School Bags Market Overview, 2024-29

The worldwide book market is an intricate and ever-evolving sector that includes a broad range of goods, from conventional print books to digital versions. This invention transformed the way that information and books could be accessed, which facilitated the democratisation of information and the growth of literacy. The publishing business expanded in the 18th and 19th centuries in tandem with developments in technology and printing methods. Notable eras like the Enlightenment increased reader demand for books on philosophy, science, and literature. The market became even more diversified with the introduction of genres including children's literature, non-fiction, and fiction.

The development of publishing houses and literary awards during the 20th century solidified the influence of writers and publishers on cultural narratives. As a result of users turning to e-books and audiobooks for amusement and instruction during periods of confinement, the pandemic also expedited the transition towards digital formats. By improving their digital products and encouraging online sales, publishers responded to this change in the market and helped it to recover.

As a result of consumers' need for portable and easily accessible reading options, the Association of American Publishers reports that sales of e-books and audiobooks soared dramatically during the pandemic. In addition, the emergence of self-publishing platforms and print-on-demand services allowed writers to connect with readers directly, eschewing the conventional publishing channels.

According to the research report, "The Global School Bag Market Outlook, 2029,", the global school bag market is anticipated to add to more than USD 550 Million by 2024-29. With a sizable portion of the market, major companies like HarperCollins, Hachette Livre, and Penguin Random House rule the business. These businesses can invest in marketing, distribution, and author development because they have a lot of resources at their disposal. Despite their modest size, independent publishers add to the market's diversity by supporting up-and-coming writers and concentrating on specialised genres.

The distribution landscape has changed as a result of online merchants like Amazon, who give customers easy access to a large selection of titles at affordable prices. Authors may now avoid traditional gatekeepers and contact readers directly thanks to the democratisation of publishing brought about by the rise of self-publishing sites like Wattpad and Smashwords.

In an effort to improve the usefulness of e-books and audiobooks, publishers are working more closely with IT companies to incorporate interactive components, improved images, and audio narrations. Partnerships between publishers and academic institutions have expanded as well, with programs designed to support literacy and give students access to books.

In order to broaden their audience and reach, authors also often collaborate with other creatives, such as illustrators, screenwriters, and filmmakers, to adapt their writings into various mediums. International markets receive a substantial amount of books exported by well-known publishing nations including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, and France, in addition to books imported from developing writers across the globe. This process is made possible by translation services, which help non-native writers connect with a wider readership.

Market Drivers

Bringing Up Enrolment in Schools: The number of people attending school has increased as a result of the world's population growth, especially in emerging nations. The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) reports that 91% of children worldwide enrolled in basic education in 2018. This suggests a significant market for products associated to education, such as backpacks.

Increasing Net Worth: Rising disposable income and economic growth in emerging nations are increasing consumer spending on things related to education. According to a Market Research Future (MRFR) analysis, there is a growing demand for high-quality school bags in nations like China and India due to the growing middle class populations in these areas.

Market Challenges

In developed markets, saturation: The market for school bags is getting close to saturation in developed areas, which means that well-known manufacturers are facing fierce competition. In a crowded market, it can be difficult for businesses to differentiate their offerings and hold onto market share. IBISWorld reports that due to saturation, growth in the US school bag industry is anticipated to be low.

Products that are counterfeit: The existence of fake and inferior school bags in the market is a difficulty for well-known companies. These goods cause consumer mistrust in addition to damaging brand reputation. A number of industries, particularly consumer goods, have been negatively impacted by counterfeiting, according to the International Trademark Association (INTA).

Market Trends

Smart School Bags: A new trend in school bag design is the incorporation of technology, such as GPS tracking systems and built-in chargers. Parents and tech-savvy students looking for more protection and convenience can purchase these smart bags. Research and Markets projects that the smart school bag market will develop significantly over the next several years.

Designs Particular to Gender: School backpacks that are tailored to the interests of boys and girls based on gender are becoming more and more popular. Manufacturers are concentrating on developing styles, hues, and features that appeal to many groups of people. According to a Technavio analysis, product development and marketing tactics are being influenced by this trend.

Backpacks are currently the most popular product category in the worldwide school bag industry, mostly because of its adaptability, practicality, and appeal to a broad spectrum of customers.

Students of all ages choose backpacks because of their ergonomic design, which distributes weight evenly and provides comfort, two factors that are crucial while hauling about books and school supplies. Due in large part to its usefulness and the growing public awareness of the health risks associated with large, heavy school bags, backpacks held a substantial market share. Backpacks are more common among students since they are made for everyday use, in contrast to messenger bags and laptop bags, which typically cater to specific user demands. Additionally, backpacks are made of a variety of materials, styles, and patterns to suit a wide range of consumer tastes.

Customised backpacks are in high demand as a result of students' growing personalisation tendency, which further strengthens their market position. Furthermore, to add to their appeal to customers, backpacks frequently have features like several pockets, ergonomic straps, and water-resistant materials. Companies like Herschel, Nike, and Adidas have benefited from this trend by providing fashionable and useful bag solutions that appeal to younger consumers, fusing fashion with functionality.

Leading domestic firms in the worldwide school bags market include Samsonite, which offers a wide choice of sturdy backpacks and luggage solutions; JanSport, renowned for its classic backpacks favored by students; and Eastpak, known for its stylish and useful designs. Other prominent participants are Under Armour, which prioritises sustainability in its product line, and Fjällräven.

Polyester is the most popular material for school bags worldwide, due to its price, durability, and versatility.

Polyester bags are perfect for students to use on a daily basis because they are lightweight, water-resistant, and easy to clean. Polyester bags can handle the rigours of everyday school life, such as lugging heavy books and supplies, thanks to the fabric's resistance to wear and tear. According to a Grand View Research analysis, polyester's affordability and broad availability play a major role in its market domination. The versatility of polyester in terms of colour and pattern further contributes to its attractiveness to younger consumers who place a high value on customisation and flair. Polyester is used by companies like Adidas and Nike to create backpacks that combine style and usefulness.

Prominent domestic brands in this market include Herschel Supply Co., well-known for its fashionable and useful designs frequently crafted from polyester; JanSport, well-known for its robust polyester backpacks; and Eastpak, which combines fashion and functionality with premium polyester materials. These businesses take advantage of polyester's advantages while meeting consumer demands for fashionable, long-lasting, and reasonably priced school bags.

Another important material used in school bags is nylon, which is well-known for its durability and water resistance. Although nylon bags are typically more costly than polyester ones, they are typically more durable. Although canvas is also well-liked, particularly by those who like a more raw, organic aesthetic, it frequently lacks the water-resistant properties of synthetic textiles.

The market for school backpacks worldwide is still dominated by offline sales channels due to large consumer preference.

Because they offer clients a tactile purchasing experience, physical retail stores - such as department stores, speciality shops, and educational supply stores - dominate the market. Before making a purchase, most consumers would rather handle and feel the object, evaluate its quality, and try on backpacks to ensure that they fit and are comfortable. A Grand View Research survey states that offline sales make up a sizeable portion of the market for school bags overall, especially in areas with a strong concentration of brick and mortar establishments. Price-conscious customers are also drawn to stores by the special in-store promotions and discounts that many merchants offer.

Prominent retailers such as Walmart, Target, and Kohl's offer a vast array of school bag options, satisfying a broad customer base and guaranteeing convenient availability for both guardians and pupils. These retail behemoths are dominant in the offline distribution channel because of their well-established supply chains and well-known brands. Online retailers with low rates and a wide selection, such as Amazon, Flipkart, and Alibaba, are gaining popularity as places to buy school bags. Online shopping is becoming more and more appealing to tech-savvy parents and students since it makes comparing brands, styles, and prices simple.

North America is currently the market leader for school bags worldwide, mostly because of a combination of high disposable income, robust consumer spending on education, and a well-established retail infrastructure.

This supremacy is mostly due to the United States, in particular, where a large market for school bags is created by a strong educational system and a large population of school-age children. The market for school bags in North America is supported by rising primary and secondary enrolment rates, which provide a steady need for school supplies, according to a report by Mordor Intelligence. The region's significant emphasis on fashion and students' brand consciousness also contribute to the market's growth. Quality products from well-known brands are frequently prioritised by parents, which boosts sales for well-known brands like JanSport, Nike, and Adidas.

These companies provide a large selection of fashionable and useful bags that will appeal to parents and students alike. Furthermore, customers have easy access to a wide range of product choices because to the ease of retail outlets and the quick expansion of e-commerce platforms. The growing awareness of ergonomics and health risks associated with hefty backpacks is another aspect.

Customers in North America are showing an increasing propensity to purchase ergonomic designs since they encourage improved comfort and posture. Sales in the area have increased as a result of the advances in bag designs brought about by this trend. Strong economic conditions, high consumer standards for quality and style, and an emphasis on health and wellness have helped North America take the lead in the global school bag market, making it an important hub for the school bag business.

• In 2005, one major development in school bag design was the introduction of ergonomic backpacks, which are made to lessen the strain on students' backs. Ergonomic elements were added to products by companies like JanSport in response to growing worries about how heavy bags were impacting students' health.
• In 2017, companies such as Vera Bradley started providing school bags with customisable choices, enabling kids to add unique designs and colours to their backpacks, thereby increasing customer happiness and engagement.
• In 2021, as customer tastes for ethical items have grown, companies like Matt & Nat have responded by launching collections of vegan leather school bags in response to the growing demand for vegan and cruelty-free products.
• In 2022, the emergence of multipurpose school bags became popular, with designs that could effortlessly shift from academic pursuits to extracurricular activities. Companies like as Timbuk2 started providing multifunctional bags to cater to the needs of time-pressed students.

Considered in this report

• Historic year: 2018
• Base year: 2023
• Estimated year: 2024
• Forecast year: 2029

Aspects covered in this report

• School Bags market Outlook with its value and forecast along with its segments
• Various drivers and challenges
• On-going trends and developments
• Top profiled companies
• Strategic recommendation

By Types

• Backpack
• Messenger Bag
• Laptop bags
• Others

By Fabric

• Polyesters
• Canvas
• Nylon
• Leather
• Others

By Distribution Channel

• Offline
• Online

The approach of the report:

This report consists of a combined approach of primary and secondary research. Initially, secondary research was used to get an understanding of the market and list the companies that are present in it. The secondary research consists of third-party sources such as press releases, annual reports of companies, and government-generated reports and databases.

After gathering the data from secondary sources, primary research was conducted by conducting telephone interviews with the leading players about how the market is functioning and then conducting trade calls with dealers and distributors of the market. Post this; we have started making primary calls to consumers by equally segmenting them in regional aspects, tier aspects, age group, and gender. Once we have primary data with us, we can start verifying the details obtained from secondary sources.

Intended audience

This report can be useful to industry consultants, manufacturers, suppliers, associations, and organizations related to the School Bags industry, government bodies, and other stakeholders to align their market-centric strategies. In addition to marketing and presentations, it will also increase competitive knowledge about the industry.