- In the Centenary year company unveils aggressive growth plans in the region
Samsonite Group, the worldwide leader in innovative travel solutions, is marking a major milestone, celebrating 100 years of success this year. To commemorate the occasion, the group has announced aggressive growth plans across the Middle East region over the next three years.
As part of its strategic expansion, Samsonite Middle East is planning to open over 25 new stores in the next 3 years of which 10 will be opened by end of 2010 itself. Over and above this expansion of the retail foot print Samsonite will also be looking at expanding its presence in relevant department stores for its ICT and business collection and back packs.
Established in 1910, Samsonite has grown from a small company with 20 employees in Denver, Colorado, into a global corporation with over 8,000 employees working in over 30 locations around the globe, the products being available across 195 countries and annual sales of $1.2 billion in 2009.
In his comments, Dr. Ramesh Tainwala, President – Greater Asia, said: “We are very excited to have carried forward the Samsonite legacy of leading the travel industry to new levels of innovation. Today, Samsonite has carved a niche with its premium travel products and solutions aimed at enhancing customer satisfaction and convenience. On this grand occasion, we reiterate our commitment to the sector by expanding our premium product offerings, developing new market segments, and providing best-in-class value-added service & support systems.”
He added: “Samsonite has come a long way since its inception a century ago. Our products are synonymous with travel and are used the world over, by everyone from Arctic explorers and package tourists to busy executive travelers. From a small local luggage manufacturer, Samsonite has grown with the century and travelled as the world has travelled – a story of a company which has ventured far from its roots. It is this consumer preference and affinity to the brand that gives us at Samsonite the passion to keep developing innovations and maintaining best in class quality and service for our offering.”
Samsonite has earned its reputation for delivering a range of exclusive travel solutions and bringing real benefits to the end-consumer. The company, founded by Jesse Shwayder with only $3500 in capital, launched its first set of coordinated luggage in 1920s and was the first to launch stylized luggage in 1940s. In the next decade, it launched Silhouette – the most advanced luggage of its time while the Samsonite Classic Attaché was unveiled in 1960s. The 1970s saw the launch of Saturn -- the first ever polypropylene suitcase, followed by the introduction of three-point locking system in 1980s.
The two-wheel uprights and 4-wheel spinners, pioneered by Samsonite, were unveiled in 1990s whereas the 2000s saw the introduction of designer luggage. Some of the products launched last year include the Cosmolite range – its lightest and the strongest luggage solutions; a premium business collection as also a range of backpacks from American Tourister, which has taken unprecedented market leadership with its customized offering.
Samsonite products are styled with inspiration drawn from various facets of life, and the portfolio includes products inspired by man, machine and nature. With such vast range of strong, sturdy and convenient luggage solutions on offer, Samsonite’s future plans centers on building its market share for accessories, business and backpacks in the Middle East. In continuation of this journey in the centenary year Samsonite will be launching a very aggressive new line up – 12 new lines under Samsonite brand and 20 new lines under American Tourister in the Middle East.
Samsonite has always been at the leading edge of design, new material and styling. Epitomizing strength, durability and quality, all Samsonite products are put through tortuous environmental tests for function, fitness, form and stress. At the same time, they are marketed tested for consumer acceptance of their colour, style, quality and price. Samsonite has been the leading the luggage industry for the greater part of the 20
th Century and the journey is far from over. As a global player, Samsonite is ideally placed to maintain its leadership position around the globe for at least another 100 years.
