The fastest places to buy luggage in Manhattan and Brooklyn

If you need luggage today, your quickest options are the luggage shops clustered in Midtown Manhattan, the department stores on Fifth Avenue, and the travel retailers in Times Square. Macy's Herald Square (Broadway at 34th Street) stocks luggage on the third floor and stays open until 10 p.m. most nights. Luggage Plus has a flagship store at 1 East 42nd Street (near Grand Central) and carries hard-shell and soft-sided bags in every size. If you're in Brooklyn, check Bed Bath & Beyond locations in Park Slope and Williamsburg, though inventory varies by store.

For same-day pickup, call ahead to confirm stock before you go. Many stores hold items for a few hours if you're coming from another neighborhood. If you're flying out soon and need something specific—a carry-on that fits airline dimensions, a spinner with a lifetime warranty, or a particular brand—the Midtown shops can usually fill that order within an hour.

Key Takeaways

  • Luggage Plus at 1 East 42nd Street and Macy's Herald Square both stock full ranges of luggage and are open late on weekdays.
  • Department stores like Macy's, Bloomingdale's, and Nordstrom carry luggage but may have smaller selections than dedicated luggage shops.
  • Specialty travel retailers in Times Square and near Grand Central Terminal stock luggage specifically chosen for frequent travelers.
  • Calling ahead to confirm size, brand, and color availability saves a trip if you're looking for something specific.
  • Online retailers with New York pickup options (Amazon, Target, Bed Bath & Beyond) can deliver to a store near you within one to two days.

Luggage shops with full inventory and repair services

Dedicated luggage stores carry the widest range of brands and styles, and many offer repairs if a wheel breaks or a zipper fails during your trip. Luggage Plus operates multiple locations in Manhattan and has been in business since 1975. Their staff can help you choose between hard-shell (more durable, heavier) and soft-sided bags (lighter, more flexible), and they stock brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey, and Briggs & Riley.

Altman Luggage, located at 135 Orchard Street on the Lower East Side, is a smaller shop with a loyal customer base. They repair luggage on-site and carry mid-range and premium brands. If you're in that neighborhood, it's worth a stop. Both shops can tell you which bags are TSA-approved carry-on size (22 x 14 x 9 inches) and which brands hold up best for frequent travel.

Department stores and their luggage sections

Macy's Herald Square (1301 Broadway at 34th Street) is the largest Macy's in the city and stocks luggage on the third floor. You'll find Samsonite, American Tourister, and house-brand options at various price points. The store is open until 10 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 9 p.m. on Sunday, which makes it convenient if you're shopping after work.

Bloomingdale's (1000 Third Avenue at 59th Street) carries higher-end luggage brands like Rimowa, Calpak, and Tumi. Nordstrom (865 Fifth Avenue at 67th Street) stocks a similar range. Both stores have personal shopping services if you want help choosing a bag that matches your travel style. Department stores typically charge more than luggage specialists, but they often have sales and accept multiple payment methods.

Travel retailers near airports and transit hubs

If you're near Grand Central Terminal or Penn Station, travel retailers in those areas stock luggage for last-minute shoppers. Hudson News locations in both stations carry basic luggage and travel accessories, though selection is limited and prices are higher than shops elsewhere in the city. These are best for emergency purchases—a replacement bag if yours is damaged—rather than planned shopping.

Times Square has several travel and souvenir shops that stock luggage, but quality varies widely. Stick to recognizable brands (Samsonite, American Tourister, Delsey) and inspect zippers and wheels before buying. Prices in Times Square are typically 10 to 20 percent higher than Midtown luggage shops a few blocks away.

Online retailers with in-store pickup in New York

If you don't want to carry a new bag through the city, order online and pick it up at a local store. Amazon offers same-day delivery to many Manhattan addresses and next-day pickup at Amazon Hub locations in Whole Foods stores across the city. Target has stores in Manhattan and Brooklyn and offers two-hour pickup on luggage in stock. Bed Bath & Beyond allows online ordering with in-store pickup at their remaining New York locations.

This option works well if you know exactly what you want—brand, size, color—and can order the night before. Pickup usually takes one to two hours after you place the order. Check the store's hours before you order, especially on weekends.

What to check before you buy

Before paying, open and close every zipper, spin the wheels, and check that the handle extends and retracts smoothly. Look for dents or scratches on hard-shell bags and pulls or tears on soft-sided ones. If the bag is a carry-on, measure it against the store's size guide or ask the staff to confirm it meets airline dimensions—most U.S. carriers allow 22 x 14 x 9 inches, but some budget airlines are stricter.

Ask about the warranty. Most luggage comes with a manufacturer's warranty (usually one to five years), but some stores offer extended protection plans. Luggage Plus and Altman Luggage both repair bags under warranty, which is valuable if a wheel fails or a seam splits. Keep your receipt and any warranty paperwork in case you need to file a claim later.

Price ranges and what to expect

A basic carry-on bag (soft-sided, no frills) costs $40 to $80 at department stores and luggage shops. Mid-range bags with better wheels and zippers run $100 to $250. Premium brands like Rimowa, Calpak, and Briggs & Riley start at $300 and go up to $800 or more. Hard-shell bags are generally more expensive than soft-sided ones of the same size.

Luggage shops and department stores often run sales, especially in January and August. If you're not in a rush, waiting for a sale can save 20 to 30 percent. Sign up for email lists at Macy's and Bloomingdale's to catch promotions. Luggage Plus sometimes offers discounts on previous-season colors or overstocked sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return luggage if I change my mind?

Most luggage shops and department stores allow returns within 30 days with a receipt and original tags attached. Macy's and Bloomingdale's have 30-day return windows. Luggage Plus has a similar policy but may charge a restocking fee on discounted items. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you're purchasing during a sale.

What's the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage?

Hard-shell bags protect contents better and resist punctures, but they're heavier and don't compress. Soft-sided bags are lighter and more flexible, fitting into tight overhead bins, but they're easier to damage. For frequent flyers, hard-shell is worth the extra weight. For occasional travelers, soft-sided is usually enough.

Do I need a TSA-approved lock?

TSA-approved locks allow security agents to open your bag without breaking the lock. They're not required, but they're useful if you check luggage on domestic flights. Many luggage shops sell them separately for $10 to $20, and some bags come with one built in. Ask the staff which bags include a lock.

Where can I get luggage repaired in New York?

Luggage Plus and Altman Luggage both repair bags on-site. Macy's and Bloomingdale's can direct you to repair services, though they may not repair in-house. If your bag is under warranty, contact the manufacturer first—many cover repairs at no cost.

Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?

Prices are usually similar, but online retailers sometimes offer better sales. The advantage of buying in a store is seeing and touching the bag before you pay, and getting when ready help if something is wrong. If you know exactly what you want and don't mind waiting one to two days, online pickup can save time.