July 2, 2009 The lightly news
No news in this story — if you’ve been reading OBOW that is:
A combination of consumer demand, design modifications and innovative materials has allowed manufacturers to switch gears to produce smaller, lighter and ergonomically friendly products, says Alan Krantzler, vice president of Tumi luggage brand’s product management.
“The No. 1 trend in the industry right now is about lightweight,” he says. “It’s always been a consumer demand, but it has become increasingly important.” - read more
The story points out European preferences for sleek hard-sided luggage and also makes this very good point:
“People want a carryon that could be a weekend bag, a gym bag and be able to put a computer in it,” says Krantzler, who also oversees merchandising. “People are looking to spend money smartly. They don’t want to give up quality but want value.”
No doubt, the trend is toward lighter and smaller.
Reader Comments (3)
Love the comment from the Conde Nast person: "Wheels are essential, that goes without saying. … The wheelies from 10 years ago to now are worlds apart. You’re now doing 360-degree turns and have turning handles.”
Essential? Why?
This may come off as sexist, but I remember when I first starting seeing men wheeling bags I thought "Those things are for stewardesses". That's obviously an overstatement. I go light with a shoulder bag because I don't like the wheelie bags. Dragging my wife's good quality Swiss Gear bag in Europe was (ahem) a drag - not for me. But maybe someday...when I'm 64.
I don't know. Tons of rather unreflected marketing mumbo, if you ask me.
Lighter one side but wheels and hard-cases on the other side.
Lighter and smaller on one side but then stuff them full on the other side.
When somebody comes up with a 20 incher that fits in any sizer, has a hard shell but still has some outside pockets (Rimowa makes similar trolleys), has wheels and weighs not more than 2kg (4.4lb), with an unconditional life-time warranty for under $400, give me another call. Oh, of course, it should have attachment points for backpack and shoulder straps.
It can't be that difficult, no?