The main places to buy travel bags
You can buy travel bags at department stores, luggage specialty shops, sporting goods retailers, and online marketplaces. Each type of store has different strengths: specialty luggage shops carry the widest selection and staff who know the products; department stores offer convenience and multiple brands in one place; sporting goods stores focus on backpacks and adventure gear; and online retailers give you the most options and often the lowest prices, though you cannot touch the bag before buying.
The choice depends on what matters most to you. If you want to feel the weight of a suitcase, test the wheels, and see the zippers in person, visit a physical store. If you want to compare prices across dozens of brands without leaving home, or if you need a specific style that is hard to find locally, order online.
Key Takeaways
- Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock multiple luggage brands and let you inspect bags before buying, though selection is smaller than specialty shops.
- Luggage specialty retailers like Luggage Pros and local luggage shops carry the deepest inventory and employ staff trained to help you choose the right size and style.
- Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and brand websites often have lower prices and more styles, but you cannot examine the bag or return it easily if it does not fit your needs.
- Sporting goods stores like REI and Dick's Sporting Goods focus on backpacks and soft-sided travel bags rather than hard-shell suitcases.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage inventory seasonally and offer bulk discounts, but selection changes frequently.
Department stores and general retailers
Macy's, Kohl's, Target, and Walmart all carry travel bags, usually in a dedicated luggage section. These stores stock 10 to 30 different models at any time, mixing budget brands like Samsonite and American Tourister with mid-range options. You can walk in, handle the bags, and take one home the same day. Staff are not usually trained in luggage, so you will need to know what you are looking for or be willing to read the tags yourself.
Prices at department stores are typically full retail or slightly marked down. Return policies are generous — most allow returns within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. The downside is that selection shrinks during off-season months, and if the store does not stock your preferred size or color, you may need to order it online through their website and wait for delivery.
Luggage specialty shops
Independent luggage stores and chains like Luggage Pros, Luggage Forward, and regional shops focus entirely on bags and related gear. These stores typically stock 50 to 200 models, including brands you will not find at department stores. Staff are trained to ask about your travel habits, trip length, and how often you travel, then recommend bags that match your actual needs.
Specialty shops often repair luggage, replace wheels and handles, and stand behind their products with longer warranties. Prices are usually the same as or slightly higher than department stores, but the informed and service justify the difference for many travelers. Many specialty shops also offer a price-match may provide if you find the same bag cheaper elsewhere. The main limitation is that not every town has a luggage specialty shop, so you may need to travel to the nearest one or order online.
Online retailers and brand websites
Amazon, eBay, Walmart.com, Target.com, and brand websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com let you browse hundreds of models from home. Online prices are often 10 to 30 percent lower than in-store prices, especially during sales events. You can read customer reviews, compare dimensions and weight side by side, and see photos from multiple angles.
The trade-off is that you cannot touch the bag or test the wheels before buying. Shipping takes 3 to 10 business days, and returns can be slow and complicated — some retailers charge return shipping, and refunds take 2 to 4 weeks to process. If the bag arrives damaged, you will need to photograph it and file a claim rather than exchanging it on the spot. Read the return policy carefully before ordering, especially for sales or clearance items, which often cannot be returned.
Sporting goods and outdoor retailers
REI, Dick's Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops, and similar stores carry travel bags focused on backpacks, duffels, and soft-sided luggage rather than hard-shell suitcases. These bags are designed for hiking trips, camping, and adventure travel rather than business or family vacations. If you need a rolling suitcase, you will have limited options here, but if you want a durable backpack or a weekend duffel, the selection is strong.
Staff at sporting goods stores understand gear durability and materials, so they can explain the difference between nylon and polyester, or why a bag with a hip belt distributes weight better on your back. REI members get a 10 percent annual dividend on purchases, which adds up on larger items. Return windows are generous — REI allows returns up to one year after purchase, and Dick's allows 60 days.
Warehouse clubs and seasonal retailers
Costco and Sam's Club stock luggage seasonally, usually in spring and early fall. When they have inventory, prices are discounted 15 to 25 percent below retail because of bulk purchasing. Selection is limited to 5 to 10 models at a time, but quality is usually reliable. You need a membership to shop, and once an item sells out, it is gone until the next season.
Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry overstock and past-season luggage at steep discounts. You might find a high-end brand at 40 to 50 percent off, but selection is unpredictable and sizes may be limited. These stores do not allow returns on luggage, so inspect the bag carefully in-store before buying.
How to decide where to shop
Start by deciding whether you want to see the bag in person or shop online. If you are buying your first travel bag or upgrading after years of using the same one, visiting a specialty shop or department store is worth the time — you will learn what weight feels comfortable, how much space you actually need, and whether you prefer rolling luggage or a backpack.
If you already know what you want — a specific brand, size, and style — shopping online usually saves money and time. If you are on a tight budget and do not mind limited selection, check Costco, TJ Maxx, or online sales before paying full price. If you want informed information and the option to return or repair the bag years later, a specialty shop is the best choice even if the upfront cost is higher.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to buy luggage online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper by 10 to 30 percent, especially during sales. Warehouse clubs and off-price retailers like TJ Maxx can be cheaper still, but selection is limited. Department stores and specialty shops charge full or near-full retail, but you can inspect the bag and return it easily if it does not work for you.
Can I return a travel bag if I change my mind?
Most department stores and sporting goods retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days with a receipt. Online retailers vary — some offer free returns, others charge return shipping. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx typically do not allow returns on luggage. Always check the return policy before buying, especially online.
What if I want to try on a bag before buying?
Visit a department store, specialty luggage shop, or sporting goods store. Bring a backpack or jacket to test how the bag feels on your shoulders if it is a backpack, and roll it around to test the wheels. Ask staff to open the bag so you can see the interior compartments and test the zippers.
Are brand websites cheaper than other retailers?
Brand websites sometimes offer exclusive styles or colors, but prices are usually the same as department stores. During sales, brand websites may discount 20 to 40 percent. Shipping is often free on brand websites if you spend above a minimum, which can save money compared to other retailers.
Where can I find luggage if my local stores do not have what I want?
Order online from Amazon, the brand's website, or a specialty luggage retailer that ships nationally. If you want to see the bag first, ask a local specialty shop if they can special-order it for you — many will bring in a model for you to inspect before you commit to buying.