Neighbor News
Irv's Luggage Joins Newly Formed ULDA Trade Group
A new trade group for retailers interested in carrying travel related goods has formed, the United Luggage Dealers Associates (ULDA).
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 Irv’s Luggage 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.
It’s challenging to own a travel store when COVID-19 made many people uneasy about traveling, but Renee and Pete Silverman of Irv’s Luggage in Vernon Hills are excited for the future. During COVID, they pivoted with a multi-pronged approach: maintain an online/social media presence, adopt safety measures in-store, offer antimicrobial products for personal protection, and expand offerings in the gift categories.
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“I feel there is a pent-up longing that has been building in all of us, and we are anxious to travel, take vacations, and visit destinations and people that we miss,” says Renee Silverman.
Irv’s Luggage is celebrating over 74 years in the travel business.
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In August 2019, Irv’s opened its new 3500 sq. ft. retail showroom and luggage repair center in Vernon Hills.
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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 Grayslake’s 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.”
Consolidation in retail has meant fewer choices for consumers when it comes to finding stores that meet their needs. Retailers like Irv’s Luggage will aim to enhance the specialty store experience and continue to build customer loyalty with both consumer and corporate shoppers.
Contact Irv’s Luggage at 847.437.4810
1322 S. Milwaukee Ave., Vernon Hills, IL 60061
Find us on Facebook & Instagram:
facebook.com/IrvsLuggage and @irvsluggage