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T his year in Cannes is a special one for Heys as it celebrates its 40th anniversary. Talking to the TFWA Daily yesterday in the exhibition, Heys President & CEO Emran Sheikh explained some of its closely-held secrets: “Our ability to separate ourselves through unique products and innovative designs is a key part of our success and this year is no exception – we are ‘showcasing’ four very different collections, clearly demonstrating our brand ethos to bring something new, innovative and enjoyable to the full range of travellers.” Any visitor to Heys in the Riveira village can expect to hear Sheikh – a passionate family man – enthusiastically talk about the range as if they were his own children: • xCase Galaxy Limited Edition: “This specifically celebrates our 40th anniversary, paying tribute to the original xCase which helped to define Heys. Only 1,986 individually-numbered pieces per colour will be produced, commemorating the year we were born.” • Nexus One: “Also a new introduction, a sleek, professional collection focused on organisation and efficient packing.” • Elite Fashion Spinner Leopard Collection: “A combination of bold design with premium Hinomoto wheels and a YKK puncture-proof zipper.” • Turbo Tots: “A fun and innovative kids’ luggage and ride-on scooter combination.” These creations aside, Sheikh agrees that having travel retail exclusives offers unique opportunities. “It very efficiently helps Heys celebrates increasingly-global 40th birthday with limited xCase Galaxy – and new Frankfurt Airport store drive impulse purchases for our retail partners, so we are currently developing custom printed cases for specific markets – luggage is a perfect product for brand collaborations, providing a chance to develop customised products which are truly unique and memorable. We see a lot of potential for this in travel retail, for gifting and destination-specific products.” Indeed, in terms of destinations Sheikh reports: “We have been investing significantly in China, opening five stores in this fascinating hyper-competitive and incredibly fast-paced market which constantly pushes brands to innovate and differentiate – something which sits perfectly with Heys.” While Sheikhmakes themodest claim: “Travel retail is a relatively new channel for Heys,” it is one offering it significant growth and brand- building. “An airport can valuably introduce your brand to travellers fromdozens of countries every day, and seeing Heys stores today in airports fromPerth to Düsseldorf, andwatching our luggage carried by travellers across the globe, is something I’mpersonally very proud of.” Sheikh aside, admirers of Heys’ are set to see even more of its luggage moving around with the opening of its new store at Terminal 1 Frankfurt Airport next month, bringing Heys to the pre-eminent German hub for the first time, and allowing Sheikh to cement his claim: “We don’t see ourselves as a Canadian company selling internationally, but building upon Heys’ 40-year history to create a unique global travel brand.” BayVillage Bay 2 Emran Sheikh and his daughter Ariana ‘showcase’ the xCase Galaxy Limited: “Only 1,986 individually-numbered pieces per colour will be produced, commemorating the year we were born.” Tuesday 29 September 2026 66 T F W A D A I L Y