The Travel Goods Show in Las Vegas opened my eyes and I learned valuable insights into the current state of the industry, highlighting both challenges and opportunities. It was interesting to see a post-mortem recap of 2024 data. Here are the key takeaways from the presentation by Beth Goldstein, industry expert at Circana Solutions.
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| Beth Goldstein (Circana Solutions) |
Post-Pandemic Slowdown After Strong Recovery
The travel goods industry experienced a surge in demand following the pandemic as consumers replenished their luggage and travel accessories. However, 2024 has seen a natural market slowdown, with overall dollar sales declining by 6% compared to the previous year. Unit sales only dropped by 1%, indicating that price reductions and promotions played a significant role in the sales dip.
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Inflation’s Impact on Consumer Spending
Rising prices across retail sectors—especially in food and beverage (up 40% since 2019)—have squeezed consumer budgets, leading to more cautious spending on discretionary categories like travel goods. While inflation is slowing, consumers are still feeling the pinch, which affects their willingness to splurge on new luggage or travel accessories.
Pricing Trends in Travel Goods
Average prices in the travel goods sector have declined by about 5% in the past year, driven by:
- Increased promotional activity (with discounts up 12%)
- A shift toward lower-priced products in some categories
- Retailers optimizing promotions to drive sales more effectively
Despite this, prices remain significantly higher than pre-pandemic levels, partly due to consumers choosing higher-value, premium products when they see the benefit.
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Category Performance: Luggage vs. Accessories
- Suitcases & luggage sets saw unit growth but at lower average prices.
- Backpacks (the largest segment) declined slightly, though some travel-specific backpacks performed well.
- Fanny packs/belt bags remained popular, with brands like Lululemon driving growth in this niche. (I love mine, to be honest).
- Travel accessories (like packing organizers and mini beauty products) showed resilience as consumers prioritized organization and convenience. (Packing cubes have been a game changer for me).
Retail Shifts: Online Dominance & Key Players
- E-commerce now accounts for 60% of travel goods sales, far above the general retail average (~25%).
- Amazon and traditional luggage brands dominate, but athletic brands like Lululemon (thanks to their belt bags) are gaining traction. (I have two of these belt bags in different colors and love using it while hiking).
- Department stores remain relevant but have lost some ground to online retailers. (Anyone else like going to the store to window shop? I also like getting my products immediately when I'm not in the mood to wait 2 days for shipping).
Emerging Trends & Opportunities
- Adventure & outdoor travel is fueling demand for durable, multi-functional gear.
- Flexible work arrangements allow for more blended travel/work lifestyles, creating opportunities for hybrid products.
- Item trackers (popular during the luggage crisis of 2022) are slowing, but built-in tracking in luggage is becoming standard.
- Promotional strategies are becoming more targeted, with retailers optimizing discounts to maximize conversions.
Looking Ahead: Challenges & Consumer Sentiment
- Potential tariff increases could further impact pricing and consumer spending.
- Travel demand remains strong, but budget constraints may limit accessory purchases.
- Innovation and value-driven products will be key to maintaining consumer interest.
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Final Thoughts
While the travel goods industry faces headwinds from inflation and shifting consumer priorities, there are still areas of growth—particularly in adventure gear, smart luggage, and hybrid travel/work products. Retailers and brands that focus on value, innovation, and strategic promotions will be best positioned to thrive in this market.
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What travel products are you most excited about? Let me know in the comments!
Trip Resources
If you’re planning a road trip, here are some helpful sites that I use. Note, below are affiliate links, which means I receive a small commission for every booking, with no extra cost to you. Thanks so much, in advance!
Booking.com - Anytime we need a rental car, we use this site to find deals.
Expedia.com - I like to use this site to explore upcoming cruises that I'd like to take. I also refer to it to compare hotel prices, flights, and car rentals.
GetYourGuide.com - Book things to do, attractions, tours and discover new food.
VRBO.com - When we’re not staying in an AIRBNB, we’re in a VRBO rental. We use this option when we want to enjoy a full house with individual bedrooms, a kitchen, backyard and other amenities.
TripAdvisor.com - Anytime I want reputable reviews, tips, and overall advice about a vacation area, I leverage this site.
Viator.com - Looking for cool tours in your vacation area? This site has a number of options.
Hey, I'm Christy Scronce, a Filipina-American Los Angeles native and travel enthusiast. I love visiting new places and trying new food. Welcome to my adventure blog where I capture both State & National Park visits, family excursions, and road trips, while sharing my travel photos and recaps. My goal is to visit as many National Parks using my “America the Beautiful” annual pass. 
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