PPB October 2021

Bags And To t es Bag Of Tricks From the restyled fanny pack to the classic tote, bags are a constant companion. Whether it’s for carrying groceries, simple everyday items or important work documents, each type of bag offers ease and convenience while safely storing valuables. By focusing on functionality and craftmanship, distributors can continue relying on bags to connect end users to clients’ brands. by Kristina Valdez A wallet, a phone and a set of keys—most consumers carry these items with them every day. When the pandemic hit, that list expanded to include a mask. These basic items are called everyday carry, or an EDC. According to website EverydayCarry.com, items on an EDC list are each thoughtfully chosen to serve a specific purpose. But when hands are full and pockets are stuffed, consumers need the essential for their essentials: a bag. According to PPAI’s 2017 Consumer Study, 50 percent of U.S. consumers own a promotional bag, generating more impressions than any other product in the U.S. Today’s bags are more than accessories; they are solutions for both end users and distributors. People have always needed bags, first as a means of survival. According to the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, hunter- gatherer communities made makeshift pouches for carrying around essentials as early as 38,000 BC. Both men and women have benefitted from the power of the bag. Hieroglyphics show men in 50 | OCTOBER 2021 | GROW