Despite the slowdown, family holidays have not taken a back-seat and this is good news for luggage retailers, says French luggage brand Delsey.

“Business travel may have come down, but people are not compromising on family holidays. They may not look at expensive locales, but people are still holidaying,” said Jacques Monmarson, Export Director, Delsey, at the launch of its exclusive outlet at Express Avenue Mall in Chennai.

Delsey has around 11 exclusive brand outlets in the country and is also present in departmental stores such as Shoppers Stop and Lifestyle.

The premium luggage brand is sold in over 130 countries worldwide across France, Germany, US, Japan, China and Singapore. Its main competition in the segment is Samsonite. In the home market of France, Delsey claims a leadership share of 30 per cent in the premium market.

Delsey provides a range of imported travel bags, suitcases and trolley bags in several colours, in the price range Rs 3,000-21,000.

Asked if Delsey has tweaked products to suit Indian needs, Monmarson said the globe-trotting Indian consumer is savvy about global trends. He or she also compares products online, before making a buy. Delsey is offering the same range that is available on shelves of retailers around the world, he said.

Delsey says its lightweight luggage undergoes rigid quality testing – loaded suitcases are dropped 26 times from a height in 26 different locations. The wheels are made to run 30 km on an abrasive surface, and sliding closures are opened and closed over 5,000 times.

The overall luggage market in the country is Rs 2,500-3,000 crore, growing at 15 per cent. The premium segment is around Rs 1,000 crore, growing at 25 per cent, said Anil Verma, Chief Operating Officer, Delsey India.

swetha.kannan@thehindu.co.in

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