The best places to buy cheap luggage are discount retailers, warehouse clubs, and end-of-season sales at department stores
You do not have to spend hundreds of dollars on luggage. Discount chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry brand-name suitcases at 20 to 40 percent below regular retail prices because they buy overstock and last season's inventory. Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club stock rotating luggage selections at member prices, usually $30 to $100 less than you would pay elsewhere. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's run clearance sales after major travel seasons—typically January, September, and November—when they need to move inventory.
Online retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Target often have lower prices than brick-and-mortar stores because they have fewer overhead costs. You can also find deals on manufacturer websites during holiday weekends and back-to-school season. The catch with cheap luggage is that the lowest price does not always mean the best value: a $40 suitcase that breaks after one trip costs more in the long run than a $100 bag that lasts five years.
Key Takeaways
- TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross sell brand-name luggage at significant discounts because they carry overstock and previous-season items.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer member-only prices on rotating luggage inventory, often $30 to $100 below department store prices.
- Department store clearance sales happen in January, September, and November when retailers need to clear shelf space for new stock.
- Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart typically have lower prices than physical stores, and you can compare prices across multiple sites before buying.
- The cheapest luggage is not always the best value—look for bags with wheels that roll smoothly, zippers that move without catching, and seams that are stitched rather than glued.
Discount Retailers That Stock Luggage Year-Round
TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross are your most reliable sources for cheap luggage because they buy excess inventory from manufacturers and department stores. These stores receive shipments constantly, so selection changes weekly. You might find a Samsonite carry-on one week and a different brand the next. The trade-off is that you cannot order online and have it shipped to your home—you have to visit the store and take what is available that day.
Prices at these retailers are typically 30 to 40 percent lower than the manufacturer's suggested retail price. A suitcase that costs $150 at Macy's might be $90 at TJ Maxx. The luggage is not damaged or defective; it is straightforward last season's color or style, or the manufacturer made more units than they could sell. Check the seams, zippers, and wheels before you buy, because return policies at discount retailers are stricter than at department stores.
Warehouse Clubs and Bulk Retailers
Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage in rotating inventory, meaning they stock certain brands and styles for a few weeks or months, then replace them with different options. You have to be a member to shop, but membership costs $45 to $110 per year depending on the level. If you travel more than once or twice a year, the savings on luggage and other travel gear often pay for the membership in a single trip.
Warehouse club prices are typically lower than department stores and sometimes competitive with discount retailers. The advantage is that warehouse clubs have a 100 percent satisfaction may provide—if a suitcase fails within a reasonable time, you can return it for a full refund, no questions asked. This makes them a safer choice if you are unsure about luggage quality. Check your warehouse club's website or app to see what luggage is currently in stock before you visit.
Department Store Clearance Sales and Seasonal Timing
Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's run major luggage clearance sales in January, September, and November. January is the biggest sale because retailers need to clear holiday inventory and make room for spring merchandise. September sales happen when back-to-school and summer travel inventory needs to move. November sales coincide with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, though luggage discounts are usually smaller during those events than in January and September.
Sign up for email alerts from your preferred department store so you know when luggage sales start. Many stores offer an additional 10 to 20 percent off clearance items if you use a store credit card or coupon code. The downside is that clearance sales have limited selection—you get what is left after regular customers have shopped, not the full range of styles and colors.
Online Retailers and Price Comparison
Amazon, Walmart, and Target have lower prices than physical stores because they do not pay rent for store locations and can operate with smaller profit margins. You can also use price comparison tools like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see whether a price is at its lowest point or likely to drop further. Many online retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, which can save you $10 to $20 on a suitcase.
Read customer reviews before you buy, especially for brands you do not recognize. Look for comments about wheel durability, zipper quality, and how the bag held up after multiple trips. Avoid luggage with mostly one-star reviews mentioning broken wheels or zippers that jam, even if the price is very low. Return policies vary by retailer—Amazon and Walmart offer free returns, but some smaller online sellers charge a restocking fee.
Manufacturer Websites and Direct Sales
Brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey run sales on their own websites during holiday weekends and back-to-school season. These sales are often 25 to 35 percent off, and you sometimes get free shipping or a free accessory like a luggage tag or packing cube. Signing up for the brand's email list puts you on the notification list for flash sales and exclusive discounts.
Manufacturer websites are also where you find the full range of a brand's current styles, not just what a retailer has in stock. If you have already decided on a specific brand and style, checking the manufacturer's website takes only a few minutes and might save you money compared to buying at a retailer.
What to Look for When Buying Cheap Luggage
The lowest price is not always the best deal. Before you buy, check that the wheels roll smoothly in a straight line without wobbling or catching. Spin them by hand—they should move freely. Open and close the zippers several times; they should glide without resistance or grinding sounds. Run your finger along the seams; stitched seams are stronger than glued ones and less likely to split.
Check the handle by extending it fully and pulling down on it with some force—it should not wobble or feel loose. Look at the material: hard-shell suitcases resist dents and punctures better than soft-sided bags, but they are heavier and take up more space in your car or closet. Soft-sided bags are lighter and more flexible, but they offer less protection for fragile items. For a first suitcase or a budget option, a mid-range hard-shell carry-on from a known brand usually offers the best balance of price and durability.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is luggage from discount retailers the same quality as luggage from department stores?
Yes, usually. Discount retailers like TJ Maxx sell the same brands and often the same models as department stores—they just buy overstock or previous seasons' colors. The quality is identical; the only difference is the price and the selection available on any given day.
Should I buy luggage online or in a store?
Online is usually cheaper, but buying in a store lets you inspect the wheels, zippers, and handle before you commit. If you know the exact model you want, buy online. If you are browsing and want to make sure the bag feels right, visit a discount retailer or department store.
What is the difference between a carry-on and a checked bag, and does it affect the price?
A carry-on fits in the overhead bin and is smaller and lighter; a checked bag goes under the plane and is larger. Carry-ons are usually cheaper because they use less material. If you only travel occasionally, a carry-on saves money and baggage fees. If you travel frequently or need to pack more, a checked bag is worth the extra cost.
Can I return luggage if a wheel breaks after I buy it?
It depends on where you bought it and when. Warehouse clubs have a 100 percent satisfaction may provide and will take back luggage even after you have used it. Department stores and discount retailers usually have a 30 to 60 day return window. Online retailers like Amazon and Walmart offer free returns within 30 days. Keep your receipt and check the return policy before you leave the store.
What brands offer good quality at a low price?
American Tourister, Delsey, and IT Luggage are known for offering decent durability at prices lower than premium brands like Rimowa or Briggs & Riley. Samsonite and Travelpro are mid-range options that balance price and longevity. Avoid unknown brands with no customer reviews, as they are more likely to have durability problems.