The Secrid is out. Actually, it’s been out for some time.
Back in 2003, the Netherlands-based Van Geer family patented the first series of Secrid wallets. It was also the last series, as the high-quality, versatile product hasn’t required any changes since its introduction.
“All they’ve done since then is make that exact same wallet and just add different colours,” says John Thiessen, co-owner of Winnipeg’s U.N. Luggage. “It’s one item and it’s a pretty cool story, because they haven’t actually changed anything.”
Secrid wallets are also the most popular item at U.N. Luggage – ever – and, as Thiessen points out, make the perfect Christmas gift for travellers, non-travellers and basically anyone who wants to keep their credit cards safe. They’ll also never need to buy another wallet again.
“This is probably the greatest Christmas item we have in our store,” he says. “If you’d like to personalize something, we can put initials on the back of the wallet. It makes a great, well-thought-out gift.”
Thiessen also says that his customers end up being the best salespeople for Secrid wallets. Some of them even go so far as to help curious fellow customers settle on the perfect one.
“It’s like an in-person referral,” he says. “They’ll show another customer, who might be debating it, how it works and how they use it, so it gets fun,” he says, adding that he owns a Secrid wallet, himself.
“I have used one for years, and probably everyone in my family uses one,” he says.
Aside from the wallet’s aesthetic quality is a technological component that protects the credit cards it stores. Acknowledging that many people had concerns about their cards being scanned or replicated, the Van Geers developed a built-in aluminum core to protect against RFID scanning.
“As a travel wallet it’s very popular because people who travel really don’t want their cards compromised,” Thiessen explains. “They’re also often using a room key, and with this wallet it can’t be demagnetized.”
The range of features is as subtle as it is impressive. The slim Secrid wallets, for example, don’t have a snap and can be carried in the front pocket. Women who might prefer to carry the wallet in their purse, however, can get a version that snaps shut. There’s also a larger wallet for those users who might want to carry up to 10 cards at any given time.
Thiessen and the U.N. Luggage staff are always on hand to help their shoppers select the right Secrid wallet for their particular lifestyle. And they love hearing about their customers’ travel plans or other purposes they have in mind for the wallets and any of the other accessories available in the store.
“We have people come in who’ve been here before, but the first question I almost always ask is, ‘Who are you shopping for?’,” says Thiessen. “Are they shopping for a son, daughter, grandfather? We definitely try to help them target the sort of things that appeal to different ages and lifestyles. We really enjoy helping people shop.”
It’s the sort of expert advice U.N. Luggage has been providing for more than 80 years to Winnipeggers with wanderlust. Located in the heart of the historic Exchange District, U.N. Luggage can be found at 175 McDermot Ave – or online at www.unluggage.com. They’re always ready to help with whatever travel you’re planning next.