TGA News

The Humble Backpack: No Longer Just a Tasty Spice in the Luggage Stew
The rise of the backpack has been nothing short of meteoric. Between 2005 and 2019 the backpack category saw a whopping 245% increase in annual sales, from barely $1 billion to just over $4 billion. To put this into perspective, the second highest gain over this period was luggage at just 74%. The humble backpack shot from the fifth to the third most-popular category of luggage. As a percentage of luggage sales, backpacks have grown 100%, from 6% to more than 12.5%. This feature story approaches the backpack from all angles – sports, kids, style, gear-specific backpacks, and more. They’re not just for the classroom anymore, and the stats prove it.

What’s the Buzz?
Since the last Buzz update – new product introductions from Pacsafe, Parnell Pharmaceuticals, Sandy Bumz – exciting company news from Cabeau, Ms. Jetsetter, YKK, YaY Novelty, and SpectraSpray – and Go Travel celebrates a milestone.

Interested in Innovation and Have Two Minutes?
Click “play” and meet our two most recent “Packed in a Minute” products, HYDAWAY and the Travelpro x Travel + Leisure Collection.

Versatile is its middle name, whether on a camel or in a plane. Its passport pages would all be filled because, like you, it lives for thrills. This one’s easy, you will see. It takes a pounding, keeps rebounding and fits frequent flyers to a tee. Some may tuck it on their bed; others use it with a pen. It’s like a facial without the fingers, whose healing scents tend to linger. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where?

It travels here, there, everywhere, and is a place when paired with nine. It’s one cool customer, to be sure, but with a warmth that is sublime. It’s a Pro, but no need to pay. Under or over – it swings both ways. Two are upperclassmen; the other likes to party. One by one or in a group, in either case it’s hardy. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where?

In terms of looks, it’s really hot. Think “48th” – but a state, it’s not. No spoonful of sugar needed today, just open wide and gently spray. It has two names, and both are boys’ – but all pint-size travelers will feel the joy. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where?

The COVID-19 pandemic has increased people’s awareness of how interconnected our world is, and how their choices can impact local communities and the environment. We’re looking for gear that will appeal to the 53% of global travelers who plan to travel more sustainably in the future – gear that encourages reuse, reduces manufacturing and shipping waste, and is produced using eco-friendly materials and processes. If you manufacture eco-conscious gear, we’d love to feature your product in the digital pages of Travel Goods Magazine. If you are a retailer with an opinion or story about sustainable travel goods, we want to hear from you as well. To be considered for coverage, please email product details, MSRP, and product photo to kim@travel-goods.org by June 4, 2021.

It’s like the Sandman (if he was made from foam), and feels like a hug, like hearth and home. Carnivores may roll their eyes, but this is one plant that rides the sky. A wily shapeshifter, it morphs and molds, but its sense of fashion always holds. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where?

It hangs and circles but does not swing, and boomerangs back when given a ping. Although made by hand, it needs two arms. Work or play, it always charms. It’s all for one or one for all – depending on who is answering travel’s call. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where? For the answer, get to The HUB today!

Have you been in the news? Has your product been featured on a show or in a movie? Seeking new employees? Searching for distribution partners? Did you roll out a new product or product line? Build a better mousetrap? Do something good for a great cause? Let us know and help us increase awareness of your brand. Email updates, info and press releases to TGA’s Kim Wong, kim@travel-goods.org, and we’ll get the word out – fast.

It’s a pilot, but it cannot steer. It’s a plane, but really, gear. Although it breathes, it does not sigh. It keeps your secrets – but tells no lies. It’s practically perfect in every way – like having Mary Poppins in its DNA. So, riddle me this and register there. And if you’re not in the HUB, then…where? For the answer, get to The HUB today!

TGA eagerly posts member news items immediately after they are submitted to Industry Buzz. Be sure to check out the people, product, company and milestone tidbits that have been added since you last visited. And if you have news of your own, share it!