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August 4, 2013

Tablets and big phones boost ‘manbag’ sales

Retailers seeing sales up as much as 30% year-on-year

By Claire Vanner

There has been a sharp rise in the sales of men’s bags over the last year, with tablets and larger smartphones understood to be boosting demand.

Many models of smartphones are increasing in size of course, meaning they can no longer fit in pockets. More men are also opting to carry tablets and notepad laptops with them.

Online fashion retailer ASOS has seen a 30% lift in sales year-on-year for men’s bags.

Tanya Leitch, ASOS menswear buyer, said: "Backpacks have still been really strong for us, but we have also introduced more document and satchel shapes which have really lifted sales and all now include a compartment for laptops and devices.

"There is definitely a need for guys to carry some kind of bag to hold their gadgets these days. Also on the rise is the ‘man’s clutch’ which are cases for laptops and iPads, not as feminine as it sounds!

"ASOS have just launched their own range of laptop and iPad cases, which we anticipate becoming big business," she added.

At Debenhams, men’s bags have fared very well, with sales increasing 25% since last year, that’s a whopping ten times the overall revenue increase of 2.5% for the department store.

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Debenhams men’s bags buyer, David Moffatt said: "The biggest rise has been the rucksack and satchels continue to do well. Laptop bags in canvas have also seen a large increase.

"Since the rise in popularity of tablets over the last 12 months we have seen an increase in demand for bags and iPad cases. Our growth has also been from developing the range we offer and including more trend focused styles. We are also focusing on the practical aspect of the bags and introducing more and more laptop and tablet compartments.

"Gone are the days of a guy just leaving the house with money and keys, he now needs to take into account suitable bags to accommodate his gadgets," said Moffatt.

Take a look at CBR’s selection of the best manbags for gadgets available on the highstreet and online.

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