Though exact figures have yet to filter through, local reports suggest US airport business is down by around 25% - the main reason being the US Federal Aviation Authority’s decision to limit the area beyond departure gates to air travellers. The three-day closure of airports in the immediate aftermath of the September 11 tragedies and a general fall-off in air travel amid security fears have further contributed to the slump.

Analysts are expecting shares in virtually all the major luxury brands to be hit by the disruption, as retail chains such Wilsons the Leather Experts and DFS - the duty-free retail arm of LVMH (Louis Vuitton Möet Hennessy) - feel the effects of the tightened security.

In an effort to counter the situation, the New York based Travel Goods Association (TGA) – the trade body that represents US luggage manufacturers and retailers – last week launched its ‘Safer Travels – Safer World’ campaign.

Aimed at rebuilding the US public’s confidence in air travel, the initiative is geared to helping air travellers understand the new security measures.

"Travel consumers right now are confused about changing and mixed messages they are getting from the government, airlines, and the news media regarding current air travel practices," said the President of TGA, Anne DeCicco, last week. "TGA is in an unique position to serve as a conduit of clear, reliable and current information about changing travel rules and regulations to travel consumers through our retail travel goods experts."

Serious though it is, retailers are hopeful that the situation will begin to normalise as air travellers adapt their shopping behaviour to the new security regime.