As the American brand Samsonite celebrates 110 years in 2020, it will connect to the millennials—just like it did to the previous generations—with its first-ever global campaign called “Born to Go.”
To remain on top of its game after more than a century, the company continues its mission of innovation.
For Samsonite, innovation goes beyond practical needs into the needs of stylish, fashionable travelers. When you get to the airport, you’re not only travel-ready with the lightest, strongest and smartest luggage, but you look good, too.
Filipinos like to travel in style, says Subrata Dutta, president for Asia Pacific and Middle East of Samsonite International S.A. The Philippines is among the top markets of the brand in Asia.
“Filipinos are one of the most fashion-conscious Asians I have come across. We’ve been talking in the language of the current generation, trying to be more appealing to them,” Dutta said. “Innovation has been an integral part of Samsonite’s DNA.”
Spinner
In 2005, for example, Samsonite came up with one of its biggest hits, the spinner—the luggage with multidirectional four wheels for easy movement. Travelers suddenly had a convenient option to either tow or roll their luggage. Not long after, other suitcase companies came up with their versions.
Dutta said brand loyalty is essential, and the company has attracted the attention of generations of travelers in the last century. Innovations must complement the travel experience of customers.
“So, with innovation and technology, we make heavy traveling light,” Dutta.
Samsonite today has collections that appeal to different travelers, from smart cases and backpacks with built-in USB charging ports to luggage with fingerprint combination locks. Here’s a quick look at what’s new and what’s hot on the market.
Eyoa Tech has the bling to make the techie drool. It has a three-in-one smart lock that allows the luggage to open at the touch of the finger through its TSA fingerprint combination lock.
The suitcase can record up to 10 fingerprints, so anyone in the family can use it. It also comes with SeekIt Bluetooth Tracker that informs the traveler when the luggage is nearby or away (in case it has been accidentally left behind in the business lounge).
Soon, it will have a weighing scale so you won’t need to carry a weighing scale each time.
Samsonite’s lightest piece to date is the 72H DLX, a cabin spinner with integrated TSA combination lock with Herculite tube handle made of glass fiber. Lite-Box is among the lightest and sturdiest in its class, a large-volume boxy case in a dynamic vertical design with prominent outside corner protections.
Openroad is designed for those who often work when they travel. It has a Smart Fit laptop compartment, Smart Sleeve with a zipped security pocket, and a sturdy design with a mix of high-density textiles.
Modern design
Tri-Tech, Samsonite’s frame luggage, has a minimal, modern design appealing to the stylish traveler. It has an Aero-Trac Suspension wheel for smoother and higher mobility, and a smartly designed click-pop TSA combination lock that opens your luggage with one click.
Its interior is designed to enable packing flexibility, with detachable divider and luggage cover.
An old-timer, Xylem, launched in 1999 and once hailed for its creative use of aluminum, rolls out with its sleek, cutting-edge features. Xylem 2.0 is now made of anodized aluminum, an ultra-strong and protective material. It has an Aero-Trac suspension wheel system, keeping the rolling vibration and noise to a minimum, and a user-friendly click-pop TSA combination lock.
The carry handle is wrapped in luxurious leather for added comfort.
The iconic Cosmolite celebrates its 10th anniversary. It has a bespoke Curv weave in gold and silver. The shell-like exterior uses Samsonite’s game-changing Curv technology, where polypropylene is woven together to form tougher, lightweight sheets. The sheets are then molded on the exterior to create a protective cocoon that is exceptionally light and damage-resistant.
The outer now has a black embossed lining with gold details.
Samsonite is distributed by Stores Specialists In., Rustan Marketing Corp. and Landmark Management Services, available in all major malls and department stores.