ClickZ Travel Newsletter - 11.28.2024

Plus: Is it too early to mention the C-Word? šŸŽ„

Welcome to ClickZ Travel, your essential newsletter for dominating the digital marketplace landscape as a travel accessories brand. Before you dive into your Thanksgiving turkey, hereā€™s a quick serving of the latest marketing insights to power your Black Friday success.

Guest At the Table šŸ“

By Jamie Bolton, Fospha

Black Friday is here, and for many brands, the hard work is doneā€”youā€™ve set the stage and prepared for the biggest shopping event of the year. But as Iā€™ve seen time and time again, the brands that succeed now are the ones that obsess over the right metrics and adapt quickly to whatā€™s happening in real time. Here are two key areas I believe every marketer should focus on to maximize success this Black Friday:

Benchmarking

Benchmarks are your compass. They donā€™t just show how well campaigns are performingā€”they reveal opportunities to improve as the data rolls in. From CPMs to order volumes, understanding how your results stack up against industry benchmarks will help you refine your approach and stay competitive.

Looking ahead to 2025? Post-BFCM benchmarking will be invaluable, and Fosphaā€™s next report will include fresh data to help you plan for the future. Follow us to make sure you donā€™t miss it. šŸ“Š

Measurement

Still relying on Last Click attribution? Itā€™s holding you back. At the most competitive time of year, top brands are using advanced measurement tools to stay ahead of the curve. Fospha gives you a clear, cross-channel view of YoY performance, enabling you to act on the right signalsā€”not misleading ones.

The insights you gather now can set you up for a strong 2025. If youā€™re ready to take your measurement strategy to the next level, thereā€™s no better time to start than today.

šŸŒŸ Letā€™s make this Black Friday your most successful yet!

Carved Out Insights šŸ¦ƒ

Bogg Bag, a popular choice for suburban moms, is expanding into 1,900 Target stores, marking a significant growth milestone. The bags are known for their durability and vibrant designs, and this partnership includes exclusive colorways.

Founder Kim Vaccarella's journey began with a need for a practical beach bag, leading to the creation of a product that has become a viral sensation.

The brand's success is largely attributed to organic community building and social media engagement, with viral TikTok videos boosting its popularity. Vaccarella emphasizes the importance of slow, steady growth and learning from challenges. Future plans include expanding the product line to appeal to diverse audiences, such as teachers, nurses, and Gen Z, with new designs and marketing strategies tailored to each group.

Kipling, a beloved Gen Z brand, re-enters the travel retail market with its Funky Red range, showcased at the TFWA World Exhibition. VF Corporation's strategy focuses on global expansion and innovation, highlighting Kipling's lightweight, durable products. Eastpak's new Resistr Case also emphasizes durability and style.

Casetify, known for tech accessories, enters the travel market with a customizable luggage line. Their 21-inch carry-on suitcase features Bounce technology for impact absorption and a durable polycarbonate shell. Available in three colors, it offers personalization options. This expansion reflects Casetify's growth and innovation in personalizing travel experiences.

Calpak, a luggage brand established in 1989, has opened its first permanent store in Century City Mall, Los Angeles, marking a significant milestone in its retail strategy. This move comes after a successful 2019 pop-up in New York City, which highlighted the demand for in-person product experiences. The store offers 80% to 85% of Calpak's SKUs, excluding some colorways, and aims to showcase the brand's extensive range, including duffels, roller bags, and accessories. This strategic decision aligns with Calpak's goal to enhance brand awareness and drive customer lifetime value.

The choice of Los Angeles, where Calpak has a strong customer base, underscores the brand's careful market selection. The location at Century City Mall, a hub for both tourists and locals, reflects Calpak's strategy to balance its audience reach. This approach is crucial, as luggage purchases are infrequent, necessitating a broad customer base to sustain market interest. Calpak's expansion plans include opening two to five additional stores over the next five years, with potential locations in Orange County and Chicago.

Calpak's move mirrors a broader trend among DTC luggage brands, such as Away and Monos, which are also expanding their physical presence. This shift is driven by the preference of Gen Z and millennials for in-store shopping experiences, emphasizing the importance of tactile engagement and personalized service in the retail landscape.

Food For Thought šŸ½ļø

Performance Platters šŸ„§

Dynamic Search Ads remain crucial in Google Ads strategies, even with Performance Max campaigns. They offer targeted control over ad descriptions and website sections. Regular optimization and strategic setup uncover new keyword opportunities, enhancing main search campaigns. Consistent management ensures these ads contribute significantly to advertising success.

Marketers are adapting to ambitious holiday shoppers by leveraging technology and multichannel strategies. With increased spending intentions, brands face challenges in maintaining consumer loyalty and delivering measurable outcomes. Successful campaigns balance joy and value, utilizing AI and social media to enhance consumer experiences and drive sales.

What did you think of this week's edition?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

ClickZ is a Contentive publication in the DTC Ecommerce division