Monday 17 September 2012

Travel Blue promotes from within



Travel Blue, the leading accessories supplier in the travel retail industry, has announced the promotion of Jonathan Smith to ‘Director of Travel Retail’, with immediate effect.

Jonathan has been with Travel Blue for three years and this year celebrates his 27th year attending the Tax Free World Exhibition.

We have always had a policy of trying to promote from within our organisation. We are delighted with the increased distribution that Jonathan has achieved since joining us, not only in Travel Retail, but also through his additional responsibilities in managing distributors in key countries in the Far East,’ says Founder and Managing Director Avi Levin.


Travel Blue is exhibiting at TFWA World Exhibition again this year (Red Village stand M24) showing its extensive range of more than 250 Travel Accessories, now sold in over a thousand outlets in 98 countries via retailers including Heinemann, Dufry, World Duty Free Group, DFS, LS Travel Retail, Nuance and several other major operators.

The company has seen double digit growth in the past year, both through new distribution and increased sales with existing retailers. ‘All credit goes to the international duty free operators that have helped and supported us enormously in the company’s access to more distribution,’ says Jonathan Smith.

Travel Blue is sold as a concept rather than just a collection of products, targeting the impulse purchaser. ‘Our accessories are one of the very few product ranges where you can actually guarantee they will sell themselves, if you put them in an airport or other High St environment, where the footfall is high,’ says Smith.

Best sellers are travel pillows, followed closely by travel adaptors, locks and luggage straps. New lines will be launched in Cannes this year.

In 2009 the company introduced its FREE-LOST-FOUND service, which gives the consumer the comfort of knowing that his/her valuables can be traced and found all over the world. This service is completely free of charge for customers and consumers alike, a real added value for travellers.

Travel Blue claims that comparative tests with competitive brands has shown that stocking the Travel Blue range can increase sales by up to 25% ‘The quality and variety of our product range, our commitment to environmentally friendly packaging, customer service, product training, and our Free-Lost-Found service are a powerful combination for airport retailers,’ says Jonathan Smith, Director of Travel Retail.


Press enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.



September 2012

MCM Spring/Summer 2013 ‘SUNSHINE NOMAD’


MCM’s Spring/ Summer 2013 explores the concept of ‘Sunshine Nomad’. Inspiration for this collection derives from the desire to escape elements of the mundane, to embark on a journey of self-discovery and to inspire new concepts of travel. Bursting with colour, this season’s chic and stylish collection sheds sunlight on everyday for the worldly traveller. The collection will be showcased by MCM at TFWA World Exhibition (Riviera Village RC4).
The Spring/ Summer 2013 collection ranges from printed and embossed leather, to classic Visetos materials, boasting colourful hues of calypso coral, blue danube, metallic gold, freesia, and kelly green, juxtaposed against classic white and black prints. Placing an emphasis on practicality and functional features, the collection is made from lightweight materials, includes internal pockets and pouches to support the latest technological accessories, and assures personal security with additional internal buckles and zips. Each piece reflects a sparkling sunny day, leading audiences of all age to enjoy a blissful moment that the collection has to offer.
Revisiting the original cruise line from 1986, Very MCM line returns to impress tastemakers. Whilst balancing sporty practicality with MCM’s timeless elegance each piece suggests a new lifestyle that finds no boarders among time, place and occasion. Available in 4 very distinct materials, each style aims to cater to the ever diverse urban nomads taste. The leather line brings a new office life for urbanites, allowing picking up and leaving to explore whichever destination they desire. A version to satisfy the more light-hearted is the perforated leather line which is the perfect companion for social outings whether it is in the countryside or in the city. The light canvas line, imprinted with large VERY MCM and ship emblems, make this the perfect summery statement. Staying true to the MCM spirit of traveling, the Visetos lines has enabled backpack, cross shoulders, ipad cases to be attached to the matching trolley. This new line is truly ageless and borderless, presenting another level of lifestyle for everyone.
Delma is an embodiment of modern classicism, treated with an outstanding palette of colours; the collection is ready to prove that monotonous colours are the only way that leads to sophistication. Crafted in Italy, made of fine caviar leather, this line is the epitome of what MCM values the most quality, functionality and practicality.
The beloved New Veronika is a double-entendre: a perfect fit for a short getaway, whilst it compliments any a chic office look. The New Veronika is spontaneous and professional, the perfect bag to compliment a smart and adventurous traveller.
Julietta is another travel inspired series – the marine look- showcasing new shoulder bags with a soft structure and oceanic colours including sand, white, red and blue. A perfect companion for all occasions, the awakening of a festive season greets you first through this collection.
Armour is a pop-rock chic beauty; this model is the new luxury line with a funky and daring style. The latest pattern Visetos edition, succeeding the previous seasons leopard prints, the fabulous python print Visetos is paired with leather trim embellished with studs of different sizes. Armour is available as a drawstring, backpack, one size hook belts, and bracelets. The detailed application of studs has been inspired by the grains of sand found at the bay, which sparkle with a beautiful effect. Armour is the line for 2013 is for who dares to express ones personality.
The Stark series for the very first time showcases the complete collection to take the next generation on a colourful journey of style. Stark is created with vivid colour Visetos series, and is composed of the ultimate on-the-go items including trolley, big shoulder bag, travel pouch, backpacks and messenger. Translating mobility and technology with a youthful twist, the return of the Stark is expected turn the table in travel accessories.
Other carry-over ranges include signature lines Nuovo L., Ivana Patent, First Lady, First Lady Croco and Little Veronika Visetos, , the latter featuring  a Bavarian inspired pattern to accentuate the seasons colourful theme. New season colours characterize the entire line, making this a collection that will shine on any shelf.







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About MCM
Born during the heydays of Munich, MCM embodies the rebellious yet sophisticated, and culturally rich spirit of the city. A long-time favourite of international royalty, celebrities and VIPs, MCM draws on its tradition of prestige and quality. The brand has inherited the notion of revolutionized travel that stems from the 1900s, thus the logo symbolizes 1900 in Roman numerals.


MCM continues to be the pioneer of the market by continuously evolving with clever designs, durable materials, and delivering versatile styles to suit every need. Bag styles run from classic black and tan to statement-making models in strong colours. The brand offers sophisticated handbags, practical and stylish luggage, functional business bags and trendy small leather goods, all crafted from materials such as leather, fabric and exotic skins.


MCM has boutiques in major cities such as Athens, Berlin, Düsseldorf, London, New York, Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Seoul. The brand is also sold by prestigious retailers in key markets including the US, the UK, Dubai and Russia.


For further information contact:
Press Enquiries: Rowena Holland, Essential Communications.  Email: row@essentialcommunications.org