Travel Sentry Growth Takes Off In Less than Two Years Security Solutions Company Credits Success To Distribution and Americas Desire to Travel

In less than two years, more than ten (10) million Travel Sentry Certified locks have hit the marketplace, increasing the companys visibility and confirming that travelers do want to lock their luggage. Recognized and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the locks are being snatched up by business and family travelers alike. The company estimates that by the end of 2005, more than fifteen (15) million locks will be in the hands of travelers.

Miami, FL (PRWEB) June 23, 2005 -- In less than two years, more than ten (10) million Travel Sentry Certified locks have hit the marketplace, increasing the companys visibility and confirming that travelers do want to lock their luggage. Recognized and accepted by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), the locks are being snatched up by business and family travelers alike. The company estimates that by the end of 2005, more than fifteen (15) million locks will be in the hands of travelers.

In addition to helping travelers secure their belongings while still allowing the TSA to complete security inspections, Travel Sentry Certified locks brought back traffic to retail luggage and accessory stores across the country. When the TSA banned luggage locks in January 2003, the lock business just died," says John Vermilye, founder and CEO of Travel Sentry, Inc., a security solutions company for the transportation industry. When Travel Sentry introduced its TSA accepted and recognized locks and system in November 2003, retailer response was overwhelmingly positive and the first products sold out in days. Now that sales of locks have rebounded beyond the pre-9/11 (2001) levels, retailers are thrilled," reports Vermilye.

Stephen Rynn, the President of Rynns Luggage, the largest airline luggage repair and replacement service in the country, has seen the shift in the lock business. Rynn reports that locks have always been a modest source of income for his retail shops, but when the Travel Sentry Certified locks came into the stores, our lock sales more than doubled." Today, Rynn displays the locks by the register and ensures he has a Travel Sentry poster, which he downloaded from www.travelsentry.org, in his storefront windows. Rynn reports that sales for the locks increased right before summer and he has ordered an extra supply for holiday travelers this winter. Rynn offers major retail and repair facilities in Pittsburgh, Baltimore, and Dallas. Netbags.com is the Internet site of Rynns Luggage.

Master Lock, the largest global manufacturer and marketer of padlocks, found that their luggage lock business dropped 30% after 9/11. Thanks to Travel Sentry, business has rebounded to pre-9/11 levels," said Cris Smyczek of Master Lock, We now offer three styles of Travel Sentry Certified locks; a luggage strap, a combination lock and a key lock. They all sell very well."

Americans are explorers," says Vermilye, a 30-year veteran of the airline industry, This year alone 715 million people are expected to fly. The market potential for Travel Sentry Certified locks is vast."

Vermilye credits the success of the locks to the strong partnership forged with lock manufacturers, importers and distributors, as well as retailers." With 14 manufacturers, more than 40 licensed distributors more than 30 approved models, Travel Sentry Certified locks can be found at thousands of specialty, national and on-line retailers including Brookstone, Sharper Image, WalMart, Target, Lowes, Ace Hardware, eBags.com, Magellans, and Sharper Image.

Travel Sentry is an organization that provides security solutions for the traveling public and works closely with the Transportation Security Administration and luggage, lock and travel accessory manufacturers. In 2003, the company developed the Travel Sentry Certified lock standard that enables the traveling public to lock their checked baggage during travel while still allowing the TSA to search the bags as needed and then re-lock them. Easily identified by the red diamond logo Travel Sentry Certified locks are available at thousands of retailers. More information can be found at www.travelsentry.org.

###