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TOP NEWS
Innovative Gear for Returning to the Office, Hybrid Work and Business Travel
TGA
As remote workers take on this new hybrid format or full weeks back at the office, they are looking for travel gear ideal for daily commutes and business trips. Many of us are flying again — another opportunity to shop for products that make these trips as worry-free as possible. Grab the perfect cycling backpack, a chic yet practical tote bag or a genius solution to that tangled cord problem to get set to head out the door. READ MORE
U.S. Travel Goods Imports Surged in First 8 Months of 2021
TGA
U.S. travel goods imports (as described under HTS Heading 4202 — luggage, backpacks, flatgoods, handbags, business cases/laptop bags, and travel bags) surged 13.7% in the first 8 months 2021 (versus January-August 2020) thanks to the resurgence in travel this summer and return to school and work. Yet imports numbers remain below 2019 levels. All categories saw a surge in the first 8 months of 2021 — luggage (+25.9%), flatgoods (+18.4%), handbags (+43.0%), business cases/laptop bags (+12.3%), and travel bags (+11.2%) — except for backpacks, which fell another 14.8%. The latest import numbers continue the accelerating trend away from China. From January-August 2021, U.S. travel goods imports from China only grew 6.1%, with China accounting for only 54.2% of total U.S. travel goods imports. For comparison, in 2016, China accounted for 84.7% of all U.S. travel goods imports. U.S. travel goods imports from #2 supplier Vietnam (+26.5%), #3 Cambodia (+15.4%), #4 Burma (Myanmar) (+29.6%), #5 India (+40.7%), #6 Indonesia (+14.8%), #7 the Philippines (+14.7%), and #8 Mexico (+13.7%) all grew in the first 8 months of 2021. Most top suppliers continued to gain import share from China, with U.S. travel goods imports from Vietnam now accounting for 20.7% of all U.S. travel goods imports, followed by #3 Cambodia (8.0%), #4 Burma (Myanmar) (4.2%), and #5 India (3.9%). U.S. imports of travel goods account for approximately 99% of the U.S. travel goods market.
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Retailers…You Need This Data!
BRIGHTPEARL
Our friends at Brightpearl have revealed the latest shift in consumer shopping habits to expect this holiday season…and trust us, this insight and data is not to be missed. This jaw-dropping study uncovers where, when and how your customers will be shopping this holiday season, plus offers ways for retailers to increase their profit. As we approach the second holiday amidst a pandemic, it’s more important than ever to discover how and why customers both shop and spend. This free report can help. READ MORE
Buttigieg Warns Some Supply Chain Problems Will Persist Into 2022
POLITICO
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Sunday that the Biden administration is working to alleviate the ongoing supply chain squeeze while acknowledging some strains will persist for months. READ MORE
These New Travel Carry-on Bags Are on a Roll (If You Can Find Them)
THE WASHINGTON POST
The newest carry-on luggage, available just in time for the holiday travel season, does more with less. It uses recycled plastics, lighter materials and upgraded wheels to make travel as hassle-free as possible. But there’s a twist: You may have some trouble finding baggage in stock. And when you do, you’ll probably pay full price. Blame the COVID supply chain disruptions, says Michele Marini Pittenger, president of the Travel Goods Association, a trade group. READ MORE
The Best Packable Backpacks and Daypacks for Traveling Light
CHEAPEST DESTINATIONS BLOG
Travel journalist Tim Leffel rounds up packable backpacks and stuff pouch daypacks, many of which are from members of TGA. READ MORE
CDC Places Ultramodern City-State at Highest Travel Risk for COVID-19
CNN
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added one new location to its list of “very high” risk travel destinations this week. The ultramodern city-state of Singapore has moved up from Level 3, or “high” risk for COVID-19, to Level 4, the agency’s highest risk category. READ MORE
These 5 People Were Supposed to Save Retail. Here’s How They Did
RETAIL DIVE
Every industry loves the next big thing. Retail is no different. Executives swoop in with fresh ideas and exciting ventures, and there are pushes forward that bring companies into new ways of operating, resulting in a cascading effect of change. But, no one person can be the savior of retail. READ MORE
26 Predictions for Social Media Marketing in 2022
SOCIAL MEDIA TODAY
We’re quickly nearing the end of another COVID-disrupted year, and while many will be glad to see the back of 2021, with a return to normal now on the horizon, we do still have some way to go yet, with the full economic impacts of the pandemic likely to play out over decades, and in varying ways. That will also have implications for digital marketing, with the pandemic-induced lockdowns changing online behaviors, and sparking all new trends. There’s also the work from home shift, and the migration to hybrid work models, which will also have impacts for broader digital connection. All of these elements will play a part in what’s coming next in the social media space. READ MORE
Europe Wants to Make Travel Easier for the Fully Vaccinated
BLOOMBERG
European Union countries are trying to reach agreement on ways to ease pandemic travel restrictions within and into the bloc as leaders work to boost COVID-19 vaccination levels. READ MORE
Gas Prices Continue to Rise, Not Expected to Impact Holiday Travel
ABC 33/40
Right now, crude oil prices are up because the demand is high and production is low. Factors playing a key role in the increase are issues in the supply chain and the hurricane along the gulf coast a few weeks back. AAA of Alabama said gas prices should taper off within the next few weeks, but they tell ABC 33/40’s Valerie Bell it will get worse before it gets better. READ MORE
If You Answer Yes to This 1 Question, Chances Are You’re a Better Leader Than Most People
INC.
To reflect on where you stand as a leader, and whether you are even fit for the demands coming your way, consider measuring your leadership skills against the high bar of this one question: Did I make a difference in the life of an employee today? READ MORE
Miles and Points Gathering Dust? Here’s How to Use Them for Premium Flights, Hotels and Experiences
ROBB REPORT
Miles and points are worth more than you think when you put them to smart use. By employing just a few tips and tricks, you can use them to unlock the pathway to luxury suites, custom experiences, and dream destinations from your growing bucket list. Plus, with the holidays approaching, the gift of travel and experiences are ideal presents for your wanderlusting loved ones (and an easy win for procrastinating shoppers). READ MORE
7 Questions to Ask Your New Boss
HARVARD BUSINESS REVIEW
No matter how many years you’ve worked, starting a new job is often nerve-racking. There are so many unknowns to figure out, and one of the biggest question marks is your new boss. How can you set your relationship up for success? READ MORE
TRENDING ARTICLES
Missed last week’s issue? See which articles your colleagues read most.
- We Need You to Join U.S. Travel Goods Industry Letter Urging President Biden to Act on Shipping Crisis (TGA)
- Want to be Featured in Travel Goods Magazine? (TGA)
- The New Travel Goods Show: Better Attendance + New Buyers = Your Success (TGA)
- China Presses U.S. to Cancel Tariffs in Test of Bilateral Engagement (CNBC)
- How the Ultra-Rich Are Traveling During COVID, According to Their Travel Advisers (THE WASHINGTON POST)