The travel sector for the preschool industry covers a vast range of products, with so much to think about when travelling with young children. PPS chats to some key suppliers to find out what the trends are this year and whether families will still be hitting the road or air, despite the wider economic climate.
While there is no doubt that purse strings have been tightened this year, statistics indicate that families are still planning summer holidays. EasyJet chief executive, Johan Lundgren recently reported: “Despite the increase in the cost of living, holiday budgets remained unchanged, with travel being the only discretionary spend that people are prepared to maintain or increase.”
Alongside that eagerness to book holidays, suppliers are seeing a surge in demand for value products. Sharon Morrison, senior product and fashion manager, EMEA, for Graco, explains: “Consumers are looking for value for money items which are versatile for use at home or away, to maximise the investment in the product. They are shopping smarter and thinking more long-term about their purchases.”
Leonie Hayward, marketing director at Cheeky Rascals, distributor of Potette Plus, agrees: “We believe consumers are really looking for value for money as holiday goers continue to face unprecedented disruption to travel and with their budgets squeezed.”
To read the full feature in the latest issue of Progressive Preschool, simply click here.
