Luggage specialist Travelpro made its debut at last week’s IAADFS Duty Free Show of the Americas where it highlighted its travel retail exclusive Crew Executive Choice business case collection. It will be launched in July.
The full Crew Executive Choice line, aimed at business and frequent flyers, comprises the Rolling Business Overnighter, Checkpoint Friendly Computer Backback, Checkpoint Friendly Messenger Brief, Messenger Brief, Business Tote and Checkpoint Friendly Slim Brief.
The models feature durable fabrics and leather handles and trims, as well as a RFID-blocking security pocket to protect against loss and identity theft, padded laptop and tablet pockets, a built-in business organiser and a removable cord pouch which stores power cables and chargers. The line also includes adjustable, padded shoulder straps to provide comfort for users of different heights.
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The full Crew Executive Choice collection will be launched in July |
Travelpro Director of International Sales Omar Chaljub told The Moodie Report that the company is just beginning its travel retail endeavour and believes it will be a “long slog”.
“The brand definitely has the ability to be global. We are not there right now – less than 5% of our sales are international – but we think we have the right products for the duty free channel,” said Chaljub.
While the vast majority of its sales are in the USA, Travelpro is eyeing up opportunities in border stores and on cruise ships and believes its larger size luggage ranges are relevant for border shops.
Travelpro made its initial foray into travel retail in mid-2014 with Duty Free Americas at its border store in Iquique.
Travelpro Executive VP Sales Ron Wood added that travel retail is key to creating an international brand: “Brands that are sold in duty free shops have a high-end look and feel. The consumer feels good about what they are purchasing and that they are getting a quality product at a good price. We are trying to build a worldwide brand and we know that duty free exposure is one of the key components to building an international brand.”
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Travelpro Director of International Sales Omar Chaljub (left) and Executive VP Sales Ron Wood are responsible for driving the company forward in travel retail |
In other news, Travelpro recently won Premier Traveler magazine’s World’s Best Luggage Award for the second consecutive year.
Over 14,000 Premier Traveler readers completed an open-ended question survey in which Travelpro was voted the most popular choice of luggage brand.
One of the company’s most recognised developments has been the MagnaTrac spinner wheel system, which is said to eliminate the drifting and pulling effect that typically occurs with four and eight-wheel spinner luggage.
