B.C. backpack maker Herschel eyes expansion abroad, morphs into lifestyle brand

VANCOUVER — Canada’s backpack makers are experiencing a boon beyond the traditionally busy back-to-school season as students and consumers with all types of carryall needs flock to their designs.
That demand is pushing homegrown names like Herschel Supply Co. and Matt & Nat to scale up and open flagship stores, expand their bricks-and-mortar footprints and release products beyond just schoolbags.
The back-to-school lead-up is “hot, hot, hot, hot,” said Manny Kohil, CE