Grand Rapids-based Groskopf’s Fine Luggage and Gifts joined the United Luggage Dealers Association, previously known as the National Luggage Dealers Association.
The travel recession of the past year led several luggage, leather and travel goods retailers to close their doors. ULDA will continue the work of the NLDA — which was founded in 1925 — by helping retailers improve their buying and negotiating power, stock exclusive merchandise, market more effectively, share their industry knowledge and enhance vendor relations.
Groskopf’s fifth-generation family retailer Katie Heth Lentine said she is excited about the future. During the pandemic, the store, at 1200 East Paris Ave. SE in Grand Rapids, pivoted with a three-pronged approach: maintain an online presence, adopt safety measures so people feel comfortable venturing into their store and offer products designed with the health-conscious traveler in mind.
“I feel there is a pent-up desire that is building in all of us, and we are anxious to travel, take vacations and visit destinations that we miss or have never seen,” Lentine said.
The longstanding family retailer is no stranger to shifting with the times. The company chose to close its flagship downtown Grand Rapids store in 2018 and shift all operations to its East Paris location, citing the growth of online retail and fewer people shopping brick and mortar.
In 1881, William Groskopf, founder of Groskopf’s Fine Luggage and Gifts, started the company in Grand Rapids as a manufacturer of sample cases and trunks for the business traveler.
Today, brothers Jeff and John Heth, the fourth generation, and Lentine, the fifth generation of the Groskopf family, carry on the tradition.
Groskopf’s has been servicing Michigan travelers for over 140 years. The store offers a unique selection of luggage, business cases, personal leather goods, globes, jewelry boxes, writing instruments and unique gifts.
Globally, the luggage market is expected to generate almost $23 billion in sales by 2025, driven by improving economies around the world.
“Our members are travel specialists who have all the latest travel and business accessories to make travel and work life more enjoyable,” said Ronald Levine, former NLDA import and operations manager, who is launching ULDA. “We survived the pandemic, and now we’re on the cusp of a great resurgence in travel. It’s my mission to help our members succeed.
“Consolidation in retail has meant fewer choices for consumers when it comes to finding stores that meet their needs. Retailers like Groskopf’s will aim to enhance the specialty store experience and continue to build customer loyalty with both consumer and corporate suburban shoppers.”
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August 17, 2021 at 09:00PM
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Grand Rapids luggage company joins national dealers association - grbj.com
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