The brand name Randoseru comes from the Dutch word “ransel” meaning “backpack.” (image: hiromy/flickr)
SEOUL, April 1 (Korea Bizwire) – A position once occupied by down jackets from The North Face and Canada Goose has now been taken over by Randoseru backpacks from Japan, the latest “must-have” for Korean elementary school children, and a financial backbreaker for their parents.
According to Consumer Research, which conducted a study on major brands for grade-schoolers, the most expensive backpack brand popular among students was Randoseru, which sells bags that start at 340,000 won (US$308) and go all the way up to 698,000 won (US$633).
The brand name Randoseru comes from the Dutch word “ransel” meaning “backpack.” The company dates back to 1847 when Gakushuin, a royal school, forced its students to use the backpack-shaped bags.
Randoseru is not alone in selling children’s bags at jaw-dropping prices.
Bags made for elementary school students by Kipling, a Belgian brand, range in price from 155,000 won to 318,000 won while Beanpole, a Korean fashion brand, sells its bags for prices between 135,000 won and 235,000 won.
An official from the research firm said, “A considerable number of brands are selling backpacks for grade-schoolers at prices of more than 100,000 won, including Randoseru, whose bags cost almost 700,000 won at the most. These high-priced products for students are causing significant financial burdens for their parents.”
By John Choi (johnchoi@koreabizwire.com)
We abolsutely love the values and tradition of the Randoseru backpack! However, as a backpack originally made for young children, the ergonomics simply does not allow an adult to carry it. If you are looking for one that fits the professional working adult like us we found a cool one at thehako.com. It’s sleek and light and is designed for adults. They only make in small quantities so you will have to try your luck if you can get one!