The main places to buy luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores, luggage specialty shops, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. Each type of store offers different advantages: department stores let you see and touch bags before buying, luggage shops have staff trained in durability and features, big-box stores compete on price, and online retailers offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices. Most people find what they need by combining two or three of these options—checking in-store first to understand what size and style fits, then comparing prices online.

The store you choose depends on what matters most to you: speed (same-day pickup at a nearby store), price (online often wins), selection (online almost always wins), or the ability to handle and test the bag before committing. None of these routes is objectively better; they solve different problems.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's carry luggage from multiple brands in one location, letting you compare styles and sizes without visiting separate shops.
  • Luggage specialty retailers like Samsonite stores and local luggage shops employ staff who understand warranty coverage, repair options, and which bags hold up under heavy use.
  • Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco stock budget-friendly luggage and often have same-day pickup or fast shipping options.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and brand websites offer the most selection and frequently lower prices, but you cannot inspect the bag in person before purchase.
  • Outlet stores and clearance sections, both in-person and online, can offer significant discounts on previous-season luggage from established brands.

Department stores and general retailers

Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's stock luggage from multiple brands in dedicated sections. You can typically find carry-on bags, checked luggage, and travel sets all in one place. These stores often run sales and accept coupons, which can reduce prices by 15 to 30 percent. Staff may or may not be trained in luggage specifics, so you are mainly paying for convenience and the ability to see options side by side.

Big-box retailers like Walmart, Target, and Costco carry a smaller selection but focus on budget-friendly options. Target and Walmart stock their own house brands alongside name brands, and prices are typically lower than department stores. Costco members can find luggage sets at discounted prices, though selection changes seasonally. These stores are best if you need luggage quickly and price matters more than having many choices.

Luggage specialty shops

Luggage specialty retailers—both independent local shops and chains like Samsonite stores—employ staff trained in luggage construction, warranty coverage, and repair services. They can explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided bags, discuss wheel quality, and tell you which brands they see come back for repairs versus which ones last years without issues. This knowledge is valuable if you travel frequently or want a bag that will last a decade.

Specialty shops often offer repair services in-house or through partnerships, which matters if a wheel breaks or a zipper fails. Many also handle warranty claims directly, saving you the step of contacting the manufacturer. Prices are usually higher than big-box stores, but the staff time and repair access can justify the difference. Check whether a local luggage shop exists in your area before assuming you must shop elsewhere.

Online retailers and brand websites

Online marketplaces like Amazon, eBay, and Walmart.com offer the widest selection of luggage available anywhere. You can filter by size, color, price, and customer reviews, and compare dozens of options without leaving home. Shipping is usually fast—often two days or less with Prime or similar memberships—and returns are straightforward if the bag does not meet your needs.

Buying directly from a brand's website (Samsonite.com, Away.com, Rimowa.com, for example) guarantees authenticity and often gives you access to the brand's full warranty and customer service. Brand websites sometimes offer sales or exclusive colors not available elsewhere. The trade-off is that you see only that one brand's options, so you cannot easily compare against competitors. Reading customer reviews on the product page helps offset the inability to inspect the bag in person.

Outlet stores and clearance sections

Outlet malls and outlet sections of department stores sell previous-season luggage at 30 to 50 percent discounts. The bags are the same quality as full-price versions; they are straightforward older colors or styles that did not sell at regular price. Outlet stores exist in most regions, and many department stores have outlet locations or outlet websites separate from their main sites.

Online clearance sections on Amazon, Walmart, Target, and brand websites also move old inventory at reduced prices. These sections change frequently, so if you see a bag you like at a clearance price, buying it when ready is usually wise—it may not be there tomorrow. Clearance luggage typically cannot be returned, so read the return policy before purchasing.

What to check before buying anywhere

Regardless of where you shop, confirm the bag's dimensions match your airline's carry-on or checked-bag limits. Most airlines post these measurements on their websites; common carry-on limits are 22 × 14 × 9 inches, but this varies. A bag that is one inch too large will be rejected at the gate, so measure or check the product listing carefully.

Look at the warranty coverage offered. Most luggage comes with a manufacturer's warranty covering defects in materials and workmanship, typically for one to five years depending on the brand. Read what the warranty actually covers—some cover only the frame, not wheels or zippers. Check the return policy of the store or website: can you return the bag within 30 days if it does not work for you? Can you return it opened, or only sealed? These details matter more than the price if the bag fails after a few months.

Read customer reviews on the platform where you are buying, but focus on reviews that mention durability over time, not just first impressions. A bag that looks nice in a photo but has wheels that fail after six months is not a bargain. Look for patterns in reviews—if multiple people mention the same problem, that is a real issue, not a one-off complaint.

Comparing prices across stores

The same luggage often costs different amounts at different retailers. A quick way to compare is to search the exact model number on Google Shopping, which shows you the price at multiple stores and whether it is in stock. You can also visit the brand's website, then search that specific model on Amazon and at a department store to see the price range.

Factor in shipping costs and return policies when comparing online prices. A bag that costs $20 less but has a $15 shipping fee and a 15-day return window is not necessarily cheaper than one with free shipping and 30-day returns. If you are buying in person, factor in the cost and time of driving to the store. Sometimes the "cheapest" option is actually the most expensive when you account for these hidden costs.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

In-store shopping lets you see the bag's size, weight, and color in person, which matters if you are particular about fit or appearance. Online shopping offers more selection and often lower prices. Many people do both: they visit a store to understand what they want, then buy online if the price is significantly lower. This approach takes more time but often saves money.

What if I need luggage today?

Visit a nearby Target, Walmart, or department store—they stock luggage and you can take it home when ready. If you prefer to order online, check whether Amazon Prime, Walmart+, or your local retailer offers same-day or next-day delivery to your address. Call ahead to confirm the store has the size and style you want in stock.

Are outlet luggage stores worth visiting?

Yes, if one is near you and you have time to browse. Outlet stores offer real discounts on previous-season bags from established brands. The bags are the same quality as full-price versions; they are just older colors or styles. Online outlet sections are worth checking even if no physical outlet is nearby.

How do I know if a luggage website is selling real bags?

Buy from the brand's official website, major retailers like Amazon and Walmart, or authorized dealers listed on the brand's site. Avoid unfamiliar third-party sellers on marketplaces unless they have thousands of positive reviews and a clear return policy. Counterfeit luggage exists, particularly on some marketplace platforms, so buying from established retailers reduces that risk.

What should I do if luggage I bought online does not fit my airline's size limits?

Check the store's return policy when ready—most allow returns within 30 days if the bag is unused or in original condition. If you have already used it, contact the store's customer service and explain the situation; some will make exceptions. In the future, measure your bag against your airline's limits before the trip, not after you have purchased it.