Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories

TGFA

Canada’s Voice for the Luggage, Leathergoods, Handbags and Accessories Industry Summer 2010 • Vol. 2 Number 1

Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

*69% of

fraudsters were 30-39 years old

Retail Fraud Loss Prevention

and Profit Protection

PM 40063056

April 10-12, 2011 www.llhashow.com

Luggage That’s Worth its (Light) Weight 2010 LLHA Show in Review Rewriting the Rules of Retail Bags that Really Have it All Marketing Impact: The Answer’s Not in the Till

LLHA Award Winners & Product Spotlights! pgs. 20-27

Monarch ___

www.heys.ca

contents 28

FEATURES 10

6 Product Feature: Luggage Luggage that’s Worth its (Light) Weight 10 Cover Story: Retail Fraud: Loss Prevention and Profit Protection 18 2010 LLHA Show in Review

10

20 LLHA Show: Product Spotlights 24 Supplier of the Year Profile: ACI Brands Sales Rep of the Year Profile: Judy Fargey, Spectra

20

DEPARTMENTS 4 A Word Before 16 LLHA News

25 Retailer of the Year Profile: Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre 28 LLHA Show: New Product Showcase Award Winners 32 Fashion Trends: Versatility and Summer 2010 Bags That Really Have it All

26 Business Centre: This is Your Time: Rewriting the Rules of Retail 30 Marketing: Measuring Marketing Impact 36 On the Road: Wireless Tips for a Wireless World 38 Industry News & Views

32 20

6 32

Summer 2010 3

e ee A Word Before

No business like LLHA Show business With this being our 2010 LLHA Show review issue, I have to admit that I always enjoy strolling the show on the Monday. After working hard with the LLHA Association for 8 months getting ready to throw the party, it’s the one day we look forward to, to take in the fruits of our labours. The booths are booked, the show promoted. The minor and major crises of move-in solved. The opening day, and the LLHA’s AGM, President’s Reception and Keynote Seminar all successfully in the books. A day to finally take a breath and truly see what incredible new products have been launched to catch the eye of the attending buyers. It’s also a chance to catch up with exhibitors and buyers and get their feedback about the show and the industry.

I heard many comments about the higher-end look and feel of this year’s show, from its fresh décor to its quality booths to its cushy Pearl Lounge to that “cool logo” of the LLHA’s shining on the aisle carpet. Some complained that they were getting lost in our new & larger layout, but admitted that they liked it! Change is good.

Some retailers stopped me in the aisle to tell me they appreciated the usable content in TGF&A, such as the Winter issue’s “Surviving 20 Deadly Selling Sins”, which one buyer claimed he even cut out and distributed to staff! Overall, while every show manager this year would give their eye teeth to draw more buyers during this climate, I still saw a renewed energy and activity in our booths; hopefully signalling an end to the stifling caution in buying patterns from 2009.

So….aside from all the great LLHA Show images, spotlights, award winners and other highlights, what else is in this Summer issue? Our Cover Story paints a picture of the extent of retail fraud in Canada, and provides valuable details on how it occurs and how to combat it. Randy Nelson of Pro-Active Measures shares his insights on the subject — many of you will recall the excellent seminar he gave at the 2008 LLHA Show.

Our Product Feature focusses on the Luggage sector’s latest offerings, where these days it’s all about light weight, durability, simplicity, fashion, maneuverability and most importantly, value. Our Fashion Trends Feature discusses the exciting evolution occurring in today's travel bags. With key features like multi-functions, unique sizes, lightness and ease of mobility all rating high among consumers, bags are becoming more versatile than ever. Including bags like the highly mobile “ScooterBag” carry-on referenced in the article, (which also appeals to anyone like me who once owned a skateboard in their youth!)

In Marketing, we reveal an interesting approach on how to more accurately measure the success of your store’s marketing campaign — not based on your sales data, but on increases in store traffic and the conversion rate of visitors into customers. And On the Road, our regular feature geared to the industry’s sales reps, will teach you all you need to know about being wireless in today’s world of the mobile office – from RSS to Twitter to LinkedIn and more. Great applications and tools to help you stay informed, current and connected.

As we start working on taking the LLHA Show in exciting new directions for April 10-12, 2011, I urge any buyers to please take 5 minutes to visit www.llha.ca and complete the LLHA’s “Buyer Survey” on the home page. Let us know what you want to see, or not see, at the show next year. This event is for you, and we truly value your input to help Canada’s National Show continue into its 4th decade to bring you the best the industry has to offer.

And as a thank you for your time spent on the survey, you could win $500 to be spent at next year’s show!

Enjoy your precious final days of summer, and I look forward to connecting again soon. As always, if you have any comments about TGF&A or the LLHA Show, we want to hear them. Drop us a line anytime.

Enjoy.

Richard Swayze Publisher and LLHA Show Manager 416-512-8186 ext. 246 richards@mediaedge.ca

TGFA

Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Volume 2 Number 1 • Summer 2010 Publisher | Richard Swayze richards@mediaedge.ca 416.512.8186 ext. 246

Senior Graphic Designer | Annette Carlucci annettec@mediaedge.ca Production Manager | Rachel Selbie rachels@mediaedge.ca Circulation Manager | Cindy Younan circulation@mediaedge.ca Contributing Writers Lisa Charleyboy Marshal Cohen Andrew Coppolino Mark Hayes Mark Ryski Editorial Advisory Board Christine Beben Pierre Calestagne Sandra Cassivi Catherine Genge Paul Hanley Ken Maxwell Perry Mogus Harry Restoukian Thelma Watts Jeff Williams

Published by

President | Kevin Brown kevinb@mediaedge.ca Vice President | Chuck Nervick chuckn@mediaedge.ca 5255 Yonge St., Suite 1000 Toronto, Ontario M2N 6P4 Tel: 416.512.8186 Fax: 416.512.8344 www.mediaedge.ca Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories is published four times a year by MediaEDGE Communications Inc. Subscription Rates (Canada) + hst: 1 year $39.50, 2 years $69.25, single copy $10.75.

For all subscription inquires or changes of address: circulation@mediaedge.ca 416.512.8186 ext. 232 Reprints: No part of this magazine may be reproduced in any form – print or electronic – without written permission from the publisher.

Requests for permission to reprint any portion of this magazine should be sent to richards@mediaedge.ca.

Copyright 2010.

Canada Post Canadian Publications Mail Sales Product Agreement No. 40063056 ISSN 1920-5368

Official Publication of the LLHA Association of Canada and the LLHA Show.

4 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Hedgren distributed by Landau Sacamoto INC. 400 Stinson Ville Saint-Laurent Quebec, Canada, H4N 2E9 P: 514.745.7287 1.800.295.7287 F: 514.331.1753

Little extras make the difference

e ee Product Feature: Luggage

Luggage That’s Worth Its (Light) Weight As consumers continue to protect their pocketbooks, they’re really looking for more features out of their luggage. Do you know what satisfies their demands?

By Lisa Charleyboy

SALSA AIR, the colourful and lightweight polycarbonate cases from Rimowa.

“The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeing new landscapes, but in having new eyes.” Marcel Proust.

As the travel landscape changes significantly, it’s important for the travel industry to keep an eye on consumers’ shifting needs.

“Luggage has had a tough time over the last decade with 9/11, SARS, the international recession, and having seen the independent retailer shrink in size, particularly in the United States,” says Rob Cochrane, the North American Sales Manager for Rimowa.

“Travelers are watching their pocketbooks much more closely and buying more on a need than want basis. With this in mind the manufacturers have had to work harder and smarter to give the traveller a reason to update their luggage.”

Not only do consumers want to hold on to their current luggage, they’re also tending to change their views on what kind of luggage they now want to own, due to the changes in baggage claim standards for airlines.

“People often used to have several bags, now they’re going down to fewer bags,” says David Sebens, Managing Director of Kobold USA and President of Sebens Consulting LLC. “There used to be a reason to have a 20” or 22” carry-on,

and a 26” and a 32” case. Now people are having two bags instead of three bags.”

Sebens also notes that there’s a real lifestyle change happening as a result of the population shift. Younger people are now doing the bulk of the traveling, and many of these consumers are urbanites that live in small spaces. They don’t necessarily have the room to store multiple luggage items, nor do they want to spend their money on several pieces.

Heys Eco Orbis line of environmentally friendly spinner luggage.

But wait, there’s still hope for luggage manufacturers and subsequently retailers.

This new landscape offers a whole new realm of possibility and opportunity for design innovation.

Dany Chalhoub, General Manager of Jack G eorges Inc. is one of those innovators who sees the opportunities with fresh eyes. “Consumers in general are looking to ma ximize their dollar 6 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

whenever they need to make a purchase.

When buying a medium to high end line, they want durability, practicality, and quality design,” he says. “They’ll spend more comfortably if they’re getting a good, lasting value.”

“Consumers want it all: lightweight, strength, ease of motion through airports, fashion and value,” says Rob Cochrane.

Creating good value is key for attracting the luggage consumer today.

Product Feature: Luggage e ee

Briggs & Riley’s Transcend Collection features lighter weight yet durable bags.

Weight Class “Consumers are looking for light weight, light weight, and lightweight,” says Emran Sheikh, the owner of Heys International Ltd. And while it may sound akin to the old real estate adage, it’s the reality of this new terrain. “Baggage fees have turned the luggage industr y on its head, forcing luggage brands to introduce lightweight lines,” he says. “Traditional luggage that once weighed 16 lbs., like a 30” size, is now unsellable as it’s simply too heavy.”

“New lightweight materials used in the manufacturing of both hard and softside luggage, continue to be the focus of suppliers in the quest to deliver durable lightweight products to the consumer,” says Paul Hanley, the Director of Sales and Marketing at Samsonite Canada Inc. “Customers still want the bells and whistles, however it must be delivered in a lightweight package.”

With the influx of new, lighter bags and the numerous options that are available on the market now, it may seem like the answers are all there. But as David Sebens points out, “it’s easy to determine which is the lightest bag, but difficult to determine which is structurally going to give you the best performance over five to 10 years.”

“Baggage fees have turned the luggage industry as its head...”

Samsonite's B'Lite Spinner line combines elegance, lightness and excellent maneuverability with its multi-directional 4 wheels.

Four Wheel Drive “Maneuvering around airports, hotels and city streets can be ver y dif ficult on t wo wheels, says Rob Cochrane. “The creation of the four wheel luggage has made this a much easier and more enjoyable task.”

“Four wheel multi-directional spinners also continue to be c o n s u m e r p refe r re d, d u e to their performance and ease in transport,” says Paul Hanley.

Summer 2010 7

e ee Product Feature: Luggage Material World W hen it comes to making luggage lightweight, it’s no secret that the new, popular methods have significantly changed the landscape.

“The biggest developments since putting wheels on luggage are happening right now, says Rob Cochrane. “New materials such as polycarbonate are giving the customer everything they want.

It’s not only lighter than nylon cases, it’s also stronger.”

Products like the Samsonite Black Label Cosmolite spinners, which feature Curv ® technology, are an example of such innovations currently on the market.

This technology offers an advanced impact-resistant, lightweight material that provides strength and lasting durability.

The 27” Spinner weighs in at only 3.3 kgs., or 7.3 lbs., which is in line with consumer expectations.

“New developments in polymers and plastics will be key to the transformation in hardside luggage. The question becomes whether these new materials will be costeffective,” says Emran Sheikh. “The same question will be addressed by consumers, who will ultimately decide whether they prefer to spend an extra $50 for a luggage that weighs three pounds less.”

Size Matters Money also seems to be fueling decisions when it comes to the size of luggage that’s purchased. “People are either going to carry it on and pack it in a very focused, careful way, or if they’re going away for a substantial length of time, then 29” or 30” bags are still very, very popular,” David Sebens says.

“You’re being charged per bag, so you might as well try to use one bag and hopefully be under the weight limit,” he says. “But if you’re going to be charged for going over the weight limit, then one larger bag is better, rather than paying for two or three individually.”

Samsonite’s innovative Black Label Cosmolite spinners resist impacts and are lightweight and durable.

Prints add Personality “Luggage today has truly become a fashion accessory,” says Paul Hanley. “Consumers still demand a quality product, however now they also expect a much more fashionable piece, paying attention to colours and prints.”

“The transition from ‘bold’ colours to ‘bold’ prints is what we believe the future trend to be,” says Emran Sheikh. “As more colourful options enter the market, unique i n d i v i d u a l i ze d p r i n t s w i l l become more popular, as the luggage category becomes more of a fashion statement for consumers. Artistic prints a re th e n ex t ste p in th e evolution of ‘ fashionable’ luggage.” e

The Monarch series from Heys embodies the “luggage as fashion accessory” trend with its bold prints.

8 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

e ee Cover Story

*Only 43% of companies give loss prevention training to management

*73% act alone *69% of

fraudsters were 30-39 years old

(*Source: KPMG Global Retail Loss Prevention Survey 2009)

10 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Cover Story e ee

Retail Fraud: Loss Prevention and Profit Protection

By Mark Hayes

Fraud is a cancer on retail industry in Canada and it’s spreading by the minute. Industry Canada reports that the retail sector directly contributed $74.2 billion to Canada’s GDP in 2009 and, according to a survey conducted by KPMG International, shrinkage margins range from 3-5 per cent. Care to do the math?

That said, retail fraud is big business in Canada, yet over 90 per cent of companies remain satisfied with their management of loss prevention (LP). Randy Nelson is the President of Pro Active Measures, a retail loss prevention consulting firm that works closely with the Retail Council of Canada, and he believes there are many ways to improve your LP standards and save a ton of money. “Every dollar that a business owner loses is pure profit,” Nelson suggests. “Say you suffer from a 5 per cent loss due to shrinkage, if you sell $1 million a year, that’s $50,000 of pure profit!”

Too many companies believe shrinkage is difficult to reduce, but it’s not. There are simple in-house solutions to safeguard your bottom line and keep your money where it belongs—in your bank account.

Inventory Counts

Accurate inventory counts are as easy as one, two, three and yet stock counting is often the most neglected job in a retail business. Nelson explains, “If you count 25 purses when you only have 20—it doesn’t matter if you sell every item, it will still be misconstrued as a loss.” These paper errors happen all the time and can have a devastating impact on your company’s profitability.

Often, stock is counted at the end of the day when employees are tired and their focus is directed elsewhere. Try having your employees count stock at the beginning of a shift. And make it as comfortable as possible. If they are counting before you open or in a stock room, for example, allow your staff to wear street clothes, let them plug into their iPod or even buy them a coffee —if they are fresh minded and comfortable, you will get better results. Also, randomly check their counts for accuracy. If the numbers are correct, provide a small bonus for good work.

You would be surprised how much motivation a $10 gift certificate can impart.

Pay Incentives

Money talks. So it’s no surprise a large proportion of companies use pay incentives to encourage company loyalty. “You can set up a tips line that employees can call anonymously and provide information about a fellow employee who is defrauding or

*Over 90% of companies remain satisfied with their management of stock shrinkage

Summer 2010 11

e ee Cover Story all the time.” Employees need to be trained to react appropriately to these alarms.

Nelson insists, “A sales associate’s job isn’t just ringing in sales and providing customer service: loss prevention should be part of their daily responsibility.”

*69% of fraud cases were internal

e

Security Cameras

e

Floor Walkers

Your store doesn’t have to resemble Fort Knox, but strategically placed securit y cameras can act as a great shoplifting deterrent for both internal and ex te r n a l c r i m e. T h e o p p o r t u n ist a n d professional will be less likely to shoplift if big brother is watching. According to Nelson, if your budget will allow it, security cameras can work wonders.

As for hidden cameras, there are some impor tant measures to take into consideration before installation. “There is l e g i s l a t i o n to p ro te c t e m p l o ye e a n d customer privacy,” Nelson warns. “Keep the lens away from sit ting rooms, washrooms, fitting rooms and employee change rooms, and never record audio.”

If you have a specific shrinkage problem in your store and money is an issue, Nelson suggests renting the cameras until the problem is solved.

Hollywood suggests floor walkers lurk behind display cases with fake moustaches tailing teenage shoplifters— but that’s not really the case. Given the right environment, they can save you thousands a year. Every big box store uses them, and for good reason—they work. But there is a catch. “Small and midsize stores won’t benefit as much as the big guys,” Nelson explains, “there’s not enough floor space to walk and observe.” Most travel goods and handbag retailers would be better off investing their money on another form of loss prevention.

“Too many companies believe shrinkage is difficult to reduce, but it’s not.”

stealing,” Nelson suggests. Tips lines are a great tool to combat internal theft in the luggage and handbag industry as most operations have young sales associates with a high turnover rate; making the potential of a cash reward very attractive.

e

Electronic Article Surveillance Tags

Set ting up an Electronic A r ticle Surveillance (EAS) system can be costly, but research shows that over time, the return on investment can make it worthwhile.

EAS tags act as a great deterrent for the opportunist thief. “High end products in particular are very attractive to someone w ho ordinarily doesn’t steal,” Nelson explains. " They look around, see that nobody is watching, and with no EAS tag there’s less chance of alarms going off at the door.”

But how many people have accidentally set an alarm off only to have an employee wave them on saying “go ahead—happens 12 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

e

Customer Service

Customer service is not a department, it’s an attitude—and with proper staff training it should cost absolutely nothing.

According to the Retail Council of Canada, “In 2009, only 67 per cent of employees received formal training.” The scary thing is, the training provided was on product k n o w l e d g e, c u s to m e r s e r v i c e, s a l e s techniques, and health and safety—not loss prevention. Customer service and LP, however, work hand in hand.

F o r e x a m p l e: A c k n o w l e d g e e v e r y customer that walks in your door; the honest customers love it and the potential thieves hate it. “Set up a policy that insures every customer is greeted within 10-15 se c onds of walk ing into your store,” suggests Nelson. Making a verbal acknowledgement engages the honest customers in a positive way and simultaneously puts the potential thief’s guard up and lets them k now you’re watching.

Cover Story e ee

e

Vendor Fraud

Untrustworthy suppliers are a reality.

The most prevalent form of vendor fraud is the infamous double invoice. This form of theft can be tricky to prosecute as t h e v e n d o r s w i l l u n d o u b te d l y p l e a d ignoranc e and say it was an honest mistake. You can purchase software to ensure you never pay the same bill twice, or simply keep better track of your cheques and balances.

“Vendors have also been known to be in cahoots with employees,” Nelson offers.

“The vendor might approach an employee and say ‘I’ll ship you 20 items but you’re going to say you received 30 and I’ll give you money under the table’ which is a rare occurrence, but does happen.” One way to lower the chance of vendor fraud is to minimize the amount of people who deal with them.

e

Refunds

e

Debit Fraud

*71% steal with a value less than $100,000

Out of the countless methods that employees use to manipulate the system, fraudulent refund transactions remain at the top. “Say you come in and purchase a $100 piece of luggage, I ring it into the register, you pay cash and leave without the receipt, Nelson explains. “When nobody is looking I can do a refund and pocket the money.” This happens every day.

To c o m b a t f a k e r e t u r n s , c o n s i d e r recording the customer’s information on all refund transactions. “Have management follow up with the customer to see what was wrong with the product and if there is anything you can do to fix it,” Nelson suggests. “If the phone number doesn’t exist or the person on the other end doesn’t know what you’re talking about, you may have an internal theft problem.”

Shielding the pin pad with your hand will only protect you so much. Debit fraud in Canada is bigger than you think.

Small and mid-sized retailers often believe they’re not affected by debit fraud, but that’s simply not the case; in reality, they are more victimized. Retail Organized Crime (ROC) units target the smaller guys because often they don’t have proper security measures in place. Nelson breaks i t d o w n, “ D e b i t re a d i n g d ev i c e s a re swapped either by bribing an employee to turn a blind eye or by covertly swapping when nobody is watching.”

Once a terminal is swapped, they have full access to your customer’s banking information. It takes seconds to lose a customer’s trust and a lifetime to earn it back. Good thing is, there are some simple safeguards you can implement right now which cost absolutely nothing. According to C a n a d a’s C o n s u m e r M e a s u re s Committee, “When customers are making debit purchases, ensure that they have sufficient privacy to securely enter their PINs. Place shields on P.O.S. terminals and Summer 2010 13

e ee Cover Story

“Be mindful where you put your big ticket items. If you have a $1000 Louis Vuitton handbag, don’t keep it by the exit — keep it by the register”

check the terminals regularly to verify that equipment has not been tampered with.

Locate security video cameras so that they cannot record the entry of customer PINs.” “It’s a good idea to record your debit machines’ serial numbers and do audits on a regular basis to ensure the serial numbers match,” adds Nelson. “Also, make sure the debit readers are not accessible when not in use—keep them under the counter.”

e

Cash Handling

The fewer hands the better. Diminish the chance of cash theft or negligence by streamlining and simplifying your cash handling procedures.

Consider allowing your employees to make cash deposits directly to the drop safe. This will securely associate the employee to the money being deposited and make them responsible for the envelope’s contents. Restaurants deal with large sums of cash every day and most have adopted this method. It increases accountability and reduces chances of theft.

Also, if possible, try implementing a joint responsibility policy. Have two employees p repa re a dep osit to gether— this w ill strengthen accuracy; furthermore, they will hold each other accountable for any theft or negligence.

e

Counterfeit

Cold hard cash is the most liquid method of payment. A recent survey of Canadian retailers by the Bank of Canada shows consumers pay with cash 35 per cent of the time. Scar y thing is, they estimate over $6 million worth of fake bills were accepted in 2008 alone. Don’t just check the $20’s, $50’s and $100’s—most fraudulent bills are in small denominations.

And contrary to popular belief, checking the authenticity of cash is no slower than authorizing a debit or credit card transaction.

Go to www.bankofcanada.ca/en/banknotes for easy ways to check your bills.

e

MERCHANDISING

Product placement plays a big role in loss prevention. Be mindful where you put your big ticket items. If you have a $1000 Louis Vuitton handbag, don’t keep it by the exit—keep it by the register. Feel free to use cable locks or EAS tags. But beware.

“It is possible to go too far in physically s e c u r i n g a p r o d u c t ,” s a y s N e l s o n .

“Remember, you want the customer to be able to touch and feel the product. Putting items in a glass case or under lock and key can prevent sales.”

Also, maintain a full field of vision from the P.O.S. Hanging banners and 20 foot displays can impede your vision and thieves will use these obstacles to their full advantage.

While there are a host of fraudulent activities threatening your bottom line, as you can see there are just as many easy solutions to the problem. Implementing them isn’t tough, it’s simply smart business. e

14 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Painted With Passion

e ee LLHA News

President's Message On behalf of the LLHA Board, I would like to thank all exhibitors and buyers for their participation in this year’s very successful show! I had many compliments about the enhancements we made to the show and want to thank MediaEdge Communications and the show committee for an outstanding job. A special shout out goes to Gail Grant and Catherine Genge who worked tirelessly to ensure that the show was a success.

Congratulations to our Industry Award Winners for 2009; all are well deserved. I also want to thank those who came out to our President’s Reception. We took a gamble on moving the date to the Sunday evening and it sure paid off! This was the most well attended party in recent memory. Together, we also raised $1,735 for breast cancer research. I hope all had a great time socializing and catching up with old friends. You can see many pictures from the party and the show at our association website: www.llha.ca.

On a personal note the Board wishes Ron Ste. Marie well and we hope he has made a complete and speedy recovery.

Every year it seems that our industry has a new obstacle to overcome. This year it is supply issues in the Orient. As in the past, hard work and patience will prevail, and I am sure that we will come out ahead at the end of the year.

It’s hard to believe that 2010 is more than half over. As we prepare for the Back to School and Christmas periods, we hope that you took time out this summer to enjoy friendships and family!

Stay safe!

Paul Hanley, LLHA President

Luggage, Leathergoods, Handbags and Accessories Association of Canada (866) 872-2420 Fax: (519) 624-6408 info@llha.ca • www.llha.ca

CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE!

Every year at the President’s Reception, the LLHA recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of certain individuals and companies for their contributions not only over the last year but also for their longstanding support of the industry.

This year, the Supplier of the Year Award went to ACI Brands Inc. From humble beginnings, starting out in 1981 as a ladies’ fashion wallet supplier on Buchan Street in Montreal, the company now boasts a 120,000 square foot facility in Oakville, Ontario and is a multi-divisional supplier of consumer products across all Canadian retail channels.

The LLHA also recognized Judy Fargey of Spectra Agency as the Sales Rep of the Year after over 30 successful years in the industry.

Based out of Calgary, Fargey reps jewelry, handbags, clothing and accessories across the western provinces. She is well-loved and respected by her colleagues and her clients, and is well deserving of this honour.

The Retailer of the Year Award went to a company that is celebrating its 10th anniversary, Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre. Led by Ron Pradinuk, Journey’s has grown into a multifaceted travel retailer offering vacations, vaccinations, tanning, travel apparel, luggage and travel accessories, and even key advice via Ron’s weekly column and travel show.

Congratulations to all!

Retailer of the Year: Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre

16 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Supplier of the Year: ACI Brands Inc.

Sales Rep of the Year: Judy Fargey, Spectra Agency

LLHA News e ee THE NEW HST TAX AND ITS IMPACT

ATTENTION BUYERS! WE NEED YOUR OPINIONS FOR OUR LLHA SHOW E-SURVEY! Take five minutes to tell us what you think and we will enter you into a draw for the chance to win $500 in show bucks to spend at the 2011 LLHA Show!

The LLHA has developed a series of questions regarding the LLHA Show, that will enable us to continue to improve this annual event for you.

To complete the survey, simply visit www.llha.ca and click on "Buyer Survey" at top right on our home page. We thank you for

your thoughts and feedback. And, as always, if you have something to say, we want to hear about it. Please email Catherine at info@llha.ca.

LLHA MEMBERS: Have you checked your on-line member listing?

Please check your FREE listing on the LLHA website.

Go to www.llha.ca, click on the “Search Members” or “Search Brands” link and email any changes to Catherine@llha.ca.

As of July, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) has replaced the Ontario Retail Sales Tax (PST @ 8%) and is now combined with the Federal Goods and Services Tax (GST @ 5%) to create a single, value-added sales tax which will apply at a rate of 13%. The same GST number that has been assigned to businesses will be used for the HST. Suppliers will be responsible for charging the appropriate taxes on goods they are shipping to their retailers based on the retailer’s place of business. For example, if a supplier is shipping goods to a B.C. retailer, they will have to apply HST at the B.C. rate. If they are shipping goods to a retailer in Ontario, they will have to apply the 13% Ontario HST rate.

As a general rule of thumb, if you are charging GST on a product or service now, you should charge HST on those products or services, though there are certain exceptions that may apply. To make the transition to the harmonized system as smooth as possible for your organization, it may be advisable to consult with a tax specialist to create your own HST implementation strategy.

The provinces in which the HST applies include Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Quebec (partially with the QST) and British Columbia (as of July 1, 2010 at a 12% rate). Generally the HST is charged at the rate applicable in the province in which a good or service is provided.

To access more information on the HST, please visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra.gc.ca or the Ontario Ministry of Revenue’s HST website at www.rev.gov.on.ca/en/taxchange/ index.html Important HST implementation & transition dates: May 1, 2010 – Companies are required to have been collecting HST as of this date, on property and services to be provided on or after July 1, 2010.

October 31, 2010 – Any PST outstanding will become payable.

November 1, 2010 – No PST adjustment will be permitted at point of sale (i.e. no refund of PST from vendor for returned or exchanged items).

Does your company have a position to fill?

Did you know that you can post job openings for FREE as an LLHA member? If you are looking for agents, reps or employees, email Catherine@llha.ca and include the position, description and contact info.

NOT AN LLHA MEMBER YET? Visit www.llha.ca and click on the Membership link to complete the online LLHA Membership Application.

Becoming a member is easy and the best way for your business to grow! Check out what membership in the LLHA has to offer: The LLHA Show…the largest Luggage, Leathergoods, Handbags and Accessories Show held in Canada. The market place for buyers and sellers to focus on the most influential and inspired brands. The place to be if you are looking to be part of today’s retail culture! April 10-12, 2011 at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Additional Membership Benefits include:

MARK YOUR CALENDAR The show dates for the next year’s LLHA Show are April 10-12, 2011 at the Toronto Congress Centre. For more information or to reserve your space, please contact Richard Swayze at 416-512-8186 ext. 246, or Toll Free: 1-866-216-0860 or at richards@mediaedge.ca

• Industry Statistics Reports • Copy of LLHA Show Attendance List • Annual President’s Reception • Free listing of your Company and Brands and more on our new and improved website!

• Annual AGM Meeting (Your opportunity to be heard!)

• Guest Speakers and Seminars • Free Subscription to TGF&A Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine • And much more….

JOIN US AND BE A PART OF IT ALL!

Summer 2010 17

e ee 2010 LLHA Show in Review

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The 2010 LLHA Show – An Exciting New Chapter!

In 20 0 9, MediaEDGE Communications, a leading magazine, conference and trade show company, became the new show management firm and media partner for the LLHA Association. For its 30th “Pearl” Anniversary, the LLHA Show then underwent a transformation at every level — from the exhibitors to its layout and features to its new website and more.

Some of the LLHA Show highlights: • The Pearl Lounge was a comfortable oasis for some much needed downtime to unwind, or catch up with colleagues, or to wheel and deal with an important buyer. The complimentary cappuccino, espresso and gelato kept visitors coming back.

• The New Product Showcase featured the hottest new products at a glance, and included an exciting competition with buyers deciding on their 3 ‘Best’ for 2010.

• The Pearl Anniversary edition of the President’s Reception was held on the Sunday evening and had its biggest attendance in memory. Guests enjoyed 18 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

The result? The 2010 Show cemented its reputation as the premier industry event for Canada’s top manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, buyers and agents. It featured 20% more floor space, over 30 exciting new exhibitors, an increase in attendance and many compliments on the new layout with its elegant central boulevard entrance and upscale feel throughout the aisles.

some great R & R with prizes, dinner and dancing, lots of faux pearl jewellery to be worn, and a “blast from the past” s l i d e s h o w o f p r e v i o u s LLH A participants.

• The AGM and E xhibitor Welcome Reception on Saturday, April 24 took place just outside the show in the North Hall Lobby, and was also very well attended.

• U.S. Fashion and apparel industr y expert, Marshall Cohen of the NPD Group arrived on Monday, April 26 to inform and entertain us about what’s in store for the coming year according to NPD's in-house research.

• The Spring 2010 Show Edition of TGF&A magazine was the biggest issue to date, and included the Show Guide and over 50 pages of great articles and images, industry tips and all the latest news.

The New Product Showcase displayed some of the latest and greatest exhibitor offerings for 2010 in an elegant series of glass cases at Show Entrance.

Visiting buyers had the chance to complete ballots to choose 3 award winners, and each buyer was entered into a draw for the chance to win an iPod Touch 8GB. The lucky winning retailer was Pamela Lewis from the HBC’s Torbram Rd office.

2010 LLHA Show in Review e ee

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1. Fred Fitzhugh & David Niemy of Holiday Group enjoying the Reception 2. Chris Hobrecker of Kelly’s and Pat Bechard of Bags N’ All with Wasfy Boktor from Mancini 3. Jason Goraieb of ACI Brands accepts award for Supplier of the Year 4. Judy Fargey of Spectra accepts Sales Rep of the Year award 5. Retailer of the Year award is accepted by Ron Pradinuk of Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre 6. LLHA Director Joe Iannuzzi of Throat Threads presents Alex Whiteside of Derek Alexander with his Blackberry Pearl door prize 7. John Bros of Holiday Group was the lucky winner of the Acer Aspire laptop door prize 8. Bobi Juric from Raindrops wins the top door prize, a genuine string of pearls! 9. Relaxing with a cappuccino or gelato in the new Pearl Lounge 10. The gang’s all here…LLHA Director Harry Restoukian and wife Aurora, with friends from Laco Sac, La Roche, Fashion Imports and H & V 11. The pearls were everywhere, the dance floor included! 12. Gilles Stringer of L’Univers du Bagages and friends enjoy some wine tasting 13. At the writing table in the Briggs & Riley booth 14. It was all smiles at the Heys booth 15. A busy return to LLHA it was for Samsonite 16. Handling the demand with style at the Sayan booth 17. Catching the action in the High Fashion booth 18.

Emran Sheikh of Heys accepts his LLHA award for Best Booth (large) from LLHA President Paul Hanley 19. LLHA President Paul Hanley presents Gary Lau of Macy Fair with his LLHA award for Best Booth (small/medium) 20. Checking out some great bags at Hedgren 21. Show Entrance and the New Product Showcase 22. The LLHA Association’s elegant new booth display

And congratulations go to our 3 exhibitor winners: B e s t O ve r a l l Pr o d u c t — “D elsey Helium Cross 27” Upright” from Samboro Luggage Most Innovative Product — “The Saress” Beach Dress from Canadian Gift Concept Most Likely to Buy Today — “Cabrelli & Co. Laptop Roller-Brief" from Cabrelli Ev e r y ye a r a t t h e P re s i d e n t ’s Reception, the LLHA also recognizes and celebrates those individuals and companies who have made exemplary contributions to the industry, and for being good role models and long-term s u p p o r t e r s . T h e LLH A’s B o a r d o f Directors reviews the annual submissions which are nominated by their peers and selects the winners.

The awards for 2009-2010 went to: • Supplier of the Year: ACI Brands Inc. • Retailer of the Year: Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre • Sales Representative of the Year: Judy Fargey, Spectra Agency

• Best Booth Award (Large): Heys International Ltd. • Best Booth Award (Small/Medium): Macy Fair Inc. A n o t h e r a t te n d e e h i g h l i g h t a t t h e President’s Reception was all the exciting door prizes that were handed out. This year’s prizes included a string of genuine pearls, a laptop, a Blackberry “Pearl” and some great wine bags too. Congratulations to everyone who went home with a prize!

In addition to the delicious dinner, net working oppor tunities, awards & prizes, the wine tastings, the music and

more, the President’s Reception is also an important opportunity for the LLHA to raise money for charity. This year, the LLHA donated over $1700 to breast cancer research through its toonie-abeverage ticket sales.

Don’t miss our 2011 LLHA Show! Plans are already underway for next year. We look forward to an exciting future including new buyer features, great speakers, dynamic new product offerings, new sponsorship opportunities and much more. Mark your calendars now for 2011 and don’t miss it! e

BE A PART OF THE LLHA SHOW IN 2011: April 10-12, 2011 Toronto Congress Centre For more information on the LLHA Show and TGF&A Magazine, visit: www.LLHAshow.com or contact: Richard Swayze Tel: 416-512-8186 Ext 246, or Toll Free: 1-866-216-0860, Email: richards@mediaedge.ca

Summer 2010 19

e ee 2010 LLHA Show: Product Spotlights

Here are some of the great products exhibited at the 2010 Show…

Anuschka /an-ush-ka / n. like no other. Anuschka® is a unique creation that blends art and functionality with élan. It is the premier hand painted brand available at select boutiques internationally. As the only family-owned, designed and manufactured hand-painted handbag, it offers head turning fashion and unrivaled quality at an incredible value.

Our exciting new collection includes gorgeous floral patterns, exotic tribal art and vibrant paisley and southwestern themes.

Anushka Handbags (905) 266-0625 • customerservice@ anuschkaleather.com www.anuschkaleather.com

Balanzza Mini Digital Scale Avoid overweight luggage fees with the new Balanzza mini. This unique travel item is a step forward in digital scale design. It is the lightest, smallest and most compact scale on the market. Its ergonomic shape lets you lift objects easily and safely. The patent pending process of lift, wait for the beep and set it down makes it the most easy to use scale in the world!

Antler Duolite Fashion Import is very proud to present the incredibly lightweight Duolite collection from Antler. Known for exceptional quality, design and function, Antler has created a unique hybrid look made of durable 1200D material and a high shine ABS backing. Some features include a TSA lock, racing wheels and an expandable main compartment.

With the largest piece only weighing 6.4 lbs, don’t be surprised if it just floats away.

Fashion Import 685 Montée-de-Liesse, Ville-St-Laurent, QC H4T 1P5 (514) 270-6540 • fashion@fashion-import.com www.fashion-import.com

Sidekicks are the essential shoes for the girl on the go.

They are comfortable and convenient foldable flats that go where you go and stow away in a matching clutch.

Simply roll them out for instant comfort, ease and style.

Once you wear them, you can't leave home without them!

Excellent for travel, formal events, office, nightlife or anywhere! Available in four great colours and sizes.

Canadian Gift Concept (866) 411-1043 • sales@canadiangiftconcept.com www.cgconline.ca

Leather milled to perfection with neutral metallic shades, simply unbeaten in the industry, CP 8730 belongs to the Central Park series. A side drawstring adds just enough detail without being over the top. Come and see firsthand why we have been leading in the industry since 1988. SRP $ 255.00.

Derek Alexander (888) 252-0006 • dalcanada@telusplanet.net

2010 LLHA Show: Product Spotlights e ee

For over 50 years, Fulton Umbrellas has been one of the world's premier umbrella brands offering innovation, seasonal fashion collections and unequalled quality. Our umbrellas include the lightweight and compact Tiny (retail $30.00), Minilite and Superslim (retail $25.00) and our automatic Open & Close selection (retail $35.00). We hold the Royal Warrant for the Queen of England and Fulton is the undeniable choice for any fashion umbrellas.

Fulton Umbrellas (Canada) Ltd. (416) 661-3493 • info@fultonumbrellas.ca www.fultonumbrellas.com

With fashion runways full of lace in all shapes and forms, Heys now introduces its LACE luggage design to its collection of Fashion Spinners. This lightweight case has a detailed lace print embedded on to its shell, giving it a beautiful and realistic look.

Heys International Ltd. 333 Foster Crescent, Suite 1, Mississauga, ON L5R 4E5 (905) 361-4000 • info@heys.ca • www.heys.ca

FX0344S Carry all/weekender Stylish allover snake PVC carry all/weekender with a separate bottom opening, zip closure, patent handles and reinforced bottom corners, and an adjustable shoulder strap with shoulder rest pad. Available in black, ivory turquoise, taupe and magenta. Wholesale price $35.00 / SRP $85.00.

FX0412S Handbag Large top zip satchel made of PU material with printed zebra lining, silver hardware, adjustable shoulder straps, size buckle adjustment, front silver studs, back zip pocket, inside zip pocket with cell phone and Blackberry open pockets. Available in black and grey.

Wholesale price $32.00 / SRP $85.00.

Holiday Group Inc. 4855 Des Grandes Prairies, Montréal, QC H1R 1A5 (514) 325-0660 • holiday@holiday.ca • www.holiday.ca

From Joanel’s Kharma Collection, you will find this group made in patent croco pattern material featuring three styles: a hobo, top zip and a satchel. It is now available in four trendy colors: black, red, grey and purple. With beautiful hardware and lining, and with the usual practical pockets and compartments that are a distinctive Joanel signature.

Joanel Inc. 2686 Chemin de la Petite Cote, Laval, QC H7L 5Z7 (450) 963-6069 • info@joanel.ca • www.joanel.ca

Controll Collection Controll features Samsonite’s technologically advanced dual Spinner wheel system for ultimate mobility, making it easy to navigate any obstacle you may encounter on your journey. Loaded with a superior organizational compartment and plenty of pockets, Controll is the perfect accessory for your get up and go lifestyle.

Samsonite Canada Inc. (800) 265-4933 • canada_cs@samsonite.com www.samsonite.ca

e ee 2010 LLHA Show: Product Spotlights

HZP02 Zeppelin is one of the latest lines featuring our signature water repellent nylon on a bag crafted for demanding use that looks distinctive. Space is the key and the bag is loaded with smart pockets and compartments in a lightweight body shape that will stand out in any crowd.

Hedgren is distributed by Landau Sacamoto Inc. 400 Stinson, Ville Saint Laurent, QC H4N 2E9 (514)745-7287 / (800) 295-7287 • info@hedgren.ca • www.hedgren.ca

The French designed Louies Berry collection gives you genuine almost real leather-feel like handbags with the best finishing touches in the industry. Trendy yet conservative, the Louies Berry France collection is attractive and suitable for every day, from work to dinner and for a wide variety of women of all ages.

Lemon Lime Inc. 555 Chabanel Ouest, Suite #M-39A, Montreal, QC H2N 2J2 (514) 656-5010 • info@lemonlimefashions.com www.lemonlimefashions.com

The French designed Louies Berry ladies handbags line is made with authentic ecotreatment material of the best synthetic leather ever made! The collection features light and comfortable multi-purpose and practical handbags with multiple compartments and functions.

Louies Berry Canada Inc. (514) 823-9269 • info@louiesberry.ca www.louiesberry.ca

Get your Sac O Grande “Gladiator” handbag today. Available in black & white, black & blue, black & purple, black & red, black & green or chocolate & brown. Order yours today!

OutSource Aim Imports Inc. / Sac O Grande (888) 510-9806 • info@sacogrande.com www.sacogrande.com

Contour Lite Hardside Collection The lightweight shell is made of 100% Polycarbonate with honey-comb embossing to prevent showing of scratch marks. A lightweight magnesium frame provides unmatched security and impact resilience. The deluxe interior features a divider and hanger for wrinkle-free packing. The four 360˚ rotation wheels ensure weightless multidirectional gliding. Featuring integrated TSA locks.

Delsey Luggage / Samboro Luggage Canada Corp.

(905) 305-1888 • info@samboro.ca • www.samboro.ca

Designer Handbags – What it takes to get it right!

Our Carlo G designer handbags are indispensable accessories due to their versatility. They are designed in innovative and exciting new shapes and textures, and offer durability, wearable comfort and organized utility. Our exciting NEW 2010 Fall Collections blend all of these attributes with eye catching metal accessories and trendy colours: Sty #HD0042 in BrownNatural-Taupe, (also Black-Gray-Purple), M.S.R.P. $69.95; Sty #HD-0022 in Black/Purple (also 4 other combinations), M.S.R.P. $79.95; and Sty #20-3024 in Multi, M.S.R.P. $78.95.

Joseph & Josef Imports Inc. Joseph Strul, President (905) 752-0475 • josephandjosefimports@rogers.com

CANADA’S NATIONAL INDUSTRY SHOW

April 10-12, 2011 Toronto Congress Centre, North Hall I-J

^^^ 33/(ZOV^ JVT Mark your calenders!

Don’t miss the LLHA Show, Canada’s annual showcase of simply the best products the industry has to offer. 3 valuable days to connect, learn, network and grow your business in our professional and elegant trade environment.

TRADE ONLY 16 Years or older

LUGGAGE, LEATHERGOODS, HANDBAGS AND ACCESSORIES ASSOCIATION OF CANADA

1-866-872-2420 | info@llha.ca | www.llha.ca

TGFA

Canada’s Voice for the Luggage, Leathergoods, Handabags and Accessories Industry

Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

For show information including exhibit, sponsorship or other promotional opportunities: Contact: Richard Swayze, Show Manager 1.866.216.0860 ext. 246 richards@mediaedge.ca

e ee Supplier of the Year

ACI Brands Inc. From humble beginnings in 1981, marketing fashion wallets to Canadian retailers from its home on Montreal’s Buchan Street, ACI Brands Inc. has developed into a multi-divisional supplier of consumer products, focused on all channels of retail distribution.

That growth and diversification over three decades has likely contributed significantly to ACI Brands’ selection as LLHA Supplier of the Year.

“We are very honoured to receive this prestigious award,” says Jason Goraieb of ACI Brands Inc. “We look forward to ma ny m ore yea rs of ser v icing a nd supporting our retail partners with quality products and programs.”

Conveniently located in the Toronto area suburb of Oakville, ACI Brands LLHA President Paul Hanley presents Supplier of the Year remains entrenched and focused in the Award to Jason Goraieb of ACI Brands Inc. luggage, leather goods, handbags and accessories industr y, boasting such But whatever the product and whomever licensed brands as Samsonite, Calvin the customer, the company, according to Klein, Andrew Marc, Jones New York, Goraieb, simply prides itself on its Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, relationships with its family of retailers.

Guess, Nine West, Jessica Simpson, “We’ve always made it our objective to Ellen Tracy, and Disney among others. optimize customer sales and maximize AC I B r a n d s s u p p l i e s a n d h a s a profitability by soundly managing products customized program for every sort of while at the same time pursuing new and travel and fashion accessory retailer. exciting opportunities for growth.”

They are a key supplier to all retail ACI Brands is continually seeking ways channels, including department stores, to heighten their customers’ travel mass-department stores, specialty retail, experiences. They offer a broad assortment food and drug retail, airport retail, and of products that help the consumer travel o f f - p r i c e r e t a i l. T h e y a l s o h a v e a with greater convenience, organization, successful house brand, Maple Leaf comfort and security. Products within this Travel, products specifically designed for range include travel pillows, travel key Canadians who want to be identified as locks, baggage identification tags and Canadians when they travel. electric travel items, to name only a few.

e

Goraieb says that ACI’s brand presence in several categories is strong and unsurpassed, which is another reason for their selection as Supplier of the Year.

“For instance, we market the national brands Samsonite and A merican Tourister—two of the most powerful brands in travel,” he offers.

Thirty years is a long time to look back over, but Goraieb acknowledges the major part those many relationships have played in ACI Brands’ success.

“Please accept a very heartfelt thank you to all our associated partners who h ave re c o g n i ze d o u r c o n t r i b u ti o n s throughout the years and have given us their support.” e

e ee Sales Rep of the Year

Judy Fargey LLHA President Paul Hanley presents award to Judy Fargey.

e

24 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Spectra Agency

T h e j o ke J u d y Fa rg e y ’s customers recite is how “onesto p” s h o p p i n g a t S p e c t ra Agency sometimes lasts four or five hours.

“They start with our Donna clothing line and then move on to buy accessories, handbags, jewellery, and scarves,” Fargey s ays of h e r C a l g a r y- b a s e d company.

With its broad customer base, Spectra sells to shoe stores, handbag and luggage stores, ladies’ wear stores, and accessory and gift stores. It has represented Benchmade Leatherworks and Joanel Handbags for 20 years.

Fargey’s family move to Calgary from Montreal in 1970 started a chain reaction of events that eventually saw Spectra’s birth.

Retailer of the Year e ee

Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre Company president Ron Pradinuk likes to think of his award-winning store, Journeys Travel & Leisure Supercentre, as a one-stoptravel shop, but the connotations to that clichéd phrase end there because of Journeys unique qualities.

“We’re an all-encompassing, everything-youneed-for-travel store,” explains Pradinuk. “It starts off with luggage, then resort and swimwear and other clothing, travel accessories, and we also have the travel agency.”

Located about a minute from downtown Winnipeg, Journeys occupies 7,800 sq.ft., with the retail component being about 5,000 sq.ft.

During peak season, 20 staff members assist with customers’ varied needs.

What those customers get when they walk into Journeys, which is celebrating 10 years in business this year, is up-to-date accessories for security and comfort. And not only do they offer passport photos and six tanning beds, but there are also three nurses and a pre-travel clinic.

Pradinuk’s daughter, Hilary Pradinuk, is responsible for product purchases and, to a significant degree, the company’s success, especially on the fashion side.

The comprehensive amenities and services mean travelers never have to go to two locations to prepare for a trip, whether business or pleasure.

“Journeys is one of the largest travel agencies in the city and is meant for anything related to travel. Nobody anywhere to my knowledge has included nurses and a pre-travel clinic like this,” Pradinuk adds.

e

Journeys’ President Ron Pradinuk receives Retailer of the Year Award from LLHA President Paul Hanley

As a former president of the Canadian Association of Travel Agents who also owns and operates an advertising agency, Pradinuk took the germ of an idea that was generated at a critical time of change in the industry.

“Travel agencies had to switch from corporate travel to leisure travel, because that is where the commissions were”, he says. “Since we were already 75 per cent leisure, we had relatively little to switch to. The idea began then: what’s the future and how do I make sure that the

vibrancy of what I have continues?”

Journeys’ selection as LLHA Retailer of the Year is certainly a culmination of the vibrancy that started a decade ago. With his marketing background, Pradinuk organized some focus groups to get a sense of what travelers wanted. He took the information and research, added here and took away there, drew in the practical and discarded the impractical, all of which resulted in the full-range and all-encompassing nature of Journeys’ services and products.

“One of our slogans is ‘Around the world or around the block,’ but ultimately we are a place of expertise. Our customers come here for our knowledge,” Pradinuk explains.

“It is always an honour to get an award,” he continues. “It is an acknowledgement that what we have built is unique. An important part of that is that we have very strong relationships with our suppliers and customers. It is a recognition of our professionalism and integrity.” e

Sales Rep of the Year e ee

She was off and running (“and loving it,” she says) as one of the only female travelers at that time in the west. More experienced shoe travelers looked out for her and helped open a few doors.

“I learned not to take it personally when cold calls were truly cold, and I rarely gave up. In the end, I always got in the door to the accounts I felt would be best for our products.”

That perseverance paid off: she took on more lines and moved into a showroom in order

to form Spectra, which eventually expanded territory from the three prairie provinces to include British Columbia.

Over the years, Spectra’s product mix has taken several turns: handbags, jeweller y, scarves, luggage, body-wear and workout wear.

“I have loved every minute of my time in this industry and have made many friends that I worked for, and with, over the years.

Many of my customers have become close friends, and I stay

in their homes when traveling.

I’ve done my utmost to service them, protect them, and I try not to oversell my lines to overlap with their competition.”

Fargey attributes much of her success to her staff, without whom she could not function.

“Chris and Deanna, who work with me now, are the absolute best, as all of our customers will attest to,” Fargey adds..

Participating in virtually all wester n trad e sh ows a nd t r a v e l i n g w i d e l y, F a r g e y

acknowledges the physically and mentally demanding workload, but credits teamwork for Spectra’s success and longevity.

“I was most honoured and thrilled to receive this award and want to thank all the wonderful companies I work for. My sincere thanks must also go to all the wonderfully loyal customers and friends that I have worked with for so many years. They have made this award possible.” e Summer 2010 25

e ee Business Centre

This is Your Time

Rewriting the rules of retail has never been so important

By Marshal Cohen

[Editor’s Note: On Monday April 26th, Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst, The NPD Group, Inc., spoke to the LLHA show delegates in Toronto. NPD is the leading global provider of consumer and retail market research information, and Marshal has been a nationally-known US expert on consumer behaviour and retail trends for over 30 years. The following is an excerpt adapted from his presentation.]

26 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Accessories…the gateway to the retail recovery, right? But wait. Not so fast! Accessory manufacturers and retailers aren’t doing enough to entice the consumer back to last year’s consumption levels, let alone pre-recession time.

Instead, at the expense of accessories, footwear is taking the lead, stepping up as the top fashion and discretionary spend product. And the reason footwear is beating out accessories is simple: consumer connectivity.

You see, footwear has regained the passion consumers feel for shoes. Whereas accessories fall short, because without the connection, consumers have a hard time justifying the “investment”. Consumers today are thinking twice and even thrice before making a purchase.

What then is the accessory market doing to help consumers determine that there is value in an accessory? What is the travel bag market doing to take advantage of the renewed interest and investment by businesses to get on the road again? And where are all the great colors? We have a bored accessory consumer. The time has come to re-invest in fashion in the accessory business.

Yes, this means take a risk. After all, that is what fashion is all about: taking a risk and creating a product with passion.

What happened to us? Have we become so risk averse that we don’t mind boring the consumer to death? Are we OK with sending them elsewhere to discover new ways to feel fresh?

The time has come to get rid of old ideas, create new ones that excite and inspire, and ignite the passion back in the accessory consumer. It is time to change the messages we send, so that they speak to this new way of consumer thinking and reacting. Simply, it is time to re-write the rules of retail.

Accessories and travel bags have to accept that times have changed, that we no longer deal with a

conspicuous consumption consumer who buys anything and everything with a logo no matter the cost or size. The time when customers reached for bags the way a child reaches for a pacifier is over.

Now, we have a more cautious consumer, one I call the “calculated consumer”. These consumers think carefully before making almost any purchase.

They ask themselves a host of questions. Do they really want the item? Do they really need it? Can they get it elsewhere for less? Are there a lot of the items in stock, or do they need to act quickly? Will they be one in a million or one of a million?

So it’s up to you to educate the calculated consumer as to how your product fits in a new value equation, where value equals perceived value over cost, availability of product elsewhere, and at what cost. Value is no longer just the lowest price product, there are a lot more factors involved.

The secret to success today, and for tomorrow, is to dissect the accessory categories and determine what gives each of them a pulse, bearing in mind the industry drivers.

This is your time. Your time to re-write the rules.

Your time to be innovative and grow your business, speak to your customers, and most of all, communicate the new value equation, selling your product before the consumer even sees it. e

Marshal reveals the latest trends at his 2010 LLHA Show keynote seminar

Autographing copies of his second book: "Buy Me! How to get Customers to Choose Your Products and Ignore the Rest"

NPD’s Canadian Consumer Tracking Services for Accessories mails to approximately 10,000 Canadians each month and the results are representative of accessory purchases both nationally and regionally. This service launched in October 2009 and will give insights into market size, channel structure, brands and retailers, product features & usage, consumer profiles and a host of other important data.

For more information, contact Sandy Silva at sandy. silva@npd.com.

e ee 2010 LLHA Show: New Product Showcase Awards

Congratulations to the Winners of the 201

The New Product Showcase featured some of the hottest new products, in an elegant series of glass cases at Show their favourites from among the entries, to choose the ‘Best’ new product in three categories. Thank y

Best Overall Product: Delsey Helium Cross Trip – 27” Upright Since its inception in 1997, Samboro Luggage (Canada) Corp. has been a major distributor of luggage, travel accessories, and bags sold under the Samboro, Delsey, WestJet, and Bon Voyage luggage brands.

Their Delsey Helium Cross Trip – 27” Upright is attractive, light-weight yet durable, and has lots of pockets available for use.

However, according to Samboro president Ivan Lam, the defining feature of the line is its patents-pending Zip Secure Tech engineering, an innovation that considerably hinders attempts to break into the luggage by breaching the zipper. Thieves bypass locks on luggage by attacking zippers, explains Lam. “Often times, travelers don’t realize that their luggage has been compromised, because zippers without this technology can be easily broken into and then closed again. It appears as if nothing has happened.”

Zip Secure Tech technology reduces the chance that your luggage will be broken into and valuables stolen or dangerous materials planted among your personal belongings.

“I’ve asked people to try to break through this tough zipper with a ballpoint pen and the pen has broken,” Lam says.

Samboro has been supplying the luggage and travel goods industry since 1987. The new Delsey product lines, such as the “Delsey Cross-Trip Collection” with its innovative zipper, are now available in Canada as of the summer of 2010.

28 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

2010 LLHA Show: New Product Showcase Awards e ee

010 New Product Showcase Awards

Entrance. This new feature area included an exciting competition in which visiting buyers completed ballots to pick you to all the exhibitors who participated. The LLHA would like to congratulate our winners for 2010:

Most Innovative Product: The Saress® – The Ultimate Beach Dress The British designer who invented the Saress characterizes it as “sexy yet refined.”

The Saress appeared about four years ago and has been dubbed “the ultimate beach dress” targeted to women 25 yearsold and up who want to cover up at the beach, but want to do so elegantly. That’s according to key account manager Jack Manson of Canadian Gift Concept, the major distributor of Saress. In business for six years, the company specializes in bringing innovative items to the marketplace across Canada.

“Two loops in the top of the material allow you to cross one loop over the other loop where your arms go,” says Manson. “It’s available as a short dress or a sundown, which is sort of like a cocktail dress. One of the beauties of Saress (a rather poetic hybrid of “sarong” and “dress”) is that there are no knots, ties, or fasteners. It’s very simple to put on.”

Saress material is anti-static, won’t crease, and dries in seconds.

That makes it the perfect garment for beach cover-up, Manson notes. Canadian Gift Concept has found that many people are donning it as casual-wear around the house too.

“It’s very popular in Europe and is catching on in North America,” he says.

Most Likely to Buy Today: Cabrelli & Co. – Laptop Roller Briefs The Laptop Roller-Briefs are just one of the practical and aesthetically pleasing lines from the Cabrelli & Co. Fashion Executives collection.

According to Emilie Desruisseaux, Cabrelli & Co. sales and marketing coordinator, the laptop roller-brief is an excellent marriage of form and function.

“It’s a valuable asset for the traveling woman looking for the perfect combination of style, quality, function and value. The rollerbriefs have all the practical features of a small luggage with the stylish look of a large size handbag.”

Always cognizant of the need for a beautiful, sleek look, the Cabrelli product features a padded laptop compartment, rollerblade wheels and retractable handle, and a fashionable identification tag.

It is, of course, suitable size for carry-on for aircraft travel and has a durable yet light-weight construction that makes the bag easy to lift and manipulate.

“We are pleased to have been able to introduce our laptop bags as part of our Fashion Executives collection new this season,” adds Desruisseaux. “They are efficient and attractive. You can carry them comfortably like a handbag and have your laptop well protected at the same time.”

Exhibit in the 2011 LLHA Show and book your products into the New Product Showcase!

For more information: Richard Swayze, Show Manager 1.866.216.0860 ext. 246 richards@mediaedge.ca Summer 2010 29

e ee Marketing

Measuring Marketing

Impact

By Mark Ryski

Attracting new prospects into your store is critical to growing your business. And, while there is no shortage of ways to spend your precious marketing dollars, when it comes to measuring the impact of these investments, answers are scarce. Measuring marketing impact is an age-old problem in retailing and one that retailers across virtually every category struggle with – you’re not alone.

You won’t find the answer in the till The underlying assumption about marketing is that, in general terms, money invested in marketing should lead to an increase in sales.

Makes sense, doesn’t it? Marketing is supposed to attract prospects into the store, and if it does, you should be able to see the impact on sales. While the desire to increase sales is certainly the motivation behind most marketing efforts, the relationship between marketing and sales is not necessarily a direct one. Just about every retailer will remember a promotion like this at one time or

30 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

another: an event was launched, the store was definitely busier than normal, but at the end of the day the sales total was not much higher than normal. Conclusion: the promotion didn’t work. Or did it?

Why Sales is the Wrong Measure

Retail marketing investments can be measured, but not by sales results alone.

Marketing is several steps away from the sale. First and foremost, marketing is the catalyst for driving prospective buyers into the store. Once a prospect visits the store, to

a great extent, the marketing has done its job. It has created a sales opportunity for the store. The objective of marketing should be to drive qualified prospect traffic to the stores.

Once the prospect visits the store, she will look at merchandise, perhaps talk to a sales associate, and if everything goes well, she will make a purchase. In other words, this prospect will be “converted” into a customer.

But a lot can happen between the moment the prospect comes into the store and the final purchase. So is it fair to measure

Marketing e ee

marketing impact by sales alone? The answer is “no” because your marketing could have been wildly successful even though sales looked lacklustre.

Putting Results in Context

Here’s an example to illustrate. In order to drive sales, a one-day event was scheduled for the 3rd Saturday of the month. At the end of the month, management looked back at Saturday sales and the results were as follows: Sales were up on the 3rd Saturday compared to the 2nd and 4th Saturday, but not by much. Furthermore, sales on the 3rd Saturday were exactly same as the 1st Saturday – when there was no event. Based on these sales results, it would be reasonable to conclude that the marketing didn’t work.

Of course, we sometimes take solace in the notion that sales could have been worse if we hadn’t invested in marketing, but this argument is cold comfort. Unfortunately, this is exactly how most retail marketers measure the impact of their marketing investments.

Traffic and Conversion Change Everything

In order to truly understand if your marketing investments are paying off, you need to understand store traffic and customer conversion – that is, how many prospects visited the store (traffic count) and what percentage of these prospects actually made a purchase (conversion rate).

Now let’s look at the same four days,

but this time we’ll compare the traffic and customer conversion rates by day. The sales results don’t change, but how we feel about them certainly does. On the 3rd Saturday customer traffic in the store was up dramatically compared to the other days. T his suggests that the marketing was indeed effective at driving prospects to the store. Unfortunately, the customer rate dropped significantly. The good news: the event was very effective at driving prospects to the store; the bad news: the store was so busy, staf f couldn’t serve all the prospects and the conversion rate dropped dramatically.

The net result: overall sales looked about average.

Without counting traffic and measuring customer conversion, this retailer could have never known that their marketing was effective. As illustrated, analyzing sales results alone masked what really went on in the store.

Setting the right Marketing Objectives

When you invest money in marketing, one of three things should happen: (1) More prospects visit your store; (2) Your customer conversion rate increases; and/or (3) Some combination of 1 and 2.

Generally, you should expect to see more prospects come into your store if the marketing effort was successful. However, if

you did an exceptional job of targeting the right prospects, it may be that overall traffic volume didn’t go up dramatically, but conversion rates went up which s u g g e sts t h a t yo u r m a r ke ti n g w a s ef fe c ti ve at d r i v in g m o re q u a li f i e d prospects into your stores. If neither of these happened, then you need to re-consider your marketing strategy – clearly it’s not working.

Why Retailers are turning to Traffic and Customer Conversion

Business continues to be tough, budgets are tight, and retailers can’t afford to waste a nickel of precious marketing dollars on activities that don’t deliver results. Leading retailers are turning to traffic and customer conversion analysis to understand what their marketing dollars are delivering. While there is an investment required to buy traffic counters and analyze the data, in the end, you’ll save money and develop more effective marketing. If you rely on sales data alone to guide your marketing decisions, you’re flying blind. Traffic and conversion data will put your results in context and help you more effectively measure marketing results – and a lot more. e Mark Ryski is Founder & President of HeadCount Corporation, a retail analytics company and author of “When Retail Customers Count” www.headcount.com

Summer 2010 31

e ee Fashion Trends: Versatility and Summer 2010

32 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Fashion Trends: Versatility and Summer 2010 e ee

Bags That Really Have it All Four top trends that are taking consumer perceptions of bags to whole new heights.

By Lisa Charleyboy

The vertical carry-on garment bag by Briggs & Riley can be wheeled down the airplane aisle.

“Simplicity is making the journey of this life with just baggage enough.” Charles Dudley Warner.

“With the cost of traveling more accessible and businesses becoming more global, there has been an increase in travel for both personal and professional reasons,” says Joe Iannuzzi, Sales and Product Development at Throat Threads Apparel. “This has increased the need for more business-friendly travel cases, as well as laptop computer-friendly cases.”

This heightened demand has led to some significant developments, not only in identifying and assessing consumer needs, but also in addressing them through innovations in the bag sector.

Versatility is Virtuous

Reducing the amount of pieces that consumers carry and the amount of stuff they carry in them, is key in contemporary societ y, as ever y thing becomes more streamlined and electronics become smaller and more compact. Providing bags that can per form many dif ferent functions, and introducing new forms of usage, is fundamental to attracting customer purchases.

“To us, versatility is simplicity. Customers need their bags to carry as much as possible when required, but at the same time, they need their bags to be lightweight and organized,” says Julien Morichon, Brand Manager at Hedgren, distributed by Landau Sacamoto Inc. “Versatility isn’t just found in the number of pockets or dividers built into a bag, but in the range of options you offer to a customer by thinking through the practical use of the piece. That’s how our relationship with our customers is focused and keeps improving.”

“Duffels on wheels, from our classic line of travel bags, have been developed t h r o u g h experience in traveling from airport to airport.

It’s one of the only Hedgren’s duffels on wheels, can duf fels that can stand next to you even fully loaded. stand next to you even fully loaded,” says Julien Morichon. It’s also one that can easily be packed on one’s shoulder, should a customer find themselves in a place where there’s no elevator and carrying is the simpler solution.

Another bag that serves a multi-functional purpose is the vertical carry on garment bag by Briggs & Riley. “Instead of being a more traditional bag that’s by your side, it’s actually vertical, so you can wheel it down the airplane aisle. One side opens up to reveal a suiter, while the other side is a flat packing cage where you can neatly fit your clothes,” says Jim Lahren,

Vice President of Briggs & Riley Trave l wa re. “I t ’s a ve r y u n i q u e product that meets the needs of a particular customer.”

An extremely unique product that’s about to be introduced for sale is the ScooterBag. This is a line of hard case luggage that also includes the added functionality of a scooter built into the back panel. The purpose is for travellers who spend a lot of time in airports and want a way to get around quickly and efficiently. James Barnard, the President of ScooterBag Inc. says that they “see it as the evolution of luggage.”

Summer 2010 33 Lemon Lime TGFA 1-4.indd 1

12/04/10 3:34 PM

e ee Fashion Trends: Versatility and Summer 2010

“Reducing the amount of pieces that consumers carry and the amount of stuff they carry in them, is key...”

Two for the Price of One

B ags are c ontinuall y evolving, and i n c r e a s i n g v e r s a t i l i t y i s k e y. T h e additional function of having two bags offered in one neat package has great appeal for consumers.

At Hedgren, they offer a line of duffel bags in various sizes that can become backpacks, with their specially engineered straps. This type of function is great for the traveller who needs to cart around their items in different ways, according to varying contexts.

Another versatile Hedgren offering: Duffel bags that become backpacks.

For those who do overnight business, there’s also a solution for them, so they d o n’ t h a v e to c h e c k i n a n y b a g s whatsoever. “ We have a bag that’s designed to carry a laptop as well as

This Briggs & Riley bag can carry a laptop and clothing, and has a separate business case inside.

clothing,” says Jim Lahren. This Briggs & Riley bag has two sections, each designed specifically for specific storage purposes. It also has a laptop briefcase contained inside the tech portion of the bag that’s not only checkpoint-friendly, 34 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

but also serves as a fully functioning business case. “So if you’re in a meeting, you can pull that out and look professional, not having to worry about your laptop being in an inexpensive sleeve,” Lahren says.

Checkpoint Charlie

Consulting, predicts that in the future there will be wheeled carry-on cases that are also checkpoint-friendly “so someone could put their computer in their 20” case and just have it go through easily.”

Answering the demand for carry-ons with more packing space is this wider 20”from Briggs & Riley.

“ W h e n g o i n g t h r o u g h s e c u r i t y, consumers don't want to hold up the lines. They want to be able to go through them as quickly as possible,” says Dany Chalhoub, General Manager of Jack Georges, Inc. The move toward c h e c k p o i n t-f r i e n d l y l a p to p b a g s i s steadily increasing, and although the concept has been introduced in the market for a few years, many consumers are still not aware of the products available.

“Sav v y travellers are turning to checkpoint-friendly laptop cases and sleeves that enable screeners to have a clear view of the laptop while still in the case,” says Kathy Curtin, Vice President of Marketing and Administration at Travelon. “It also minimizes the risk that the traveller will inadvertently leave their Carry-Ons with Weight laptop at security. An additional and “To save money on hotels, car rentals, restaurants, etc., business trips have gotten shorter and faster. We often just fly for the day,” says Mark Golfman, President of Cabrelli Inc. “To avoid waiting at the luggage claim, people also try to fit all they need in a carry-on bag. They'll bring on the plane: a laptop, wa ll et, trave l d o c u m e nts, p e r s o n a l items, etc. Therefore the need for multifunctional carry-on luggage that looks stylish is greater than ever.”

Many people are now moving toward a 20” carry-on size, so they can also meet international requirements for on-flight luggage. What Briggs & Riley have done to accommodate this trend, is to widen their cases so there’s greater packing space available. “Typically international Travelon’s checkpoint-friendly laptop case leaves your laptop travellers would have to downsize and clearly visible yet protected. get a smaller bag, but now there’s a new bag called “the 20 inch” that’s even important benefit is that the laptop is wider, says Jim Lahren. “Because you’re protected, because it’s moving through shortening the height and widening the the x-ray machine in a protective case.” width, you end up with more cubic David Sebens, Managing Director of inches. Today, at least for us, that’s the Kobold USA and President of Sebens most popular style we’re rolling out.” e

“When going through security, consumers don't want to hold up the lines. They want to be able to go through them as quickly as possible”

EVOLUTION OF LUGGAGE Introducing a new type of carry-on

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e ee On the Road

Wireless Tips for a Wireless World

By Andrew Coppolino

Struggling through an often bewildering infrastructure of transportation services, different 220v electrical outlets, and unfamiliar languages and cultures is sometimes daunting and disorienting for even the seasoned traveler.

Add to that the complexity of staying connected in a wireless world where there are potentially billions of bits of information and data, and the anxiety mounts.

Even traveling within our own country—and perhaps our own city—requires us to stay connected with work and customers like never before.

More and more, we are no longer cloistered in offices and cubicles with laptops, netbooks, and WiFi. Instead, we bring the office with us when we travel, whether down the street to a local coffee shop or across the globe.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in the U.S. recognized this growing phenomenon when it sponsored “Wireless World Travel Week” in order to highlight how business travelers can connect while away from the office.

It might mean, of course, on the one hand, that the potential exists to be working during “down time,” but it can also mean higher rates of productivity when traveling away from the office.

“Wireless connectivity has been proven to make people work and feel happier if they have the choice to explore working in new environments,” said Karl Allen-Muncey. “It has also proven to aid in the organic use of collaborative working.”

Allen-Muncey is a principal with CuteGecko, a creative design agency and marketing communications firm in Waterloo, Ontario.

He comes from a smart city with its high-tech sector spearheaded

by BlackBerry monolith Research in Motion, a global leader within a piece of geography that is a hot bed of wireless connectivity.

“To start, create a wireless network and take advantage of 36 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

On the Road e ee obvious and free mail service from Google, Yahoo, or Hotmail,” Allen-Muncey says.

And forget your reliance on gravity: the first place to look for wireless connectivity is the sky, he adds. “Keep your files and data in “‘The Cloud’—that is the Internet.

“It’s easier and easier to work with and store documents, spreadsheets, and presentations online. But most importantly, you can work on these files with something like Google docs individually or collaboratively no matter where you are, and in real time.”

For more real-time sharing and collaboration, Drop-io (http:// drop.io) has become an essentially instantaneous application that allows one to upload pictures, music, and video easily and efficiently. Referred to as a “one-to-many” service, it permits files and data to be sent and received easily and is suited to sharing with large groups. A chat component is in the works (including apps for some cell phones), which will allow discussion while files are being sent.

Drop-io refers to itself on its website as the “first filesharing application to go fully ‘real time’” and is “the future of lightweight sharing and collaboration in general.”

With a plethora of information websites a click away, it has never been easier to stay up to date on events locally and globally. Even relatively small community newspapers now have web presences and “television-like” news reports that update developing stories and breaking news, as well as teasing online viewers with stories in the works.

Really Simple Syndication (RSS) is a feed of published information—news, blogs, audio and video—that is regularly updated. Subscribing to RSS feeds allow you to stay informed and current by being able to access your favourite websites from a desktop, laptop, or a mobile device.

The 100-million-user-strong rage right now is Twitter, the social network and microblogging service for sending 140-character messages called “tweets.”

Though tweets are accessible by anyone, senders can limit access to a list of subscribers referred to as “followers.” Tweeters

can let their followers know what they are doing at a specific moment in short statements: “Just saw the greatest looking line of luggage in Milan that I will be adding to our fall collection.”

Tweets can be sent and received through twitter.com, smart phones and anywhere short message service (SMS) is available, though phone fees may apply where applicable.

While Facebook has a business application, many believe that LinkedIn will continue to rocket to the forefront of social networking primarily because it is becoming a well-visited and businessoriented social networking tool. With 70 million registered users in more than 200 countries, LinkedIn is available in a half-dozen or so languages.

No matter where you are, you can keep in touch with business contacts (called “connections”) and invite people to join your “LinkedIn network.” Your LinkedIn site gives connections access and insight into the work you are doing and displays your business and professional profile while letting you stay current with what your connections are doing.

Traveling business people can also still stay in touch face-toface via such video-conferencing tools as Skype, Google Talk, and iChat.

The former is software that facilitates making voice calls over the Internet for free for Skype users. The system can also be used for instant messaging, file transfer, and video-conferencing. Many of these applications, Allen-Muncey points out, are available via a mobile device of your choice: BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, Windows Mobile, or iPad. These devices work in accordance with each person’s individual preferences and business needs. The main thing is not to be intimidated; just and jump in and try, recommends Allen-Muncey.

“Actually get out there and use these tools we have available to us to meet people and take the online conversation offline no matter where you are located.” e Andrew Coppolino , andrew@andrewcoppolino.com, is a freelance writer based in Kitchener, Ontario.

Summer 2010 37

e ee Industry News & Views Has your company won an award? Is your CEO retiring? Are you moving offices? Opening a new store? Have you hired a new sales team? Acquired a new line? Do you want to share your views on an industry topic or event, or comment on something you’ve read in TGF&A? Do tell…your industry colleagues want to know about it! Any brief notes can be sent to the attention of the Publisher, Richard Swayze, at richards@mediaedge.ca.

Joanel Launches Brands On-Line Joanel is proud to announce the launc h of its newly redesigned br and web sites at joa nel.ca, mouflon.ca, ugosan tini.ca and edgaran dsooky.ca.

You can also log on to the corporate sit e at ww w. joanelinc.ca for inf ormation and detai ls on the designer, advertising and useful links to the company’s brand we bsites. Look for mo re information to come !

Joanel also presen ted its fall collection at its first media event in Toron to on June 29 th. Ov er 25 dif ferent members of the media attende d from maga zines, newspa pers and television . It was a great success!

ROOTS Launches Two New Collections for Fall/Winter 2010

ROOTS has two new Fall leather collections from the Beaver Creek Collection and the Cross Stitch Men’s Leather Collection. Both feature all of the qualities that are synonymous with the ROOTS brand: quality, classic design, functionality, versatility. Whether it be a men’s or ladies’ wallet, each piece offers a multitude of card slots and pockets and all pieces are made from high quality smooth leather. The ladies’ collection is complemented by the beautiful round metal ornament bearing the ROOTS logo, while the men’s collection features tonal stitching. The collections are available in select stores in August for a limited time only. Men’s priced from $45, Ladies’ priced from $60.

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D ri v e , B 5 -2 3 0 -4 4 36 3 or 9 0 -5 4 9 -9 7 64 38 Travel Goods, Fashion & Accessories Magazine

Bagot Leather Go ods, Luggage Plus Celebrates 25 Year s!

Ki ng sto n, On tar ioba se d Ba go t Le ath er Go od s, Lu gg ag e Plu s is ple as ed to an no un ce its 25th An niver sa ry. Its fou nd er s inc lud e the co -o rg an ize rs of the LLH A (R on Pa qu ette) an d the CLL DA (G uy Pa qu ette). In 19 85 , the co mp an y op en ed its firs t ret ail loc ati on an d oth er s so on fol low ed. Af ter 9/11, the co mp an y re -a ss es se d its po sit ion an d clo se d all bu t on e sto re. It wa s a wi se de cis ion an d throu gh se ve ra l dif fic ult ye ar s, Ba go t Le ath er Go od s (B LG ) ha s em er ge d as a sig nif ica nt Ca na dia n ret ail er.

Th is ye ar brou gh t grea t ple as ure wh en BLG wa s re co gn ize d by th e RD EE ( Th e Na tio na l Fran co ph on e Ec on om ic De ve lop me nt Ne tw or k) as Fran co ph on e En ter pr ise of the Ye ar in On tar io, an d als o qu ali fie d for the RD EE na tio na l aw ard s.

BL G is ve r y pr ou d of th e re lat ion sh ip s an d pa rtn er sh ips tha t it ha s de ve lop ed ov er the ye ar s wi th its ma ny su pp lie rs an d cu sto me rs. Wi tho ut the se rel ati on sh ips we wo uld no t be the co mp an y tha t we are tod ay.

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