Handbags Market Report – 2008 Edition

Handbags Market Report – 2008 Edition

Handbags are one of the key accessories driving the fashion world. The prices of designer handbags have been rising rapidly for the last several years. However, few analysts feel that the growth of handbag sales in US market might slow down compared to rapid growth in recent years. The handbag market is also facing intense competition from other accessories like jewelry and watches.

The premium handbag companies mainly include luxury brands as well as private label retailers. Europe has dominated the luxury handbag market for long with brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Prada. But now American designers are fiercely competing with new strategies and branding initiatives. A key issue is the addition of lower-priced lines by several American designer brands. The handbag marketplace has become extremely competitive with a large number of independent designers launching their own stores.

A key trend is of US and European accessories firms entering the Asian market. Coach expects expansion opportunities in China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Gucci has planned a series of store openings in emerging markets, including two in India, and others in Macau, Prague and Budapest. Dooney & Bourke opened its first store outside US, within the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macau. It plans to open five to 10 stores in Asia over the next three years. Cole Haan is also expanding into the Far East.

The report begins with a discussion of the segments of the handbag market and then goes on to analyze the US and European market. The report profiles the major companies, focusing in-depth on their business strategies. It also analyzes the major trends prevalent in the market.

1. Market Overview

Fashion Bags
Classic Bags
Casual Bags
Evening Bags

2. Market Size

2.1 US Handbags Market

Retail Market by Value
Retail Market by Volume
Export Statistics
Import Statistics

2.2 European Handbags Market

Consumption in Major Countries in EU
Production in Major Countries in EU
Exports Statistics
Distribution Channels

3. Market Trends

3.1 Tough Competition from Other Accessories
3.2 Handbag Purchasing Habits
3.3 Handbag Trends - Europe Vs US
3.4 Competition from Independent Handbag Designers
3.5 Consumer Spending Projected to Slow Down
3.6 Women in UK Avoid Must-Have Handbags

4. Company Profiles

4.1 Coach

Overview
Business Segments
Business Strategies
Marketing Strategy
International Strategy – Focus on Russia & China
Product Innovation
Multi-Channel International Distribution

4.2 Burberry

Overview
Business Strategies
Focus on Accessories Market
Retail Strategy
Implementation of Project Atlas

4.3 Gucci

Overview
Financial Summary
Business Strategies
Expansion in Emerging Markets
Gucci to Promote its Mid-range Offering

4.4 Dooney & Bourke

Overview
Business Strategies
Dooney & Bourke Seeks Asian Growth

4.5 Louis Vuitton

Overview
Significant Developments
Launch of Largest Store in Ginza

4.6 Chanel

Overview
Business Strategies
Significant Developments
Mobile Art Project in New York

4.7 Prada

Overview
Business Strategies
Significant Developments
Launch of Store in San Francisco

4.8 Kate Spade

Overview
Business Strategies
Significant Developments

List of Tables

US Handbag Exports - Top 25 Destinations (In US$000’)
US Handbag Exports - Top 25 Destinations (In 000’ Units)
US Handbag Imports - Top 15 Destinations (In US$000’)
US Handbag Imports - Top 25 Destinations (In 000’ Units)
Exports of Handbags in Major EU Markets by Value (2002-06)
Exports of Handbags in Major EU Markets by Volume (2002-06)
Expenditure by Women on Handbags (2007)
Major Brands – Popularity Ranking
Coach - Revenue by Product Category (2006-08)
Coach - North American Retail Stores (2006-08)
North American Factory Stores (2006-08)
Burberry - Sales by Product Category (2006-08)
Burberry - Sales Growth by Segment (2006-08)
Burberry - Retail/Wholesale Revenue by Destination (2007-08)

List of Charts

Handbag Market – Major Segments
US Handbag Retail Sales by Value (2002-07)
US Handbag Retail Sales by Volume (2002-07)
Consumption of Handbags in Major EU Markets by Value (2002/06)
Production of Handbags in Major EU Markets by Value (2002/06)
Distribution Channels of Handbags in EU by Value (2006)