The luggage market (suitcases and trolley bags) has witnessed significant growth in terms of volume in recent years.
This was due to the increase in the number of tourists and the extension of the travel season, with sales amounting to approximately 1.5 million units in the first half of this year, up more than 30% against the same period last year.
"The market is estimated to be worth around 30m euros and has posted an average growth rate of 30% over the past three years," stated Marilena Gheorghe, marketing manager with Lamonza company, which accounts for around a third of the designer products market.
She specifies that given the volume of counterfeit products available on the Romanian market, precise market figures are difficult to calculate and guarantee.
In H1 2007, Lamonza sold around 500,000 items of luggage (both horizontal and vertical suitcases), up 45% against H1 2006. By the end of the year, Marilena Gheorghe expects the company to retail over 800,000 items of luggage.
Lamonza is represented in Romania by Azad Enterprises, the importer and distributor of Lamonza, Kunst, Master products in the travel industry, business and sport bags, Bestoy on the toy market and Bestway inflatable products.
The company is owned by the Jordanian businessman Osama Saffarini. The main customers include Metro, Carrefour, Selgros and Cora.
Retailer interest in cities with a smaller number of inhabitants led to a market development at a regional level, and not just in intensely urbanised areas.
Lamonza luggage on average costs 48 euros for the medium size (61 cm) item, which is the most popular, adds Marilena Gheorghe.
On the premium segment, other brands present on the Romanian market include Samsonite and Delsey. The Samsonite, Lacoste, Timberland, Hedgreen, American Tourister "leather goods" distribution in Romania is handled by General Business System company, owned by Turkish businessman Kemal Bakirici, which is the sole importer and distributor in Romania.
By yearend, the value of sales of Samsonite products is expected to reach 3.1m euros, up 15% on last year. The value of Samsonite imports stands at 374,000 euros.
General Business System holds three stores in Bucharest's Marriott hotel, two stores in Bucharest's Sofitel hotel, Unirea Shopping Center and City Mall, as well a store in Carrefour Tom and stores in Tomis outlets in Constanta, Cluj, Craiova and Brasov. The company is also a distributor for other store networks.
An important factor in choosing a suitcase or a trolley bag, besides the materials the items are made from, are the accessories they have. In addition, warrantees and repair services are also an extremely important factor for these types of products.
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