The main places to buy suitcases
You can buy suitcases at luggage specialty stores, department stores, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. The best choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the bag before buying, compare prices quickly, or get it the same day. Each type of store has a different return policy and warranty coverage, so knowing where to shop saves time and money.
Luggage specialty stores like Luggage Pro, TravelPro, and Away have staff trained to help you pick the right size and material for your trip. Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom carry multiple brands in one place. Big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco stock budget-friendly options. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and brand websites often have the widest selection and lowest prices, but you cannot inspect the bag in person.
Key Takeaways
- Luggage specialty stores let you handle bags and get informed information, but prices are typically higher than online.
- Department stores and big-box retailers offer a middle ground: moderate prices, some selection, and the ability to return in-store.
- Online retailers have the largest selection and lowest prices, but shipping takes time and returns require mailing the bag back.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate suitcase inventory seasonally, so availability changes throughout the year.
- Check the warranty and return policy before buying, because some retailers offer 30 days to return while others offer 60 or 90.
Luggage specialty stores and their advantages
Luggage specialty stores employ staff who understand the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided bags, wheel types, and locking mechanisms. Stores like Luggage Pro, TravelPro, and Away can tell you which bags hold up best on rough baggage handlers and which materials resist scratches. You can open and close zippers, test the handle height, and roll the bag around the store to feel how it moves.
The trade-off is price. Specialty stores typically charge full retail, and discounts are rare. Many specialty stores are located only in major cities or shopping centers, so you may need to travel to reach one. However, if you plan to use the same suitcase for years, the informed guidance can prevent you from buying the wrong bag and wasting money on a replacement.
Department stores and mid-range retailers
Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and similar department stores stock suitcases from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey. You can see multiple brands side by side, compare prices, and handle the bags. Department stores usually offer 30 to 60 days to return, and you can return in-store without shipping costs.
Prices at department stores fall between specialty stores and online retailers. Sales and clearance sections often have older models at lower prices, especially at the end of travel seasons. If you have a department store credit card, you may earn points or get a discount on your purchase. The downside is that selection is smaller than online, and staff may not have the specialized luggage knowledge that specialty store employees have.
Big-box retailers and warehouse clubs
Target, Walmart, and Costco carry suitcases at the lowest prices, often under $100 for a basic hard-shell bag. These stores stock popular brands like Samsonite and American Tourister, plus their own house brands. Walmart and Target let you return items within 30 days, and Costco members get 60 days. You can return most suitcases in-store without a receipt if you have your membership card or credit card statement.
The limitation is selection. Big-box stores carry only a few models at any given time, and inventory changes seasonally. Costco rotates luggage in and out, so if you see a suitcase you like, buying it when ready is safer than waiting. These retailers are best if you need a basic, affordable bag and do not need specialized features or colors.
Online retailers and brand websites
Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, and brand-owned websites like Away.com and Samsonite.com have the largest selection of suitcases, colors, and sizes. Online shopping lets you compare prices across retailers in minutes, read customer reviews, and often find sales that stores do not advertise. Many online retailers offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount, and some offer free returns within 30 to 60 days.
The drawback is that you cannot touch or roll the bag before buying. Shipping typically takes 3 to 7 business days, so you cannot buy a suitcase the day before a trip. If you need to return the bag, you must pack it, print a label, and mail it back—a process that takes another week or more. Read the return policy carefully, because some online sellers charge a restocking fee or do not accept returns on clearance items.
Comparing prices and finding discounts
Prices for the same suitcase vary widely between retailers. A Samsonite hard-shell carry-on might cost $150 at a specialty store, $120 at a department store, $90 at Walmart, and $85 on Amazon. Before buying, search the model number on Google Shopping or CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) to see the price history and current offers at different sites.
Sales happen at predictable times. January and February see winter clearance sales as stores make room for spring inventory. August and September bring back-to-school and fall travel sales. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November offer discounts across all retailers. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for a seasonal sale can save 20 to 40 percent. Sign up for email newsletters from stores you like—they often send coupon codes before major sales.
Warranty and return policies to check before buying
Suitcase warranties vary by brand and retailer. Most manufacturers offer a 1 to 5 year warranty that covers defects in zippers, wheels, and handles, but not damage from rough handling or accidents. Some retailers like Costco and Nordstrom extend the manufacturer warranty or offer their own coverage. Read the warranty card that comes with the bag to understand what is and is not covered.
Return policies also differ. Specialty stores may offer 30 days; department stores typically offer 30 to 60 days; Costco offers 60 days; and some online retailers offer 90 days. A few retailers, like Nordstrom, have no time limit on returns. If you are unsure whether a suitcase will work for you, buying from a retailer with a longer return window gives you more time to test it. Keep your receipt and do not remove tags until you are certain you want to keep the bag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a suitcase and return it after using it?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 90 days if the bag is unused and tags are attached. Some stores like Nordstrom and Costco accept returns even after use if you are not satisfied. Check the specific retailer's policy before buying. If you plan to use the bag and return it, that is considered return fraud and retailers can refuse future purchases or charge your credit card.
What is the difference between buying online and in-store?
In-store shopping lets you handle the bag, test the wheels, and take it home when ready. Online shopping offers more selection and lower prices, but you wait for shipping and must mail returns back. In-store is better if you need a bag urgently or want to inspect it first. Online is better if you want to compare many options and prices.
Do I need to buy a suitcase from a specialty store?
No. Specialty stores offer informed information, but big-box and online retailers sell the same brands at lower prices. If you already know what size and style you want, buying from Target or Amazon saves money. Specialty stores are most useful if you are unsure what to buy or need help choosing between hard-shell and soft-sided bags.
When is the best time to buy a suitcase?
January, August, and November offer the biggest sales and discounts. If you can wait, buying during these months saves 20 to 40 percent. If you need a suitcase when ready, big-box retailers like Walmart and Target have affordable options in stock year-round.
Are warehouse club suitcases as good as brand-name ones?
Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club sell brand-name bags like Samsonite and American Tourister at lower prices than other retailers. The bags are the same quality as those sold elsewhere. The main difference is that warehouse inventory rotates, so if you see a model you like, it may not be available next month.