A significant aspect of traveling is shopping. For most travelers, selecting the ideal memento as a souvenir seems like a minor yet significant chore. But for other people, particularly those who collect bags, shopping is the major activity.
If you think it's ridiculous to fly to buy a bag, think about this: Straits Research estimates that the global luxury handbag industry will reach $50.9 billion by 2031, having grown from over $30 billion in 2022. Thus, it is indeed large. And no, traveling to purchase that essential bag is still possible.
But just where should you go? Some recommendations come from the premium leather goods company Von Baer and the UK passport holder visa service firm OnTrailVisa.
The survey, "Where to Take a Vacation while Buying Your Next Bag," which was published in October by the two companies, identified the top five nations where tourists can "combine their love for luxury handbags with the perfect vacation."
The two organizations compiled a seed list of countries that were renowned for their handbag craftsmanship and access to luxury goods, including Italy, France, Japan, Thailand, and Singapore, in order to determine the best places to travel for handbag shopping. It then based its rankings on "quantifiable and qualitative factors," such as tax incentives, market growth, brand visibility, and pricing.
"Luxury handbags represent status, style, and investment for many consumers," the two businesses stated in their research. "The research seeks to assist potential buyers who intend to purchase luxury handbags by combining traveling experiences with smart purchasing strategies in the best countries."
It picked Italy as its top pick after examining the data.
Italy is well known for its recognizable luxury labels, like Bottega Veneta, Prada, and Gucci. The results showed that purchasing in Italy typically results in much reduced local prices and lower import charges. Additionally, the team pointed out that non-EU visitors are eligible for a tax rebate "amounting to 22 percent on purchases of over a certain amount, thus lowering general costs." It also mentioned Italy's well-known workmanship, which suggests that your bag is probably made locally, supporting the local economy and possibly saving you money.
France, which is home to the flagship Chanel, Hermès, and Louis Vuitton stores, comes in second. This implies that, according to the two, "you can often get a much better price in Paris than if you were to buy elsewhere using local pricing strategies." Additionally, tourists can receive up to a 20 percent refund under France's own tax refund program.
Due to its robust demand for luxury and limited-edition products, Japan ranks third, followed by Thailand in fourth place and Singapore in fifth place, which is "considered the Southeast Asia shopping hub for luxury."
If you want to buy a bag, then go ahead and arrange a trip. Additionally, you can use it as a carry-on on your flight back.
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