eBags Joins Forces with IoT Pioneer, Iterate Studio, to Expand Solutions for Connected Travelers

DENVER, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Tech-savvy frequent travelers, or "connected travelers", are continuously looking for devices that streamline and improve the travel experience. According to a TripAdvisor study, 72 percent of frequent travelers use a smartphone or other wearable device as part of their travel routine.

As developments like Echo and the iWatch emerge, tomorrow's traveler's expectations are evolving. Travelers want to be informed - in real-time - of events related to their journey. They want to be alerted and informed about ways to enhance their trip, avoid potential disruptions, discover new opportunities, and make connections with other travelers.  

To-date, eBags has sold more than 25 million bags, mostly to frequent travelers who take at least 10 trips per year. As these travelers seek out more smart devices, including wearables and integrated-product technologies, eBags will bring an ecosystem of these devices and services to life in a central place called the eBags Connected Traveler Hub.

Through a strategic partnership with Denver-based, IoT leader, Iterate Studio, eBags is positioning itself as the e-commerce hub for connected travelers everywhere. eBags will leverage partnerships with retailers, travel companies, top developers, and innovators in IoT  to keep travelers connected. The eBags Connected Tag will be among the first proprietary products to bring connectivity in travel through a mobile tagging system attached to a traveler's luggage or bags.

"Building and partnering with unique, high-tech products and services that connect the traveler to his or her travel experiences is a natural evolution for the eBags brand," said Mike Edwards, chief executive officer of eBags. "One of the reasons 40 million people shop on eBags.com every year is because of our forward-thinking approach to product innovation.  And, by working with like-minded partners, we are poised to offer a unique Connected Traveler Hub." 

The partnership between Iterate Studio and eBags, created in September 2015, has tested between eight and 12 startup technologies each quarter.  Now the partnership is bringing unique IoT technologies into development for the Connected Traveler Hub, which will serve as the single destination for travelers to keep all of their items connected, tracked and updated. eBags is interested in partnering with companies in this vertical that offer unique and useful connected services or products to travelers.

"Whether a weekend warrior or constantly on-the-road, we look forward to leveraging our partnership with eBags to create cutting-edge products to help travelers conveniently access information and drive the best overall experience for each traveler," says Jon Nordmark, CEO of Iterate Studio.

About eBags
With more than 20 years in travel and 25 million bags sold, eBags is the leading online retailer of luggage, backpacks and accessories. The company is devoted to helping its customers find the perfect travel gear for any journey. eBags features 67,000 products from 600 brands, including Tumi, Samsonite, Kenneth Cole, Patagonia, North Face and more. For more information, follow eBags on Facebook or Twitter @eBags or visit eBags.com.

About Iterate
Co-Located in Silicon Valley, Denver-Boulder, and NYC, Iterate Studio is a practitioner of Open Innovation in the digital space. Iterate discovers and curates emerging technologies, then implements proof-of-value tests for its global client base. For large companies, this reduces time, costs and risks associated with analyzing and deploying innovative start-up technologies. For press inquiries please contact [email protected], follow Iterate on Twitter @IterateStudio or visit IterateStudio.com.

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SOURCE eBags