The main places to buy luggage are department stores, luggage specialists, online retailers, and outlet stores—each with different prices, selection, and return policies
You can buy luggage at department stores like Macy's and Kohl's, which stock multiple brands in one location but often charge full retail price. Luggage specialists such as Luggage Pro and TravelPro stores carry deeper inventory and staff trained to discuss durability and features, though they are less common in shopping areas. Online retailers including Amazon, Wayfair, and brand websites offer the widest selection and often lower prices, but you cannot inspect the bag before purchase. Outlet stores—both physical locations and online outlets like Nordstrom Rack and TJ Maxx—sell previous-season inventory and overstock at 20 to 40 percent below retail.
The choice depends on what matters most to you: when ready availability, hands-on inspection, price, or selection. A traveler who wants to feel the weight and handle of a bag before buying will prefer a physical store. Someone buying a replacement set quickly may choose a department store. A shopper hunting for a specific brand at the lowest price will check outlet stores and online options first.
Key Takeaways
- Department stores offer convenience and multiple brands under one roof, but prices are typically full retail with limited luggage informed from staff.
- Luggage specialists and brand-direct stores provide informed guidance and often carry extended warranties, though locations are limited and prices are not discounted.
- Online retailers show the broadest selection and frequently offer lower prices than physical stores, but you cannot inspect the luggage before it arrives.
- Outlet stores and discount retailers sell previous-season and overstock luggage at 20 to 40 percent below regular prices, though selection changes frequently.
- Return policies vary significantly by retailer—some allow 30 days, others 60 or 90—so check the policy before you buy, especially when ordering online.
Department Stores: Convenience and Multiple Brands
Department stores like Macy's, Kohl's, and Dillard's stock luggage from brands such as Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey in one location. You can walk in, see several options, and leave with a bag the same day. Staff are usually available to answer basic questions, though they may not have deep knowledge of luggage construction or durability differences.
Prices at department stores are typically full retail or slightly marked down during seasonal sales. Return windows are usually 30 to 60 days, and many department stores allow returns by mail if you bought online. The trade-off is that you pay more than you would at an outlet or online, and the selection is smaller than what a luggage specialist carries.
Luggage Specialists and Brand Stores: informed Guidance and Warranties
Luggage Pro, TravelPro stores, and Samsonite brand outlets employ staff trained in luggage construction, wheel types, and handle mechanisms. They can explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided bags, discuss warranty coverage, and help you choose based on your travel style. Many luggage specialists also offer extended warranties and repair services in-store.
These retailers do not discount prices significantly—you pay close to full retail—but you get informed and after-sale support that department stores do not provide. Locations are limited; you may need to travel to find one, or order online from the brand's website directly. If you value hands-on guidance and long-term support over price, this is the best option.
Online Retailers: Widest Selection and Lower Prices
Amazon, Wayfair, Overstock, and brand websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com show hundreds of luggage options with customer reviews, photos from multiple angles, and detailed specifications. Prices are often 10 to 30 percent lower than department stores because online retailers have lower overhead. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and many offer 30 to 60-day returns.
The main drawback is that you cannot touch or weigh the bag before it arrives. You rely on product photos, dimensions, and customer reviews to judge quality and fit. If the luggage does not meet your expectations, you will need to arrange a return shipment, which takes time. Read the return policy carefully—some retailers charge return shipping, while others do not.
Online shopping works best when you know the brand and model you want, or when you have read enough reviews to feel confident about the choice. If you are uncertain, start by visiting a physical store to handle the bag, then order online if you find a better price.
Outlet Stores and Discount Retailers: Best Prices on Previous-Season Stock
Physical outlet stores like TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Ross carry luggage from major brands at 20 to 40 percent below retail. These are usually previous-season colors, overstock from department stores, or items with minor cosmetic flaws. Selection changes frequently—what is in stock one week may be gone the next.
Online outlets including Nordstrom Rack, Saks OFF 5TH, and brand outlet websites offer the same discounts on overstock and discontinued styles. You can browse at your own pace and have items shipped to your home. Return policies at outlet stores are often stricter than at full-price retailers—typically 30 days instead of 60—so check before you buy.
Outlet shopping requires patience and flexibility. You may not find the exact color or size you want, but if you are willing to choose from what is available, you will pay significantly less. This option works well if you are not in a hurry and price is your main concern.
Warehouse Clubs: Limited Selection at Member Prices
Costco and Sam's Club carry a rotating selection of luggage at prices between department stores and outlets. Selection is limited—usually three to five options at any given time—and inventory changes seasonally. Both clubs offer extended return windows (Costco allows returns for up to two years on most items) and member-only pricing.
Warehouse clubs work best if you already have a membership and want to browse in person. The selection is not deep enough to make membership worthwhile if luggage is your only purchase, but if you shop there regularly, checking the luggage section during your visit may turn up a good deal.
Comparing Price, Selection, and Return Policies
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Return Window | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Department Stores | Full retail to 10% off | Moderate (5–15 brands) | 30–60 days | Quick purchase, hands-on inspection |
| Luggage Specialists | Full retail | Deep (many models per brand) | 30–90 days | informed information, warranty support |
| Online Retailers | 10–30% off retail | Very wide (hundreds of options) | 30–60 days | Specific models, price comparison |
| Outlet Stores | 20–40% off retail | Limited, changes weekly | 30 days | Budget-conscious, flexible timing |
| Warehouse Clubs | 10–25% off retail | Small (3–5 options) | Up to 2 years (Costco) | Members seeking convenience |
What to Check Before You Buy
Before purchasing luggage anywhere, verify the return policy in writing. Some retailers charge return shipping; others do not. Check whether the price includes any warranty or protection plan, and whether that plan covers damage from airline handling or only manufacturer defects.
If you are buying online, read the dimensions carefully and compare them to luggage you already own. Look at customer photos and reviews that mention durability, wheel quality, and handle comfort. If the retailer offers free returns, order multiple sizes or colors and return what does not work—this is a standard practice at most online retailers.
For in-person purchases, inspect the zippers, wheels, and handles. Open and close the bag several times. Check that the handle extends and retracts smoothly. Ask the staff whether the bag is covered by a manufacturer warranty and what that warranty includes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?
Online retailers and outlet stores are typically cheaper than department stores and luggage specialists. Online prices are usually 10 to 30 percent lower than retail, and outlets offer 20 to 40 percent discounts. Department stores and brand specialists charge full or near-full retail price. The lowest prices are at outlet stores if you have flexibility on color and style.
Can I return luggage if I have already used it?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days regardless of whether the bag has been used, as long as it is not damaged and you have your receipt. Some retailers are stricter—check the specific policy before you buy. Outlet stores often have shorter return windows (30 days) than full-price retailers (60 days).
Should I buy luggage in person or online?
Buy in person if you want to feel the weight, test the wheels and handle, and take it home when ready. Buy online if you know the brand and model you want, have read reviews you trust, or want to compare prices across multiple retailers. Many shoppers do both: inspect in a store, then order online if they find a better price.
What is the difference between outlet luggage and regular luggage?
Outlet luggage is usually the same quality as regular luggage—it is previous-season stock, overstock, or items with minor cosmetic flaws that do not affect function. The discount reflects the retailer's lower overhead and the fact that the style may be older, not that the bag is lower quality.
Do luggage specialists offer warranties that other stores do not?
Luggage specialists often offer extended warranties and in-store repair services that department stores and online retailers do not. If warranty coverage and repair access matter to you, a luggage specialist is worth the higher price. Otherwise, most luggage comes with a manufacturer warranty regardless of where you buy it.