The cheapest places to buy luggage are warehouse clubs, off-price retailers, and online marketplaces—not department stores

The lowest prices on luggage come from Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale if you have a membership. These stores rotate luggage stock seasonally and sell name brands at 20 to 40 percent below retail. TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross stock overstock and previous-season luggage year-round at similar discounts. Online, Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com often undercut brick-and-mortar prices, especially during sales events. Luggage-specific sites like Luggage.com and Away sometimes run clearance sections with steep markdowns on discontinued colors and sizes.

The timing of your purchase matters as much as where you shop. Luggage goes on sale after major travel seasons—late August through September after summer travel, and January through February after the winter holidays. Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring discounts across all channels. Warehouse clubs restock in spring and fall, so checking their websites or visiting in person during those months gives you the widest selection at the lowest prices.

Key Takeaways

  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club offer the deepest discounts on luggage, typically 20 to 40 percent below department store prices.
  • Off-price retailers such as TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry overstock luggage year-round and are worth checking regularly.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon and Walmart.com often have lower prices than their physical stores, and clearance sections on luggage-specific sites can yield significant savings.
  • Buying luggage in late August, January, or around Black Friday will save you more money than shopping during peak travel seasons.
  • Warehouse club memberships cost money upfront but pay for themselves quickly if you buy luggage or other items regularly.

Warehouse clubs offer the lowest per-item prices

Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale buy luggage in bulk and pass the savings to members. A carry-on suitcase that costs $150 at Target might be $90 to $110 at Costco. The catch is that you need a membership—Costco Gold Star costs $65 per year, Sam's Club Plus costs $110 per year, and BJ's costs $55 per year. If you plan to buy luggage and other household items, the membership pays for itself within a few purchases.

Warehouse club luggage stock changes every few weeks. They do not carry the same brands or styles year-round. If you see a suitcase you like, buy it then—it will not be there next month. Check the warehouse website or call ahead to confirm they have luggage in stock before you visit. Some warehouses allow non-members to shop online, though you will pay a small surcharge on top of the item price.

Off-price retailers stock luggage constantly at 30 to 50 percent off

TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and HomeGoods buy overstock and returned luggage from department stores and sell it at steep discounts. Unlike warehouse clubs, these stores restock luggage every week, so you have more choices and more chances to find what you need. Prices are typically 30 to 50 percent below what you would pay at Macy's or Kohl's. The downside is that selection varies by location and by week—you might find a great deal one visit and nothing the next.

Return policies at off-price retailers are stricter than at department stores. TJ Maxx and Marshalls allow returns within 30 days with a receipt, but some luggage is marked final sale. Check the tag before you buy. Ross does not accept returns on most items, so inspect the luggage carefully in the store for damage or missing parts. These stores do not typically hold items, so if you see luggage you like, purchase it when ready.

Online shopping often beats in-store prices, especially during sales

Amazon, Walmart.com, and Target.com frequently undercut their physical store prices on luggage. Set up price alerts on Amazon for specific luggage models you are considering—the site will notify you when the price drops. Walmart.com runs weekly rollbacks on luggage, and Target.com marks down luggage during its weekly sales cycle. Free shipping thresholds vary by retailer, so factor in shipping costs when comparing prices.

Luggage-specific retailers like Luggage.com, Away, and Samsonite's official site have clearance sections where discontinued colors and sizes sell at 40 to 60 percent off. These sections update frequently, so check back every few days if you are hunting for a specific brand. Read customer reviews carefully on any online purchase—luggage durability varies widely, and a cheap suitcase that breaks after one trip costs more in the long run than a mid-priced one that lasts years.

Timing your purchase can save 20 to 40 percent

Luggage prices drop predictably after peak travel seasons. Late August through September is the best time to buy—retailers clear summer travel inventory to make room for fall merchandise. January through February is the second-best window, as stores mark down luggage after the winter holiday rush. If you can wait until these months, you will see lower prices across all retailers, including warehouse clubs and off-price stores.

Black Friday and Cyber Monday bring discounts of 20 to 35 percent at most retailers. These sales are not always the deepest discounts of the year—January clearance often beats them—but they are reliable. Avoid buying luggage in May, June, July, and December, when prices are at their highest. If you need luggage urgently during peak season, warehouse clubs and off-price retailers still offer better prices than department stores, even if the overall discount is smaller.

Comparing price across channels before you buy

Use a price comparison tool like Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see the same luggage model across multiple retailers at once. Enter the brand and model number, not just "carry-on suitcase," to get accurate comparisons. Factor in shipping costs, membership fees, and return policies when calculating the true price. A suitcase that costs $80 at Costco plus a $65 annual membership is not cheaper than one at $100 on Amazon if you are only buying one item.

Check the warranty and return policy before you buy. Luggage from warehouse clubs sometimes has limited warranties or no warranty at all. Department store luggage often comes with manufacturer warranties that cover defects for one to five years. If durability matters to you, a slightly higher price with a longer warranty may be the better choice. Read the fine print on the product page—some retailers charge restocking fees on returned luggage, which can eat into your savings.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage from warehouse clubs the same quality as department store luggage?

Usually yes, but not always. Warehouse clubs often sell the same brands as department stores—Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey—at lower prices because they buy in bulk. However, some warehouse club luggage is made specifically for that retailer and may have fewer features or a shorter warranty. Read the product description and customer reviews to compare quality, not just price.

Can I return luggage I bought at an off-price retailer if it breaks?

It depends on the retailer and whether the luggage is marked final sale. TJ Maxx and Marshalls allow returns within 30 days with a receipt if the item is not final sale. Ross does not accept returns on most items. Check the tag and receipt before you leave the store. If luggage breaks after the return window closes, contact the manufacturer—many brands offer warranty coverage regardless of where you bought it.

What is the best time of year to buy luggage?

Late August through September and January through February offer the lowest prices across all retailers. If you need luggage outside these windows, warehouse clubs and off-price retailers still beat department store prices. Avoid buying in May through July and December, when prices peak.

Do I need a warehouse club membership to get cheap luggage?

No. Off-price retailers like TJ Maxx and Marshalls, online marketplaces, and clearance sections on brand websites all offer significant discounts without membership. A warehouse club membership is worth it only if you plan to buy luggage and other items regularly enough to recoup the annual fee.

Should I buy luggage online or in a store?

Online often has lower prices, but buying in a store lets you inspect the luggage for damage and test the zippers and handles. If you buy online, choose a retailer with a clear return policy in case the luggage arrives damaged or does not meet your needs.