The main places to buy suitcases
You can buy suitcases at department stores, luggage specialty shops, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand outlets. Each has different prices, selection, and return policies. The best choice depends on whether you want to see and touch the bag before buying, how much you want to spend, and how soon you need it.
Department stores like Macy's, Nordstrom, and Dillard's stock luggage in their travel sections and often run sales. Big-box retailers like Target, Walmart, and Costco carry basic suitcases year-round at lower price points. Luggage specialty stores like Samsonite, Away, and local travel shops offer informed staff and deeper selection but typically charge more. Online retailers like Amazon, eBay, and brand websites ship quickly but you cannot inspect the bag in person.
Key Takeaways
- Department stores and big-box retailers offer the widest range of prices and brands in one trip, with return policies that let you bring items back within 30 to 90 days.
- Luggage specialty stores employ staff trained to match bag size and features to your travel needs, though prices run 10 to 30 percent higher than mass retailers.
- Online shopping gives you access to brands and styles not stocked locally and often includes free shipping over a certain amount, but you cannot test the wheels or zippers before purchase.
- Secondhand suitcases from thrift stores, consignment shops, and online resale sites cost 40 to 70 percent less but may have wear, missing parts, or limited return options.
- Warehouse clubs like Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage seasonally and offer bulk discounts if you buy multiple bags at once.
Department stores and general retailers
Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, Target, and Walmart all stock suitcases in their travel or luggage sections. You can walk in, handle the bags, test the wheels and handles, and ask staff questions. Most of these stores let you return items within 30 to 90 days if the bag is unused or has a defect.
Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom tend to carry mid-range and premium brands and run seasonal sales—often 20 to 40 percent off in January and August. Target and Walmart focus on budget-friendly options under $150 and restock frequently. Costco and Sam's Club sell suitcases in rotating seasonal shipments, usually in January and July, at prices lower than other mass retailers but only while stock lasts.
Luggage specialty stores and brand websites
Stores dedicated to luggage—whether independent local shops or chains like Samsonite, Away, or Delsey—employ staff trained in luggage construction, warranty coverage, and repair. They can explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided bags, help you choose the right size for airline carry-on rules, and show you how to pack efficiently. Many offer lifetime repair services or extended warranties.
Brand websites like samsonite.com, awaytravel.com, and delsey.com sell directly to you and often run their own promotions. Prices are typically higher than mass retailers, but you get the full product range and direct access to customer service. Many brand sites offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount and accept returns within 30 days if the bag is unused.
Online marketplaces and retailers
Amazon, eBay, Wayfair, and other online marketplaces stock thousands of suitcase models from dozens of brands. You can compare prices across sellers, read customer reviews, and often find discontinued styles or colors not available in stores. Shipping is usually free on orders over $25 to $35, and most sites process orders within one to three business days.
The trade-off is that you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives. Check the seller's return policy before buying—most online retailers allow returns within 30 days if the item is unused and in original packaging, but some charge a restocking fee. Read customer reviews carefully for complaints about defective wheels, broken zippers, or bags that arrived damaged.
Secondhand and consignment options
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, consignment shops, and online resale sites like eBay, Facebook Marketplace, and Poshmark sell used suitcases at 40 to 70 percent below retail price. This is a good option if you travel rarely, need a backup bag, or want to test whether a particular style works for you before investing in a new one.
Inspect secondhand bags carefully for broken wheels, stuck zippers, dents, stains, and missing handles or straps. Ask the seller whether the bag has been repaired and what condition the interior is in. Most secondhand sales are final, so you cannot return the bag if you discover a problem after purchase. Thrift stores sometimes offer a brief return window—usually three to seven days—if the bag is defective.
Timing your purchase and seasonal sales
Suitcases go on sale at predictable times. January and August are peak sale months at department stores, when retailers clear inventory before new stock arrives. Back-to-school season in July and August also brings discounts. Black Friday and Cyber Monday in November offer 20 to 50 percent off at most retailers, both online and in-store.
If you need a suitcase urgently, big-box retailers and online marketplaces have stock available year-round. If you can wait, buying during a sale season saves money. Warehouse clubs like Costco rotate luggage in and out, so if you see a bag you like, buy it then—it may not be restocked for months.
What to check before you buy
Before purchasing, measure the suitcase against airline carry-on limits if you plan to bring it on a plane. Most airlines allow bags up to 22 inches long, 14 inches wide, and 9 inches deep for carry-on; checked bags can be larger but have weight limits, usually 50 pounds. Check the bag's weight when empty—lighter bags leave more room for clothes without hitting the weight limit.
Test the wheels if you are buying in person. Spinner wheels (four wheels that rotate 360 degrees) are easier to maneuver than two-wheel bags but can break more easily. Check that the handle extends and retracts smoothly and that zippers open and close without catching. If buying online, read reviews that mention durability of wheels and zippers specifically.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided suitcases?
Hard-shell bags protect contents better and resist punctures, but they are heavier and do not compress. Soft-sided bags weigh less, pack into tight spaces, and are easier to squeeze into overhead bins, but they offer less protection and can tear. Choose hard-shell if you check bags frequently or pack fragile items; choose soft-sided if you travel light or need flexibility.
Can I return a suitcase if I have already used it?
Most retailers require suitcases to be unused and in original packaging for a return. Some allow returns of used bags within a short window—usually 14 to 30 days—if the bag is defective. Check the store's return policy before buying. Specialty luggage stores and brand websites sometimes accept returns of lightly used bags if you contact them within a week of purchase.
Where can I find suitcases on sale right now?
Check department store websites like Macy's and Nordstrom, big-box retailers like Target and Walmart, and brand sites like Samsonite and Away. Online marketplaces like Amazon and eBay often have discounts year-round. Sign up for email newsletters from retailers you like to get notified of sales before they are advertised widely.
Is it worth buying a secondhand suitcase?
Yes, if you inspect it carefully and do not need a warranty. Secondhand bags are much cheaper and work fine if the wheels, zippers, and handles are intact. Avoid bags with deep dents, broken wheels, or stuck zippers unless you are comfortable paying for repairs. Thrift stores are good for finding deals; online resale sites let you ask the seller questions before buying.
What luggage brands are most reliable?
Samsonite, Delsey, Away, American Tourister, and Rimowa are widely available and have good track records for durability. Read customer reviews on the retailer's website to see what people say about specific models. Specialty luggage stores can recommend brands based on your budget and travel style.