Samsonite did the same thing two years ago, choosing Hong Kong over the NYSE.
In the U.S. and Europe the fresh Samsonite designs are to appear in September.
"The new Samsonite will move into the world of style and design, " says Mackay.
Earlier this month, Massachusetts based luggage brand, Samsonite, listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange.
FORBES: Samsonite's IPO Pick of Hong Kong Over NYSE Not Unique
Forbes contacted Samsonite International at their Mansfield, Mass corporate headquarters on June 14 for comment.
FORBES: Samsonite's IPO Pick of Hong Kong Over NYSE Not Unique
Vladimir Osvolda, the former boss of Samsonite's Samorin factory, thinks his fellow Slovaks have no choice.
He recalls that Samorin felt like a mirror of a Samsonite factory in the Belgian town of Turnhout.
In five years, Bottoli says, luggage will be only 50% of Samsonite's business.
Billions of people in southeast Asia are traveling, and apparently buying Samsonite luggage.
FORBES: Samsonite's IPO Pick of Hong Kong Over NYSE Not Unique
"Samsonite was in Belgium 30 years before they decided the perfect solution was to invest in Slovakia, " notes Mr Osvolda.
Massachusetts based Samsonite became the first US company to do an IPO solely in Hong Kong instead of its home market.
FORBES: Guess Which Countries Dominated the IPO Scene This Quarter
Samsonite is a venerable brand, but its last memorable advertisements--back when air travel was special--showed a gorilla jumping on its sturdy suitcases.
Samsonite has hired designer Quentin Mackay--who worked at Tanner Krolle, the British handbag-and-shoe firm, and Loewe, the Spanish handbag company--as global creative director.
And a big Samsonite wheeled soft-sided suitcase to hold it all.
When Sept. 11 crimped travel worldwide, Samsonite hit severe turbulence.
Luggage accounted for 90% of Samsonite revenue five years ago.
In Tokyo last month Samsonite unveiled its latest luggage designs, including a bright modern lineup by guest designer Marc Newson, noted for furniture, watches and even New York's redone Lever House restaurant.
Samsonite is not listed on US exchanges.
FORBES: Guess Which Countries Dominated the IPO Scene This Quarter
Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Samsonite remains the best-known U.S. luggage brand, but that's little comfort in a sector as commoditized as air transport itself--and with prices coming down quickly as more production (including Samsonite's own) has been sent to China.
Brands like Prada and Samsonite, which listed its shares in China last year, are growing more interested in what Shanghai women are buying than what New Yorkers on the Upper West Side are wearing and toting their Jimmy Choos in en route to the airport.
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