The best places to buy cheap luggage are discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and end-of-season sales at department stores

Luggage prices drop most reliably at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross, which stock overstock and past-season inventory at 20 to 40 percent below regular retail. Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage stock seasonally and often undercut department store prices by 15 to 25 percent, though selection changes monthly. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's mark down luggage heavily after peak travel seasons — typically January, September, and November — when they need shelf space for new inventory.

Online, Amazon and Walmart.com price-match competitors and run frequent sales on mid-range brands. Costco.com and Sam's Club online offer the same discounts as in-store, with free shipping on most items. Luggage-specific retailers like Luggage Pros and eBags run clearance sections where you can find previous-year models at steep markdowns.

Key Takeaways

  • Discount department stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls consistently stock luggage at 20 to 40 percent below department store prices because they buy overstock and past seasons.
  • Warehouse clubs such as Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage inventory seasonally and often have better prices than regular retailers, though selection varies month to month.
  • Department store sales happen predictably after January, September, and November travel peaks, when stores need to clear inventory for new stock.
  • Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and eBags price-match and run clearance sections where you can find previous-year models at significant discounts.
  • Buying luggage off-season — summer for winter travel, winter for summer travel — locks in lower prices because demand is lower.

Why discount retailers have the lowest prices

Discount chains buy luggage that didn't sell at full price at department stores, or they purchase overstock directly from manufacturers. Because they bought the inventory at a steep discount themselves, they can pass that savings to you. TJ Maxx and Marshalls typically receive shipments weekly, so inventory changes constantly — if you see a brand or style you like, buy it rather than waiting, because it may not return.

These stores do not price-match, so you cannot bring in a competitor's ad. However, their everyday prices are already lower than what other retailers charge during regular sales. The trade-off is that you cannot return items as easily — most discount retailers have stricter return policies than department stores, often limiting returns to 30 days with tags attached.

Warehouse clubs versus department stores

Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage at lower absolute prices than department stores, but only when those items are in stock. Costco rotates luggage roughly four times a year, so availability depends on the season. In spring and summer, expect rolling suitcases and carry-on bags; in fall and winter, the selection shifts to different brands and styles. If you need luggage on a specific timeline, warehouse clubs are risky because you cannot order online and have it shipped — you must buy what is on the shelf.

Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's keep luggage in stock year-round but charge full price most of the time. However, they run predictable sales after major travel seasons end. January sales follow holiday travel; September sales follow summer vacation season; November sales clear inventory before the December holiday rush. During these windows, department store prices often match or beat warehouse club prices, and you have a wider selection to choose from.

Online shopping for luggage deals

Amazon and Walmart.com list the same luggage models as physical stores but often at lower prices because they have lower overhead. Both sites show price history on many items, so you can see whether the current price is genuinely discounted or just the regular asking price. Set up price alerts on Amazon for specific luggage models you are considering — the site will notify you when the price drops.

eBags and Luggage Pros maintain dedicated clearance sections where previous-year models and overstocked items sell at 30 to 50 percent off. These sites also offer free shipping on orders above a certain amount, which can save $15 to $30 on a single bag. Check the return policy before buying — eBags allows returns for 365 days, while Luggage Pros typically allows 30 days.

Timing your purchase to save the most

Luggage prices follow travel patterns. Prices are highest in December, January, and July, when people are planning or taking trips. Prices drop in February, March, August, and September, when travel demand falls. If you can wait to buy luggage until the off-season for your planned trip, you will pay less. Someone traveling in summer should buy in February or March; someone traveling in winter should buy in August or September.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales in November do offer discounts, but they are not always the deepest discounts of the year. Luggage sales in January and September are often steeper because retailers are clearing old inventory rather than promoting new stock. If you see luggage you like at a reasonable price in September, buying then is usually smarter than waiting for Black Friday.

What to avoid when buying cheap luggage

Extremely cheap luggage — bags under $30 — often fails within a year because the zippers break, wheels crack, or handles tear. Mid-range luggage in the $60 to $150 range, bought on sale, lasts longer and costs less per year of use than buying the cheapest option. Brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, and IT Luggage hold up better than no-name brands, and you can find them on sale regularly.

Avoid buying luggage from unknown sellers on Amazon or other marketplaces, even if the price is very low. Counterfeit luggage exists and performs poorly. Stick to sales from Amazon itself, Walmart, or authorized retailers like Costco, TJ Maxx, and Marshalls. Check the seller name before you buy — if it is not the brand itself or a major retailer, the price may be low because the item is counterfeit or used.

Outlet stores and factory sales

Luggage brand outlet stores — Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey all operate outlets — sell last season's inventory and items with minor cosmetic flaws at 30 to 50 percent off. These stores are less common than they once were, but you can find them in outlet malls in most regions. Prices are lower than discount retailers, but selection is limited to whatever the brand is clearing.

Factory sales happen occasionally and are advertised through brand websites and email newsletters. If you sign up for email alerts from luggage brands you like, you will be notified when sales happen. These sales are usually brief — two to four weeks — and inventory sells quickly. Factory sales often offer deeper discounts than any other channel, sometimes 40 to 60 percent off, but you have to act fast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper at Costco or TJ Maxx?

Costco usually has lower prices when luggage is in stock, but TJ Maxx has inventory more consistently. Costco rotates stock seasonally, so you may not find what you need. TJ Maxx receives new shipments weekly and always has luggage available, though the selection changes frequently. For the lowest price on a specific item, check both, but TJ Maxx is more reliable if you need luggage on a important date.

When is the best time to buy luggage?

February, March, August, and September have the lowest prices because travel demand is lowest. If you are buying for a specific trip, purchase during the off-season for that trip — buy summer luggage in February or March, winter luggage in August or September. Black Friday is not the deepest discount of the year; January and September sales are often steeper.

Can I return luggage bought on sale?

Return policies depend on where you buy. Department stores like Macy's allow returns for 60 to 90 days on sale items. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx limit returns to 30 days. Warehouse clubs like Costco allow returns for a year. Online retailers vary — eBags allows 365 days, while Walmart.com typically allows 30 days. Check the policy before you buy.

Is it safe to buy luggage from Amazon marketplace sellers?

Buy only from Amazon itself or authorized retailers. Counterfeit luggage is sold on marketplace by third-party sellers, and it fails quickly. Check the seller name before purchasing — if it is not the brand or a major retailer, the low price may indicate a counterfeit item. Stick to sales from Amazon, Walmart, Costco, TJ Maxx, or Marshalls.

What luggage brands are worth buying on sale?

Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, and IT Luggage hold up well and are frequently discounted. These brands are sold at discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and department stores, so you will find them on sale regularly. Avoid no-name brands, even at very low prices — the wheels and zippers fail quickly and cost more to replace than buying better luggage upfront.