PPB July 2019

Travel in style while keeping suits and dresses wrinkle-free with this executive-style hanging Valet Bag . It provides multiple pockets to keep personal belongings, shoes and other accessories organized and easy to find. Carry it with the adjustable, padded shoulder strap or use the trolley strap, which allows the user to slip the item over the handle of a carry-on and float down the aisle of the plane. Peerless Umbrella / PPAI 112666 www.peerlessumbrella.com The Lightning Washable Kraft Paper Oversize Tote Bag is an innovative product to introduce to your client. It features an eye-catching design with trendy, contoured bottom corners, 24-inch black web handles and piping to display a brand in style. Boasting an extra-large carrying capacity, this tote can be washed by hand or machine— just lay flat to dry—giving your client’s brand long-term advertising exposure. American Ad Bag Co. / PPAI 111067 / www.adbag.com Boutique Bag With each purchase, a local fashion boutique bagged the customer’s purchase in an imprinted, laminated tote as a thank-you gift to their customers. The Laminated Fashion Tote is a sturdy, reusable tote with a laminated surface that wipes clean. Because of the tote’s trendy design, the retailer saw its customers re-using the tote as a gift bag, and using it to carry essentials for a night out, a trip to the beach, etc. The boutique bought two sizes of the totes, so they would have the correct size to fit customers’ purchases. The boutique was pleased with the additional advertising they received every time their customers re-used the totes. Source: Beacon Promotions What’s Trending In Bags In retail fashion, the big word in handbags is shape. Elle magazine spoke with three top fashion buyers to find out what’s in—and what’s out—this season. Impress your client when selecting promotional backpacks and similar items by looking for items that mirror these trends noted in the Elle article. In 1 Vintage-inspired shapes are big this season, including flap shoulder bags and tailored top handles. Along with the classic look are vintage textured leathers such as stamped croc, python and other faux materials. 2 Geometric shapes are emerging as the newest trend, including circle, globe and trapezoid shapes, along with the classic rectangle. 3 Handbags that offer practical function are also making news. Look for a twist on an old favorite—the fanny pack. The new iteration is the belt-bag and other types of utility bags with multi-pocketed silhouettes that mesh comfort and style with functionality. 4 Brightly colored bags are also in. Think lime green and tangerine, which are gaining a lot of attention in fashion circles. Out 1 A long-lived fashion favorite, the demand for straw bags is weakening, but designs still holding their ground are “elevated” beach bags, and those featuring leather accents. 2 Small, evening clutch bags are giving way to slouchier styles, such as drawstring bags. 3 With a trend toward more tailored styles, crossbody bags are declining in popularity in favor of more polished looks. Case Study | JULY 2019 | 47 GROW