WHOLESALE HANDBAGS REPORT:
Handbags and Purses Fashion Forecast
It's no secret that consumers are scrutinizing their purchases carefully. And while many may deny themselves whole new spring or summer wardrobes, the desire to spiff up for the seasons ahead with new handbags and purses in the latest fasions is alive and well.
So say suppliers of handbags, and other fashion items that make people look good and feel good. The current climate strengthens the opportunity for sales of fashion accessories, especially when they are merchandised as affordable purchases that can lift spirits, while also refreshing last year's outfits. To benefit consumers and the retailers that sell to them, wholesale suppliers are putting together packages and programs to help promote all the benefits of fashion accessories, including their affordability. In short, many wholesalers are offering deals to retailers, so the merchants can pass them along to consumers.
Aliz International Inc., for example, is offering 50 bags for $200, which translates to an average wholesale cost of $4 for each fashion handbag. Rosanna Tran, an owner, says each can easily retail for about $10, "which makes them affordable and also provides a good margin for the retailer. Women still need some indulgences," she suggests, adding, "these are affordable indulgences without the calories." Her company brings in about 3,000 new handbags each season, so this offer also allows Aliz to make way for new arrivals in its Florida and California showrooms.
Falk Sales in Hudson, NH, is offering what Charlie Falk, owner, frankly bills as a, recession buster. "The retail return," he says, "is $15 or more a unit." His company's designer inspired handbags and purses wholesale in a range of $25 to $30, while others wholesale for as little as $5.
Quilted handbags are among Falk Sales' best sellers, along with lots of colors and patterns, he says. "Animal prints are doing especially well," he adds. "New merchandise arrives daily, and retailers can buy directly from the website."
Scott McMillin, who with his wife, Michelle, owns Michelle and Scott's Wholesale Imports in Memphis, TN, sends monthly emails to his retailer customers. The company supplies scarves, handbags and hair accessories, along with jewelry, "and we had a record breaking year in 2008," he reports. The emails serve more than one purpose, in addition to showcasing new merchandise. "They almost always project some promotional ideas and themes and give the retailer some incentive," he says.
The company has a big variety of handbags, which McMillin says, "range from $3 to $20, depending on the style, size and material." These are also trending to brighter colors for spring and summer. Hair accessories, including bows, barrettes and clips, "make very good add on products," McMillin notes. "These are very popular with ladies and teens, and the wholesale price ranges from about $13 to $14 a dozen."
This year, Twin Pines is adding a, "wristlet," which is a purse with wrist straps. "Initially, we're testing it in 10 different designs," she says, "and will add more as the rollout continues." These wholesale for $6.50 each. The suggested retail price is $14. Quantity discounts have not been finalized, but will apply, Sartori assures.
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Purses to the Max
The owner of Max Purse, Avraham Reyhan, has been a successful apparel and handbag designer for 25 years. While some of the purses on www.maxpurse.com are purchased from importers, Reyhan designs of significant number of them himself, and he certainly has the experience to know what sells.
His wife, Jenny Shemtob, who works closely with him running the company and its website, describes of Reyhan's creative abilities. "He loves designing. He gets an idea and then he makes the design himself. Once he gets the sample, he might decide to use a different material, change the size or switch the handles. Sometimes it becomes a whole new design altogether. Quality and fashion are the determining factors."
As for Reyhan's imported purchases, all the bags are subjected to rigorous inspection prior to becoming part of the Max Purse collection. He scrutinizes the materials and the quality of the production. "He is very picky," said Shemtob. "If the design is good, the quality is good, and he believes it's fashionable, he buys it. We won't just buy anything."
Reyhan's experience in the business and his eye for what women like are a big part of the reason why Max Purse has been successful from the onset, even before the company went online. Since they went online in 2005, they have seen even greater success.
"Buyers don't want to drive or fly to select the merchandise," said Shemtob. "Traveling is expensive and many smaller stores would have to close in order to source merchandise. Putting my inventory online has provided an inexpensive and convenient way for buyers to choose and purchase their merchandise. My buyers know they make more money by doing it this way."
Max Purse keeps between 100 and 200 products on its site at any given time. New styles come in and existing styles sell out, so the inventory often changes. New styles come in every week, which Shemtob's team immediately posts to the New Arrivals section of the site, as well as the product's specific category, allowing customers to easily find the latest products.
The site features 32 categories, most of which are designated as "Inspired by" specific designers. In addition to purses, the company wholesales wallets, travel bags and clutches, which can all be browsed and purchased online. Reyhan also had the insight to allow shoppers to shop by price range. There are often pricing specials, which can be accessed through the Specials tab at the top of the homepage, and frequently includes overstocks on popular styles. The straightforward layout of the site makes facilitates a productive buying experience.
Customers must create an account to see the prices and the specs on each item. Simply click the My Account or the Log In buttons at the top of the page. Savvy buyers can also subscribe to the Max Purse newsletter, which Shemtob sends out whenever there is a new product.
"We sell to everyone," reveals Shemtob. She lists boutiques, purse stores, accessories, home shows, nail salons and spas as some of her loyal customers. She notes that their buyers include both retailers and resellers, including eBayers, women's clothing stores and flea marketers.
As a testament to the expansive reach of ecommerce, Max Purse also has many international customers. Shemtob explains, "They find us on the Internet. Many come from WholesaleCentral.com, and we get a lot of referrals."
Max Purse has achieved success in a short period of time, much of it due to Reyhan's eye for style and quality. However, the company's simple business philosophy also plays a part in their popularity. "We want our customers to be happy and to be satisfied," said Shemtob. "When customers have good buying experiences, they tell their friends."
Max Purse
1141 South Santee Street, B
Los Angeles, CA 90015
Tel: 213-749-1108
Fax: 213-749-1136
Website: www.maxpurse.com
