The backpack market - United Kingdom

The global backpack market, as part of the broader bags and luggage sector, showed recovery in 2021, reaching a value of $137.5 billion, despite the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. Backpacks, specifically, saw a 10.1% growth to reach $15.3 billion in 2021. The UK bag segment is anticipated to grow at a 5.92% CAGR between 2022-2026, with an expected revenue of $0.99 billion in 2022. UK backpack production exhibited volatility with £31.7 million in 2021, while the distribution landscape includes brand-owned stores, multi-brand distributors, and online-only players. Trends driving the market include a demand for multifunctional, innovative features, like wireless charging and increased online sales.

The UK trade balance in bags shows it is a net importer with a coverage rate of 39.7% in 2021. The market is segmented into categories including student, travel, and trendy backpacks, with varying brands catering to different price ranges. Demand determinants span from tourism, schooling, and sports activities; yet tourism saw a decline with only 19.1 million UK resident visits abroad in 2021, a 20% drop from 2020. The student segment remains substantial with 13.2 million individuals in the education system in 2020/2021, influencing a significant portion of backpack demand. Regulatory frameworks such as the Textile Products Regulations and UK's REACH outline labeling and compositional requirements for products entering the market, ensuring consumer safety and compliance.

Demand Dynamics in the Backpack Market

Backpacks, a staple accessory for travelers, students, and sports enthusiasts, have carved their niche in the accessories market, showing resilience and adaptability even amid the pandemic's challenges. The demand for backpacks within the market is primarily driven by three key consumer segments: travelers seeking functional bags for their adventures, students in need of practical and stylish backpacks for school, and sports enthusiasts looking for durable, activity-specific carriers. Tourism's Influence on Travel Backpacks Travel backpacks, a segment significantly affected by tourism trends, sees demand fluctuations correlating with the ebb and flow of travel activities. With UK residents making between 15 and 20 million visits abroad, reflecting a decline due to pandemic restrictions, the travel backpack market witnessed a consequently dampened demand.

Yet, the increasing popularity of local outdoor activities, such as leisure walking, with over 2 million annual searches for "walks near me," suggests a rising domestic interest in backpacks suited for short excursions and day hikes. Students: A Segmented Market Influencer Spanning from elementary to higher education, the student population in the UK numbers over 10 million. This sizable demographic represents a significant market for backpack manufacturers, with an annual back-to-school spending crossing the 1 billion GDP threshold. It's notable that parents and students prioritize different factors when selecting backpacks, with quality, durability, and trendiness jostling for top positions. Moreover, as students become more technology-savvy, the demand for backpacks with built-in tech features, such as USB ports and RFID protection, is on the rise.

Sports and Recreation: A Market Fuelled by Active Lifestyles Sports enthusiasts make up the third pillar of the backpack demand structure, adding momentum to the market with their search for specialized, durable backpacks that cater to specific sports needs. This consumer segment showcases a preference for backpacks that not only offer functionality but also integrate advanced features like hydration systems and secure gear compartments. Online Shopping: An Evolving Purchase Channel The growth of online retail has been a notable trend in the UK. The convenience of e-commerce has seen a significant portion of backpack sales move online, a shift further accelerated by the pandemic. However, with the reopening of physical stores, a slight decrease in online sales proportions has been observed, signaling a possible balance between digital and in-store shopping experiences. In conclusion, the backpack market in the UK is shaped by a diverse consumer base, driven by a blend of functional, educational, and recreational needs.

Key Players Shaping the Backpack Market Landscape

The backpack industry boasts a diverse array of players, with each company carving out its niche by catering to specific consumer needs, embracing innovative designs, and adhering to lifestyle trends. Here we outline some of the main contenders making significant strides in the market.

• Osprey stands out as a brand specializing in high-performance backpacks designed for outdoor enthusiasts. Osprey's dedication to creating durable bags with technical features for trekking and mountain use has earned them a loyal following among adventurers.
• Samsonite, a name synonymous with travel luggage, extends its reputation for quality to the backpack segment. Known for robust and stylish offerings, Samsonite captures a portion of the market looking for reliable travel companions.
• North Face is a brand that combines utility and fashion, offering sporty yet trendy backpacks that appeal to both serious hikers and urban explorers. Their innovative features and enduring materials keep them at the forefront of the outdoor lifestyle market.
• Eastpak has become a staple amongst students and everyday users seeking functional fashion. Their backpacks are known for practical designs with a modern aesthetic, merging the need for comfort with the latest trends.
• Primark and Zara represent fast fashion brands that continuously update their backpack offerings to align with the latest style movements, providing affordable options for fashion-conscious consumers.
• Knomo differentiates itself with a focus on urban professionals who demand both functionality and sleek design. Their backpacks often feature compartments for technological devices, marrying practicality with a clean and professional look.
• JanSport, an ever-popular choice among students, continually evolves to include features like integrated charging stations and organizational aids, staying in tune with the digital needs of today's youth.
• Gregory Mountain Products caters to the niche of serious mountaineers by equipping their backpacks with removable solar panels and other high-tech advancements, pushing the boundaries of what a backpack can offer in terms of utility.
• Burberry stands at the top end of the market, with luxury backpacks that not only serve functional purposes but are also considered upscale fashion statements.
• JD Sport, Costwold, and Sport Direct are among the multi-brand distributors, providing an extensive range of backpacks from various brands, catering to the needs of different customer segments, from casual daily use to specialized sports use.

Inforamtion

• Number of pages : ~ 40 pages
• Format : Digital and PDF versions
• Last update : 17/10/2022

Summary and extracts

List of charts presented in this market study

• Evolution of worldwide sales of bags and luggage
• Evolution of worldwide backpack sales
• Evolution of the market share of the backpack in the total "bags and luggage" market
• Evolution of the revenue generated by the sale of bags in the United Kingdom
• Sales of bags produced in the United Kingdom
• Evolution of the online share of UK retail sales
• Travel by British residents abroad
• Evolution of the interest for the search "backpack" on Google
• What criteria do you use to choose the clothes you buy for your children?
• Evolution of the number of people in school
• Expenses incurred for back-to-school items
• Breakdown of back-to-school expenses by type of item
• British trade balance of bags
• Main supplying countries of the United Kingdom in terms of bags
• Top UK customers for handbags