The Main Places to Buy Luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores, specialty luggage retailers, online marketplaces, warehouse clubs, and discount chains. Each type of store offers different advantages: department stores let you see and touch bags before buying, specialty shops have staff trained in luggage features, online retailers often have lower prices and wider selection, and warehouse clubs offer bulk discounts if you have a membership.

The best choice depends on whether you want to inspect the bag in person, need informed information, prefer competitive pricing, or value convenience. Most people end up shopping at two or three of these types before finding what works for them.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's carry luggage on the sales floor where you can test zippers and wheels before buying.
  • Specialty luggage shops like Luggage Pros and local independent retailers employ staff who know the differences between bag types and can recommend based on your trip length and travel style.
  • Online retailers including Amazon, Walmart, Target, and brand websites often have lower prices and more colors and sizes in stock than physical stores.
  • Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage at discounted prices, but you need an active membership and selection changes seasonally.
  • Discount chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry brand-name luggage at reduced prices, though inventory varies by location and restocks unpredictably.

Department Stores and General Retailers

Major department stores including Macy's, Kohl's, Dillard's, and JCPenney stock luggage in dedicated sections on their sales floors. You can open suitcases, test the wheels and handles, and check the interior pockets and compartments. Staff can answer basic questions about warranty and return policies, though they may not have deep knowledge of luggage construction or brand differences.

Prices at department stores are typically higher than online, but you avoid shipping costs and can take the bag home the same day. Many run sales during holiday weekends and back-to-school season, which can bring prices closer to online levels. Return policies are usually generous—most allow returns within 30 to 60 days with a receipt.

Specialty Luggage Retailers

Stores dedicated to luggage, such as Luggage Pros, The Luggage Store, and independent local shops, employ staff trained specifically in luggage features, materials, and brand reputations. They can explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided construction, discuss wheel quality and handle durability, and recommend bags based on your specific travel patterns. Many also offer repair services and replacement parts.

Specialty retailers typically carry a narrower selection than large online marketplaces but stock deeper inventory in the brands they do carry. Prices are often comparable to department stores, and staff can help you avoid common mistakes like buying a carry-on that is too large or choosing a material that does not suit your travel style. Some offer loyalty programs or discounts on future purchases.

Online Marketplaces and Brand Websites

Amazon, Walmart, Target, and brand-specific websites like Samsonite.com, Away.com, and Delsey.com typically offer the widest selection and lowest prices. You can filter by size, color, material, and price range, and read customer reviews that describe real-world durability and performance. Most ship within three to five business days and offer free returns within 30 days.

The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the bag before buying. Read the dimensions carefully—many people order carry-on luggage that turns out to be too large for their airline. Check the return shipping policy; some retailers charge for return shipping, which can cost $10 to $20 and eat into your savings. Brand websites sometimes offer sales and exclusive colors not available elsewhere, and customer service can answer detailed questions about construction and warranty.

Warehouse Clubs and Discount Chains

Costco and Sam's Club sell luggage at discounted prices, typically 20 to 40 percent below department store prices. The catch is that you need an active membership, and selection changes every few weeks. When a luggage item is in stock, it is usually available in only two or three colors and sizes. Both warehouses offer return policies that are more generous than most retailers—you can return items even after several months of use.

Discount chains like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Ross, and Burlington carry brand-name luggage at reduced prices because they buy overstock and past-season inventory from manufacturers. Prices can be excellent, but selection is unpredictable and varies by location. You may find the exact bag you want one week and never see it again. These stores do not always have consistent return policies, so ask before you buy.

Outlet Stores and Factory Outlets

Brand outlet stores—including Samsonite Factory Stores, Away outlets, and Delsey outlets—sell previous seasons, discontinued colors, and items with minor cosmetic flaws at 30 to 50 percent off regular prices. You can inspect the bag in person and return it to the same location if there is a problem. Staff are employed by the brand and can answer detailed questions about materials and warranty coverage.

Outlet stores are less common than they once were; many brands now sell outlet inventory online instead. Check the brand's website to find outlet locations near you. Outlet prices are often lower than online sales, but selection is limited to what the specific location has in stock. Some outlet locations are in remote areas, so factor in travel time and gas if you are not nearby.

What to Compare Before You Buy

Regardless of where you shop, compare these features across at least two or three options: the weight of the empty bag (lighter is better for checked luggage, since airlines charge by total weight), the warranty length (usually one to five years), the wheel type (four wheels roll in any direction; two wheels require tilting), and the material (hard-shell resists punctures but shows scratches; soft-sided is lighter and more flexible but easier to damage).

Check the interior dimensions against your airline's carry-on limits if you plan to use it as a carry-on bag. Measure the bag yourself rather than relying on the product photo, since angles and lighting can be misleading. Read at least three customer reviews that mention durability after six months or more of use, not just first impressions. If you are buying in person, test the handle height—it should reach your wrist when your arm hangs at your side—and roll the bag a few feet to feel how smoothly the wheels move.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?

Online is usually cheaper, especially on brand websites and Amazon, where prices are often 15 to 30 percent lower than department stores. Warehouse clubs and discount chains can be cheaper still, but selection is limited. Department stores and specialty shops charge more but let you inspect the bag before buying and often have faster return options.

What is the difference between luggage at different price points?

Budget luggage ($50 to $100) has basic wheels and zippers that may fail after a year or two of regular travel. Mid-range luggage ($100 to $300) has better wheels, stronger zippers, and longer warranties. Premium luggage ($300 and up) uses higher-quality materials, smoother wheels, and often includes lifetime warranties. For occasional travelers, mid-range is usually the best value.

Can I return luggage if I have already used it?

Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days regardless of use, as long as the bag is not damaged and you have a receipt. Warehouse clubs like Costco are more lenient and accept returns even after several months. Check the specific return policy before you buy, since some discount chains have stricter rules.

Should I buy luggage in person or online?

Buy in person if you want to test the wheels and handles, check the weight, and confirm the size fits your body. Buy online if you know the exact model you want, prefer a lower price, or cannot reach a store nearby. Many people do both: they inspect bags in a store, then order online if they find a better price.

Where can I find luggage on sale?

Department stores and online retailers run sales during holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Black Friday, and after Christmas). Warehouse clubs rotate inventory seasonally, so luggage appears and disappears unpredictably. Discount chains always have reduced prices but selection changes weekly. Sign up for email alerts from brands you like to be notified when sales start.