Trend Watch: Handbags

April 9, 2008

Source: The Merchandise Group


asdamd/photos/stylus/22527-Handbag.jpg
With Mother's Day and the wedding season quickly approaching, handbags are a trend for retailers to watch. The ideal gift for mom's and brides-to-be, handbags remain a hot purchase for women despite the recently reported economic downturn. All signs indicate that handbags are continuing to serve as a must-have for women today.

In addition, designer handbags continue to be on the rise, such as Philadelphia-based Butler Bags Co., which features a new spin on the traditional handbag with compartmentalized sections and a sleek look. The continuous evolution of handbags makes it an in-demand retail item, regardless of the economic outlook.

The British newspaper, The Daily Mail reported that on average a British woman's handbag "weighs the same as five bags of sugar." To accommodate the added weight in women's handbags, companies are designing bags that, like Butler Bags, feature compartmentalized sections or are designed in the larger tote style, with stronger more comfortable straps.

Keeping these trends in mind will allow retailers to offer handbags that adequately meet today's female shopper's needs. There are a variety of different styles of handbags for retailers to offer customers today. Below is a listing of common handbag styles:

-Tote bags: Bigger is better when it comes to the tote bag, although style needn't be sacrificed. These bags come in patent leather, sporty styles or metallic-based. The open top with straps makes for easier travel and less strain for women carrying five pounds or more.

-Messenger bags: With the increase in bag weight, messenger bags have become more popular. Worn diagonally across the shoulder, these bags distribute weight more evenly, making them a comfortable choice.

-The Mini: This bag is ideally paired with evening wear and contains minimal storage space. The look of the bag is paramount, as it serves as a primary accessory.

-The Clutch: An old favorite, this is a handbag that never goes out of style. Retailers do well to have clutch bags readily available, particularly during the holiday and summer seasons. Today's clutch bags often include a small handle for convenience.

-Convertible bags: Popular for women who travel or those with busy on-the-go lifestyles, convertible bags offer the convenience of being used in a multitude of ways--over the shoulder, as a clutch or a mini backpack.

-Textured bags: A recent hit during the winter 2008, texturized bags feature animal fur, suede and bedazzled jewels. Bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but typically are featured as a clutch or mini bag.

When it comes to handbags, styles and consumer demand are always changing. While this year women may crave larger bags to hold five pounds or more, next year, the mini could come back as the mainstay. By staying abreast on current trends, retailers can keep their merchandise in line with customer needs.

Trend Watch: Handbags

April 9, 2008


Source: The Merchandise Group

asdamd/photos/stylus/22527-Handbag.jpg

With Mother's Day and the wedding season quickly approaching, handbags are a trend for retailers to watch. The ideal gift for mom's and brides-to-be, handbags remain a hot purchase for women despite the recently reported economic downturn. All signs indicate that handbags are continuing to serve as a must-have for women today.

In addition, designer handbags continue to be on the rise, such as Philadelphia-based Butler Bags Co., which features a new spin on the traditional handbag with compartmentalized sections and a sleek look. The continuous evolution of handbags makes it an in-demand retail item, regardless of the economic outlook.

The British newspaper, The Daily Mail reported that on average a British woman's handbag "weighs the same as five bags of sugar." To accommodate the added weight in women's handbags, companies are designing bags that, like Butler Bags, feature compartmentalized sections or are designed in the larger tote style, with stronger more comfortable straps.

Keeping these trends in mind will allow retailers to offer handbags that adequately meet today's female shopper's needs. There are a variety of different styles of handbags for retailers to offer customers today. Below is a listing of common handbag styles:

-Tote bags: Bigger is better when it comes to the tote bag, although style needn't be sacrificed. These bags come in patent leather, sporty styles or metallic-based. The open top with straps makes for easier travel and less strain for women carrying five pounds or more.

-Messenger bags: With the increase in bag weight, messenger bags have become more popular. Worn diagonally across the shoulder, these bags distribute weight more evenly, making them a comfortable choice.

-The Mini: This bag is ideally paired with evening wear and contains minimal storage space. The look of the bag is paramount, as it serves as a primary accessory.

-The Clutch: An old favorite, this is a handbag that never goes out of style. Retailers do well to have clutch bags readily available, particularly during the holiday and summer seasons. Today's clutch bags often include a small handle for convenience.

-Convertible bags: Popular for women who travel or those with busy on-the-go lifestyles, convertible bags offer the convenience of being used in a multitude of ways--over the shoulder, as a clutch or a mini backpack.

-Textured bags: A recent hit during the winter 2008, texturized bags feature animal fur, suede and bedazzled jewels. Bags come in a variety of sizes and shapes, but typically are featured as a clutch or mini bag.

When it comes to handbags, styles and consumer demand are always changing. While this year women may crave larger bags to hold five pounds or more, next year, the mini could come back as the mainstay. By staying abreast on current trends, retailers can keep their merchandise in line with customer needs.