HAVING SEEN how its range of products fit Filipinos, innovative specialty travel products and accessories brand Travelon has decided to open its first stand-alone store in the world here in Manila.

Located at the third level of Building D of SM Megamall in Mandaluyong City, the Travelon store, which formally opened on Aug. 16, features a wide range of products that adhere to the brand’s mission and vision of “making travel easier and safer.”

Among the products on offer are its premium selection of cutting-edge, anti-theft bags that boast of Travelon’s anti-theft features like cut-proof straps, slash-proof fabrics, locking zippers and carabineers, and an RFID-blocking technology.

Established in 1978 by trailblazing outdoor sports entrepreneur Don Godshaw, Chicago-based Travelon has since become a global brand whose products — over 400 now — are available in approximately 60 countries including Brazil, Colombia, Canada, Ecuador, Germany, Guatemala, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, Spain, Singapore, the United Kingdom, Thailand, and the Philippines.

Travelon has been in the Philippines since September 2011, distributed by the Primer Group of Companies.

In a short chat with BusinessWorld during the store launch, Mr. Godshaw, who flew in to personally oversee the opening of the first Travelon store, said it was a combination of factors which led them to finally decide to open a standalone store here.

“We felt there was a market here for Travelon products. With traffic here forcing a lot of people to commute to go to their destinations, it is very reassuring to know that your valuables are safe inside secured bags like what we offer. This is apart from the fact that Filipinos, too, love to travel to different places, be it locally or abroad. You see, when thieves steal your things, they are also stealing memories so you really have to guard against that,” Mr. Godshaw said.

“As to the opening of the store, we saw that we had good local partners who believe in the brand and are making sure to have the products and what they are all about reach the consumers,” he added.

Mr. Godshaw went on to say that they are also considering opening additional stores if the conditions permit as well offering new products.

Aside from the standalone store, Travelon bags are available at The Travel Club, R.O.X., Flight 001, and Grind stores; SM Department Stores, Robinsons Department Stores, Landmark Department Stores, and Duty Free Philippines.

It also has social media accounts — TravelonPhilippines on Facebook and Travelonph on Instagram — where one can check out its products. — Michael Angelo S. Murillo

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