Small Leather Goods: 2008 Key Retail Trends

• Small leathergoods at all pricepoints got a boost from techno-related products (such as iPhones). And as electronic gadgets updated, so did their accessories (new sizes, scale and function).
  

• Other popular SLG styles included classic French wallets and coin purses, hinged frame cases and top-frame styles; large-scale wallets with organizational features; cosmetic cases, travel sets (including coordinating passport cases and luggage tags); small cross-body handbags with various organizational compartments; and updated business card holders.

• Clear travelgoods, a new FAA-regulated category for transporting liquid/cosmetic products, also performed well.

• While leather remains essential for SLGs, alternate (and less expensive) materials such as microfiber and PVC provided consumers with options at all pricepoints. One manufacturer noted that non-leather materials now outperform leather, and cited non-leather exotics with patent finishes as an example. In fact, many manufacturers and retailers now refer to the entire SLG category as “personal leathergoods,” underscoring leather’s diminished role.

• Mirroring handbags, several design elements continued—including textured/embossed/printed leathers and assorted hardware embellishments.

• Black remained king, but chocolate brown, red and assorted metallics were popular. Multicolored patchwork styles also performed.

• “Niche” SLGs such as coin purses, key fobs and cell phone retained novelty design elements, usually in the form of animals, fruit, and similar images. Such styles remain perennially popular as fourth-quarter gift purchases.