The main places to buy luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores, specialty luggage retailers, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. Each type of store has different strengths: department stores stock mid-range brands with moderate prices, specialty shops carry high-end and durable options with informed staff, big-box stores offer budget-friendly choices, and online retailers give you the widest selection and often the lowest prices. The best choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the bag before buying, need informed information, or prefer convenience and price.

Most people find luggage at one of these four categories, and you can compare prices across them before deciding. Some stores also offer sales during specific seasons—typically after major holidays and before summer travel—so timing your purchase can save money.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom carry mid-range luggage brands and let you inspect bags in person before buying.
  • Specialty luggage shops focus on durability and repair services, making them worth visiting if you travel frequently or want a bag that lasts years.
  • Big-box retailers like Target and Walmart stock budget luggage that works for occasional trips, though selection is smaller than other stores.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, and brand websites offer the widest selection and often lower prices, but you cannot see the bag before it arrives.
  • Luggage prices vary widely by brand and material, so comparing the same model across stores can reveal significant savings.

Department stores and general retailers

Department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, Kohl's, and JCPenney stock luggage in their travel sections. These stores typically carry brands in the mid-price range—Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey are common—and you can see multiple bags side by side. Staff can answer basic questions about size and materials, though they may not have deep luggage informed. Prices are usually moderate, and these stores run sales frequently, especially during holiday weekends.

General retailers like Target and Walmart also sell luggage, usually in their travel or home goods sections. Their selection is smaller and skews toward budget brands, but prices are lower if you are buying a basic bag for occasional use. These stores rarely have luggage specialists on staff, so you will need to read product descriptions and reviews yourself.

Specialty luggage shops

Independent luggage stores and chains like Luggage Pros or local travel shops focus entirely on luggage and travel gear. These retailers stock a wider range of brands and price points than department stores, including high-end options like Rimowa and Briggs & Riley. The main advantage is informed: staff can discuss durability, warranty differences, and which bags work best for specific travel styles. Many specialty shops also offer repair services, which matters if you plan to use the same bag for years.

Specialty shops are worth visiting if you travel frequently, want a premium bag, or need personalized information. Prices are often higher than big-box stores, but the quality and service justify the cost for serious travelers. Some specialty shops also have loyalty programs or can order bags not in stock.

Online marketplaces and brand websites

Amazon, Bed Bath & Beyond, Wayfair, and brand-specific websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com offer the largest selection and often the lowest prices. Online shopping lets you compare dozens of models, read customer reviews, and check prices across sites in minutes. Many online retailers offer free shipping and straightforward returns, so you can order multiple bags and send back the ones that do not work.

The downside is that you cannot see or touch the bag before it arrives. Read the dimensions carefully—luggage sizes vary more than you might expect—and check the return policy in case the bag is not what you expected. Brand websites sometimes offer sales or discounts not available elsewhere, so it is worth checking directly if you know which brand you want.

Warehouse clubs and outlet stores

Costco and Sam's Club stock a rotating selection of luggage at discounted prices, though selection is limited and changes frequently. These stores work well if you are a member and see a bag you like, but you cannot count on finding specific brands or styles. Membership is required, which adds a cost if you do not already belong.

Outlet stores and outlet malls sometimes have luggage outlets—T.J. Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry discounted luggage from overstock or previous seasons. Prices are lower than full-price retailers, but selection is unpredictable and sizes may be limited. These stores work best if you are flexible about brand and style and want to save money.

What to compare when shopping

Price is only one factor. Compare the warranty (most luggage comes with a 1- to 10-year warranty depending on brand), the material (hard-sided bags resist damage but are heavier; soft-sided bags are lighter but easier to puncture), and the weight of the bag itself. A lighter bag means you can pack more without hitting airline weight limits. Check the dimensions against airline carry-on requirements if you plan to bring the bag on planes.

Read customer reviews on the site where you are buying, but also search for reviews on independent sites or YouTube. People often mention problems that do not show up in product descriptions—wheels that break easily, zippers that jam, or bags that are smaller than expected. If you are buying online, check the return window; most retailers allow 30 to 60 days, but some are shorter.

Timing your purchase for better prices

Luggage goes on sale at predictable times. After Christmas and New Year, retailers clear holiday inventory. Before summer travel season (May and June), prices often drop as stores make room for new stock. Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring discounts across all retailers. Back-to-school season (July and August) sometimes includes luggage sales, though selection focuses on smaller bags.

If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a sale can save 20 to 40 percent. Sign up for email newsletters from stores you like, and check price-tracking sites like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see whether a price is actually discounted or just marked as such. Avoid buying right before a major holiday when prices are highest and selection is picked over.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it better to buy luggage in a store or online?

In-store shopping lets you see the bag, test the wheels and zippers, and leave with it when ready. Online shopping offers more choices and usually lower prices, but you cannot inspect the bag first. If you know exactly what you want, online is faster and cheaper. If you are unsure about size or style, visiting a store first makes sense.

What is the difference between luggage at department stores and specialty shops?

Department stores stock popular mid-range brands at moderate prices and are convenient if you are already shopping there. Specialty shops carry more brands, including premium options, and staff have deeper knowledge about durability and repair. Specialty shops cost more but are worth it if you travel often or want a bag that lasts.

Can I return luggage if it does not fit my needs?

Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days if the bag is unused and in original condition. Check the return policy before buying, especially online. Some stores charge a restocking fee or require you to pay return shipping, so read the fine print.

Should I buy luggage during a specific season?

Prices drop after Christmas, before summer travel, and during Black Friday. If you can wait, buying during these periods saves money. If you need luggage soon, compare prices across stores rather than waiting—the difference between stores is often larger than the difference between seasons.

What brands are available at most stores?

Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, and Travelpro are widely available at department stores, big-box retailers, and online. Specialty shops also carry brands like Briggs & Riley, Away, and Rimowa. Availability varies by store, so call ahead or check the website if you want a specific brand.