demands of travelling consumers back then.
Fast forward two decades and trends have shifted to more lightweight, large capacity bags. With time, Victorinox’s Travel Gear offer has evolved to suit changing consumer needs, while not forgetting the brand’s focus on design, quality and functionality.
From carry-on suitcases to business backpacks and travel accessories, all our Travel Gear products work together as an ecosystem to offer the consumer a true travel and packing experience that reflects the values of the Swiss Army Knife.
To further elevate the packing experience, this year we are introducing the ‘Packed with Possibilities’ concept that brings to life all the key features, materials and Swiss engineering that go into our products – offering consumers the comfort and security they desire when travelling.
Personality, innovation and functionality
With the consumer at the heart of everything we do, we constantly track insights and review feedback to help us develop new lines suited to today’s consumer.
Over the past 18 months, the entire world has become more agile and accepting of change. For example, people are no longer required to be in the office five days a week, instead switching to home working only or a hybrid of home and office. The ways that we travel to work have also evolved as more people are opting to use sustainable modes of transport such as e-scooters, bikes and public transport. With this flexible way of working and commuting likely to stay for some time to come, we’ve developed collections with the modern commuter in mind.
The recently launched Architecture Urban2 collection sets a new benchmark for premium Victorinox business bags and backpacks. Boasting next generation protection, space, beneficial material and practicality, these bags are well-geared towards modern commuters. All items are built to deliver 360° protection for electronic devices with an innovative high-density foam exterior cushioning whilst maximizing packing space. Additionally, in line with consumer demand for improved hygiene, the lining of products is treated with SILVADUR antimicrobial technology to inhibit the growth of microorganisms in fabric.
Personalisation, another important trend in today’s market, is possible with the Architecture Urban2 collection. Initials or names can be engraved on a Swiss Army Knife scale in the colour of choice and added to Architecture Urban2 pieces.
Packed with protection
With personal security a top concern of consumers these days, the Altius Alox Collection introduces highly functional leather accessories and document holders that smartly combine key brand design elements with enhanced protection and convenience. All items deliver high functionality and refined organizational solutions, including card slots, bill dividers, storage and passport compartments, while additional RFID protection enhances credit card security.
The collection, the perfect collaboration between Victorinox’s Swiss Army Knives and Travel Gear, earns its name from the iconic Alox steel pattern of the Swiss Army Knife. In addition to being used as a design feature, the Alox pattern also offers a scratch protective element on the outside edge of the items
Packed with versatility
Setting a new benchmark for global travel luggage, the Airox Hardside Collection is the lightest carry-on in the Victorinox range yet. Clocking in at just 2.3 kg, Airox is the ideal companion when weight and space restrictions are a concern.
Winner of the Red Dot Design Award 2020, the Airox Hardside Collection is constructed in lightweight 100% pure virgin polycarbonate and features a “butterfly” opening to optimise the packing experience. It is the luggage of choice for leisure travellers who put lightweight, quality and state-of-the-art functionality at the top of their agenda. The full range comes in different colours and consists of three Carry-On sizes, a medium and a large suitcase.
Packed with improvements
2022 is set to be an iconic year for Victorinox Travel Gear as we introduce next-level improvements to the popular Spectra line. Spectra 3.0 (pictured below) marks the introduction of a pioneering new sustainability standard – the first Victorinox suitcase made of a recycled, next-generation polycarbonate shell material.
Despite previously using only virgin material for quality reasons, we found a recycled material that fulfills Victorinox’s quality and testing standards while supporting the longevity of our products. Spectra 3.0 signals a move towards sustainability without compromising on strength, performance and impact resistance.
The eye-catching Spectra trolley collection has a stylish appearance and is available in the core colours black and Victorinox red. Lastly, as with all our recently launched Travel Gear products, Spectra 3.0 products feature SILVADUR antimicrobial lining, can be personalised and offer plenty of packing space thanks to even more expandability.
A Travel Gear future packed with possibilities
Despite a challenging 18 months for the Travel Gear industry, more positive times are on the horizon as the world adjusts to a new kind of normal and gets moving once again. With the pandemic situation improving and spending patterns of consumers strengthening, the luggage market is expected to regain its potential and register a CAGR of +7.3% between 2021 and 2026 (Mordor Intelligence).
Everything we do at Victorinox is based around customer experience and creating products that can support their everyday lifestyle so when consumers do take their next trip or look for their ideal commuting bag, a Travel Gear offer packed with possibilities awaits them.
*The Moodie Davitt Report recently launched a new monthly eNewsletter series that offers a curated selection of stories focused on the lifestyle theme and associated categories in travel retail and beyond. We do so in association with multi-category luxury goods company Victorinox. As with all Moodie Davitt Report media, Lifestyle Curated is free of charge. If you would like to be added to its mailing list (or to those for any other Moodie Davitt titles), please click here.
