For immediate release

Winnipeg - U.N. Luggage, 175 McDermot Avenue, is proud to announce its recent acceptance of the Luggage Leathergoods Handbags and Accessories Association of Canada's prestigious Retailer of the Year award.

The award, presented to U.N. Luggage by LLHA President Thelma Watts, serves as a welcome recognition of the McDermot Avenue business' successful 65 year history as one of the nation's leading experts in fine luggage, business cases, handbags, travel accessories, and luggage repair.

"U.N. Luggage sets the bar high in terms of how a retail operation should deal with its customers and suppliers", said Watts in a statement. "Our association is happy to count them among the deserving recipients of the Retailer of the Year award".

While the LLHA was founded in 1981, the award's history began in the spring of 1997, when the inaugural prize was handed out prior to the LLHA's annual trade show, held in Toronto.

Every year, a panel of LLHA board members meets to select the recipient of the award. Over the course of their deliberations, many factors are considered. Nominees are examined for outstanding traits and practices including business longevity, support of the industry at large, renown amongst colleagues and peers, and maintenance of high business standards towards both customers and suppliers.

On every one of these counts, U.N. Luggage ranks highly. Founded in 1940, as United Nations Luggage, U.N. Luggage has been part of Winnipeg's historic Exchange District for over 65 years. Peter and Elsie Thiessen continue to run the business along side son Jon.

In addition to the Thiessen family, the business employs three full time sales associates and two full time luggage repair experts, both of whom have amassed decades of experience in the repair and maintenance of fine bags and cases.

Drawing from years of experience, the staff at U.N. Luggage are proud to offer local, traveling, and corporate customers a consistent level of service excellency that has drawn rave reviews from colleagues and clients across Canada.

The LLHA award comes at an exciting time for U.N. Luggage, which also expanded its exclusive luggage repair contract with international air carrier WestJet.

For the last two years, U.N. Luggage has been working with WestJet to perform all luggage repairs for the airline's Western division. So pleased was the airline with U.N.'s service and professionalism, that it has now selected UN as their repair destination for much of WestJet's eastern operation as well.

This significant broadened association ensures that U.N. Luggage will continue to lead the national industry as one of Canada's premiere luggage retailers and repair destinations.

175 McDermot Ave.
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
R3B 0S1
phone: 204.943.1068
fax: 204.943-9218
email: bagman@mts.net