Handbags are one of the key accessories driving the fashion world. The prices of designer handbags have been rising rapidly for the last several years. However, few analysts feel that the growth of handbag sales in the US market might slow down, when considering the rapid growth in the market in recent years. The handbag market is also facing intense competition from other accessories like jewelry and watches.

The premium handbag companies mainly include luxury brands as well as private label retailers. Europe has dominated the luxury handbag market for a long time with brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci and Prada. But now American designers are fiercely competing with new strategies and branding initiatives. A key issue is the addition of lower-priced lines by several American designer brands. The handbag marketplace has become extremely competitive with a large number of independent designers launching their own stores.

A key trend is of US and European accessories firms entering the Asian market. Coach expects expansion opportunities in China, Southeast Asia and the Middle East. Gucci has planned a series of store openings in emerging markets, including two in India, and others in Macau, Prague and Budapest. Dooney & Bourke opened its first store outside US, within the Venetian Macao Resort Hotel in Macau. It plans to open five to 10 stores in Asia over the next three years. Cole Haan is also expanding into the Far East.

The report begins with a discussion of the segments of the handbag market and then goes on to analyze the US and European market. The report profiles the major companies, focusing in-depth on their business strategies. It also analyzes the major trends prevalent in the market.

Key Topics Covered:

1. Market Overview Fashion Bags Classic Bags Casual Bags Evening Bags

2. Market Size

2.1 US Handbags Market Retail Market by Value Retail Market by Volume Export Statistics Import Statistics

2.2 European Handbags Market Consumption in Major Countries in EU Production in Major Countries in EU Exports Statistics Distribution Channels

3. Market Trends

3.1 Tough Competition from Other Accessories

3.2 Handbag Purchasing Habits

3.3 Handbag Trends - Europe Vs US

3.4 Competition from Independent Handbag Designers

3.5 Consumer Spending Projected to Slow Down

3.6 Women in UK Avoid Must-Have Handbags

4. Company Profiles

4.1 Coach Overview Business Segments Business Strategies Marketing Strategy International Strategy – Focus on Russia & China Product Innovation Multi-Channel International Distribution

4.2 Burberry Overview Business Strategies Focus on Accessories Market Retail Strategy Implementation of Project Atlas

4.3 Gucci Overview Financial Summary Business Strategies Expansion in Emerging Markets Gucci to Promote its Mid-range Offering

4.4 Dooney & Bourke Overview Business Strategies Dooney & Bourke Seeks Asian Growth

4.5 Louis Vuitton Overview Significant Developments Launch of Largest Store in Ginza

4.6 Chanel Overview Business Strategies Significant Developments Mobile Art Project in New York

4.7 Prada Overview Business Strategies Significant Developments Launch of Store in San Francisco

4.8 Kate Spade Overview Business Strategies Significant Developments

Companies Mentioned:

- Coach

- Burberry

- Gucci

- Dooney & Bourke

- Louis Vuitton

- Chanel - Prada

- Kate Spade

For more information visit http://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/0f886f/handbags_market_re
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