The Bite Magazine Issue 17

Jada Brookes discovers how TUMI became one of the most innovative travel companies in the world and their latest luggage collections. I n ancient times, the ‘Tumi’ would have been a Peruvian ceremonial knife used for sacrifices but fast-forward a few centuries it also became the name of a successful luggage company. Founded in the mid-1970s by former Peace Corp volunteer and importer of leather goods, Charlie Clifford, it wasn’t long before he started to revolutionise the luggage industry. It was in 1983 that he introduced the carry-on garment bag in ballistic nylon and three years later, launched the casual, functional ‘soft brief- case’ category which broke the industry mould and made way for expansion in distribution and brand awareness. Fifteen years after the brand was estab- lished, TUMI entered the European market with the opening of a branch office in Germany. They went on to open stores all over the world, including Santa Monica, California in 1997; New York City in 1999; and Europe and Japan in 2000. Flagship stores were opened in Moscow, Dubai, Cape Town, Osaka, and Milan, along with boutiques in Harrods, London; KaDeWe, Berlin; and Macy’s, New York in 2008. Another boutique opened in Beverly Hills on Rodeo Drive in 2012, followed by the first TUMI store in Canada and a flagship store designed by Dror Benshetrit at 610 Madison Avenue in NewYork City in 2013. In 1992, TUMI expanded its appeal and product mix by successfully introduc- ing men’s leather wallets and agendas. The following year saw the introduc- tion of Wheel-A-Way, a state-of-the-art wheeled luggage featuring a number of exclusive, custom-designed components, exceptional packing capacity, in-line skate wheels and retracting handles for both carry-on and checked luggage. The Tri-Fold Garment Bag was created in 1994; the patented snap hook with swivel platform in 1996; TUMI Tracer, a complimentary product identification and recovery program for core luggage and business collections that helps reunite TUMI customers with their lost or stolen bags in 1999; the patented Omega closure system in 2002; and the patented swivel ‘P’ handle in 2003 as well as raising the bar for design and techno- logical excellence through the patent of integrated wheel assembly in 2004. Even the launch of their award-winning electronic travel accessories in 2005 and their first luxury-inspired collections in 2006 that became an instant success is enough to bring out the champagne and TEMPERATURES RISING But Not in Japan