Bagging Up Big Sales

"Things like tote bags with flat bottoms—which both maximizes capacity and improves the user experience—are important," she noted. "So are pockets that keep portable electronics, especially phones, safe, yet very easy to access." She also included weather repellency as something customers appreciate in a bag.

Duffy seconded the value of pockets, and also pointed out good straps as a key feature. "Adjustable and wider straps add to the comfort and functionality of the bag, while pockets greatly increase their convenience—easy access to pens, phones, bottles, etc.," he said.

The Right Choice for the Client
Zimmer observed that clients look for particular features in a bag, and knowing these features can help boost sales.

"The key to getting the right bag for the client is to really pay attention to what they are going to use the bag for," she said. "This goes beyond the function of the bag as some sort of container and extends to the event where the bag will be used and the audience it will be given to. The bag should be chosen to enhance the theme of the event and to resonate with the interests of the recipients."

"The bag category is huge," she added. "There is a specialty bag for every need, and so many cross-functional bags. The good news is that the perfect bag for every purpose or event is out there. The challenge is to find it."