NPD: Accessories sales are in the handbag

PORT WASHINGTON, N.Y. Handbags continue to be a popular purchase. According to The NPD Group's, Consumer Tracking Service for Accessories, for January through August 2007, handbags are the number 1 type of bag bought in the U.S.

According to the survey, teens look for brands first when choosing a handbag, while style and features are more important for women 18 and over, women in the 45- to 54-year-old range say they consider a high-end handbag an investment, according to Marshal Cohen, chief industry analyst of The NPD Group.

“Handbag sales know no boundaries. Women of all ages are getting ‘carried away’ by the handbag.” said Cohen. “Teens, young sdults, in fact, women of all ages are telling me they love handbags and that their handbags have become the signature item in their wardrobes. Cohen added that without a 'must have' gift item this year, handbags are likely to be a major gift this holiday season.