Sales of bags and luggage continued to see strong double-digit growth in current value terms in 2024 supported by the recovery in both domestic and overseas travel. As travel becomes a more common part of the lifestyles of middle and upper-middle-income consumers in India so travel-related product spending has moved from discretionary to need-driven. Furthermore, increasing disposable income and rising interest in experiences over owning material goods is driving consumers to spend more on trave

The challenging consumer environment, characterised by rising living costs, job insecurity, and increasing unemployment, has forced South African consumers to be more cautious about their spending. Bags and luggage are seen as non-essential items for many consumers. South Africans who are known to be fashion-conscious and trend-driven, especially younger consumers, were choosing to trade down to cheaper brands during 2024. As a result, retailers reacted by introducing more entry-level lines, app

In 2024, Brazil’s economic environment has presented a blend of challenges and opportunities. While inflation rates have remained higher than anticipated, they have been relatively stable. However, tax uncertainties and an unexpected surge in the dollar’s value have led to cautious external investments. Despite these hurdles, the nation has celebrated its lowest unemployment rate in history, with a notably active workforce. Yet, the increased costs of basic goods, driven by logistical challenges

Although retail value and volume sales of bags and luggage in Germany remained below pre-pandemic levels in 2024, overall demand continued to improve compared to 2023. German consumers enjoyed being able to travel more frequently and many more returned to work at the office, leading to a greater need to purchase new bags and luggage in 2024. Nevertheless, despite a slower inflation rate compared to 2023, cautious spending was maintained throughout the year, with consumer confidence fluctuating o

In 2024, Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine severely affected bag and luggage consumption in the country. The war, which began in 2022, has resulted in an economic and demographic crisis. Millions of emigrants, many of whom were well-off former bag and luggage consumers, emigrated to other countries, where they remained in 2024.

In 2024, retail value sales of bags and luggage rose by 8% in Poland, with bags being the best performing category. Poland experienced a significant rise in international travel, particularly over the summer months, driven by competitive pricing from travel agencies and the growing appeal of popular destinations. However, despite this travel surge, luggage sales have unexpectedly slowed down, recording value growth of 2% in 2024 compared to 21% in 2023. Several factors contributed to this trend.

In 2024, sales of bags and luggage in the Netherlands experienced positive retail value growth of 6%. Compared to the previous year, growth was moderate yet steady, and consumers showed an ongoing interest in personal accessories and bags, with many willing to pay a premium for design and quality. Throughout 2024, promotional strategies continued to be key, aiding overall sales growth.

In 2024, retail value sales of bags and luggage in Taiwan grew by 5%, driven by a surge in overseas tourism. Following pent-up demand during COVID-19, tourism rose during 2023, and by July 2024, the number of outbound trips had almost reached 10 million, while inbound tourism remained less than half of this, with over 4.3 million visitors.

In 2024, retail value sales of bags and luggage in Romania saw a significant increase of 12%, with this growth largely attributed to the revival of travel and tourism. As international travel resumed and domestic tourism rose, demand surged for luggage, with a notable preference for durable and ergonomic luggage. Romanian consumers increasingly sought bags and luggage that not only fulfilled practical requirements but also reflected a sense of personal style. This growing interest in fashionable

 Bags and luggage in Sweden maintained a stable performance in 2024, with an improvement in retail volume sales compared to 2023, while retail value slowed slightly due to subsiding inflation. Travel demand in Sweden remained robust, with many Swedes continuing to take trips abroad. However, due to the rising cost of living, in 2023 and 2024 there was a noticeable shift towards shorter trips, both in terms of distance and duration. For example, travellers favoured closer European destinations ov

In 2024, the Turkish leather goods producer and retailer Derimod continued to open new outlets, renovate existing outlets and invest in its e-commerce platform. The company announced it would increase its store network in Turkey from 88 to 100 at the end of 2025. The retailer had begun to expand its store sizes from 150-200 square meters to 350-400 square meters in its newly opened stores. The added space is designed to offer a better shopping experience where consumers can buy a wider range of

K-Culture continues to exert a strong influence on consumer preferences in Thailand, driving demand for bags and luggage in 2024. While the trend is not entirely new, its enduring appeal remains supported by the younger generation’s enthusiasm for all things Korean. This influence has been particularly visible at Siam Discovery, where 15 new Korean-fashion brands, including K-Fashion 82 and the Carlyn pop-up boutique, were introduced. Brands such as MLB, Stand Oil (known for its Stand Oil Chubby

The combined market for bags and luggage in the Philippines continued to expand in retail volume terms in 2024. The ongoing shift from hybrid to on-site work and schooling has driven a rise in demand for bags, particularly for school and work purposes. This trend is further amplified by the growth of social media platforms like TikTok, where live selling and fit checks - short videos showcasing how different accessories fit into everyday styles - encourage purchases. These videos often feature y

Bags and luggage in Malaysia saw an accelerated trend towards casual bag designs - particularly tote bags – in 2024, mainly driven by the country’s younger consumers. Denim bags have made a notable comeback as a contemporary accessory, featuring a modernised twist on the classic material. The Charles & Keith Bethel denim chain-handle tote bag exemplifies this trend, offering an extra-roomy interior that caters to practical needs while maintaining a stylish appearance.

Sales of bags and luggage saw a generally positive performance in France in 2024, with growth in luggage stronger than that seen in bags, in both value and volume terms. Meanwhile, bags slipped into a slight negative decline in volume in 2024, compared to a stronger performance in 2023.

Bags and luggage in Spain was impacted by the country’s economic context in 2024. Spaniards are facing mounting economic challenges as disposable incomes continue to decline, exacerbated by inflation remaining relatively high in 2024. The rising cost of living is being felt across both essential and non-essential goods, putting pressure on household budgets and influencing spending priorities. This economic strain has particularly impacted discretionary categories, with consumers increasingly ca

As Singapore has returned to normality with the reopening of borders and the resumption of physical attendance in schools and offices, the recovery of bags and luggage sales, which began in 2021, has continued steadily. However, the rate of volume and current value growth has slowed compared to the rapid gains seen over the previous three years, largely due to rising living costs prompting more cautious consumer spending. However, while volume sales of bags have not yet returned to pre-pandemic

Consumers’ desire to prioritise spending on travel and/or experiences in 2024 is set to positively influence sales in certain bags and luggage categories in the US, such as luggage, backpacks, and duffel bags, although rising costs continue to influence consumers’ purchasing decisions. Indeed, in 2024 30% of US consumers reported plans to increase their spending on travel/holidays, up from 25% in 2023 (Euromonitor International’s Voice of the Consumer: Lifestyles Survey, fielded January to Febru

In 2024, bags and luggage in South Korea is expected to maintain retail current value growth, although volume sales are set to see little movement, and will fail to return to the pre-pandemic (2019) level. Although luxury handbags is expected to maintain retail volume and current value growth in 2024, the rate of increase is set to slow compared with the peak of revenge shopping in 2021 and 2022, as many of the people who want a luxury handbag have already purchased one, and amongst some consume

In 2024, bags and luggage in Canada recorded a retail value sales increase of 5%, with luggage and luxury handbags seeing particularly strong performances. Luggage recorded retail volume sales of 11%, the result of the ongoing recovery following the Canadian government's removal of all remaining COVID-19-related travel restrictions in October 2022. This led to a robust resurgence in travel in 2023, with positive momentum carrying through into 2024. Despite higher inflation and the rising cost of

In 2024, the bags and luggage category in Switzerland experienced a stagnant performance in retail value terms, while retail volume sales declined by 2%. Demand for most types of bags and luggage suffered due to cautious purchasing behaviour, as consumers became more hesitant in their spending. Consequently, luggage, business bags, backpacks, small bags, and crossbody bags all experienced a drop in retail volume sales, with luxury handbags and duffel bags being the only areas to record positive

In 2024, the bags and luggage category in Argentina experienced a 92% increase in retail value sales in current terms, largely driven by rising unit prices. However, despite the value growth, retail volume sales declined by 20%, reflecting the country's challenging economic conditions. Argentina's ongoing economic struggles, characterised by high inflation and uncertainty, led to widespread savings practices and a shift towards price-sensitive consumption. Consumers, driven by fears of job loss

Overall demand for bags and luggage in Australia remains below pre-pandemic levels in 2024, with flat volume growth. Bags dominates overall demand within the category, but has realigned with a value growth trajectory following its early review period slump due to the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. Handbags, split between luxury and non-luxury, has resumed retail volume growth, while a stronger value growth performance by luxury handbags is due to the return of inbound arrivals to Australia. A

In 2024, the number of international tourists to Indonesia grew by around 16% compared to 2023. Additionally, searches for Indonesian accommodation from abroad increased by approximately 33% in the first half of 2024 compared to 2023. The main demands came from countries such as Singapore and Malaysia, as well as European destinations. Indonesia also became increasingly popular among Koreans. The return of business travel also had a positive impact on luggage purchases, with the rate of retail v