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Lazar’s Luggage Superstore Joins New Travel Goods Association
Sherman Oaks based Lazar's Luggage Superstore has joined a new trade group of specialty retailers, United Luggage Dealers Associates.
Sherman Oaks-As business and leisure travelers emerge from the enforced hiatus caused by COVID-19, a new trade association for the travel goods industry is ready to help specialty retailers like Sherman Oaks based Lazar’s Luggage Superstore get back on track.
The United Luggage Dealers Associates (ULDA) succeeds the National Luggage Dealers Association (NLDA), which was founded in 1925. The travel recession of the past year led a number of specialty luggage, leather and travel goods retailers to close their doors. ULDA will continue the NLDA legacy, helping retailers improve their buying and negotiating power, stock exclusive merchandise, market more effectively, share their industry knowledge, and enhance vendor relations.
“I feel there is a pent-up desire that is building in all of us, and we are anxious to travel, take vacations, and visit destinations that we miss or have never seen,” says Jay Friedman, whose store has been a fixture on Ventura Blvd. since 1962. Founded by his parents, Lazar and Athalie, the first location was directly across the street in a small, 700 square foot store. The following year, they moved to the current location and doubled the space size in 1972. Their repairman has 35 years of experience and was trained by Jay’s father, who was an old world craftsman. Jay, who counts many celebrities as customers, has been involved in numerous community and trade organizations over the years, so he truly cares about the area.
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Globally, the luggage market is expected to generate almost $23 billion in sales by 2025, driven by improving economies around the world.
“Our members are travel specialists who have all the latest travel and business accessories to make travel and work life more enjoyable,” says Ronald Levine, former NLDA import and operations manager, who is launching ULDA. “We survived the pandemic, and now we’re on the cusp of a great resurgence in travel. It’s my mission to help our members succeed.”
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Consolidation in retail has meant fewer choices for consumers when it comes to finding stores that meet their needs. Retailers like Lazar’s will aim to enhance the specialty store experience and continue to build customer loyalty with both consumer and corporate California shoppers.”
Contact: Jay Friedman at 818.784.1355
14528 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA