The main places to buy luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores, specialty luggage retailers, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand shops. Each route has different prices, selection, and return policies. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock mid-range brands in one place. Specialty luggage shops like Luggage Pros or local independent stores let you handle pieces before buying and often have staff who know the products. Big-box stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart carry basic options at lower prices but with smaller selection. Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and brand websites offer the widest range and often the lowest prices, though you cannot inspect the item first. Secondhand options through Facebook Marketplace, eBay, Goodwill, and local consignment shops cost less but come with wear and no manufacturer warranty.

The choice depends on what matters most to you: seeing the luggage in person, getting the lowest price, finding a specific brand or style, or buying used. Most people use a combination — they research online to narrow down what they want, then buy from whichever source has the best price and return policy for that specific item.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores and specialty luggage shops let you handle luggage before buying, which matters if you care about weight, handle comfort, and how the wheels roll.
  • Online retailers and big-box stores usually have lower prices than specialty shops, but you cannot inspect the item and return policies vary widely.
  • Secondhand luggage costs 30 to 60 percent less but may have cosmetic damage, worn wheels, or broken zippers, and you lose the manufacturer warranty.
  • Brand websites often match or beat Amazon prices and have the clearest return policies, especially for high-end luggage.
  • Costco and Sam's Club require membership but offer good prices on basic hard-sided luggage with straightforward return policies.

Department stores and specialty luggage shops

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 see the pieces, test the wheels and zippers, and compare sizes side by side. Staff are usually available to answer questions about materials and warranty. Return policies are typically 30 to 60 days with a receipt, and many accept returns by mail. Prices are usually higher than online, but sales and coupons are common — Kohl's and Macy's run frequent promotions that can bring prices closer to online levels.

Specialty luggage retailers like Luggage Pros, Luggage Forward, and independent local shops focus entirely on luggage and travel gear. Staff tend to know the products deeply and can explain the difference between polycarbonate and ABS plastic, or why certain wheels wear faster. These shops often carry brands you won't find in department stores. Prices are typically higher than big-box or online retailers, but the service and informed can justify the cost if you are buying expensive luggage or need specific information. Many specialty shops also offer repair services, which can extend the life of your luggage.

Big-box retailers and warehouse clubs

Walmart, Target, and Costco carry luggage at lower prices than department stores or specialty shops. Walmart and Target stock basic hard-sided and soft-sided options from brands like Samsonite and American Tourister, usually in the $50 to $200 range. Selection is smaller than specialty retailers, but prices are competitive. Return policies are straightforward: Walmart accepts returns within 90 days, and Target within 30 to 60 days depending on the item.

Costco and Sam's Club require membership but offer good value on luggage bundles and mid-range brands. Costco frequently rotates luggage in and out, so availability changes. Both clubs have generous return policies — Costco accepts returns on most items indefinitely, and Sam's Club accepts returns within 90 days. If you already have a membership, these are worth checking, but the membership cost ($60 to $120 per year) only makes sense if you plan to buy other items there too.

Online retailers and brand websites

Amazon, Wayfair, eBay, and brand websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com offer the widest selection and often the lowest prices. You can compare hundreds of styles, read customer reviews, and filter by price, size, and material. Prices are typically 10 to 30 percent lower than department stores. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and most sites offer 30-day returns, though some charge for return shipping.

Brand websites often have sales and clearance sections where you can find previous-season luggage at discounts. They also have the most detailed product information and the clearest warranty terms. Amazon has fast shipping and straightforward returns through its A-to-Z may provide, but you are buying from third-party sellers, so return policies vary — read the seller's policy before buying. eBay is useful for discontinued styles or older luggage, but inspect the photos carefully and check the seller's return policy, as some sellers do not accept returns.

The main drawback of online shopping is that you cannot feel the weight, test the wheels, or see the color and texture in person. Photos can be misleading, and luggage that looks good online may feel flimsy or cheap when it arrives. Read customer reviews carefully, especially comments about durability and wheel quality.

Secondhand luggage from local and online sources

Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, eBay, Goodwill, and local consignment shops sell used luggage at 30 to 60 percent below retail. This is a good option if you travel rarely, need luggage temporarily, or are willing to accept cosmetic damage. Inspect the piece in person if possible — check that wheels roll smoothly, zippers work, and the handle extends and retracts without sticking. Ask the seller about the age of the luggage and whether it has been repaired.

Secondhand luggage has real drawbacks. Wheels wear out and are expensive to replace. Zippers break and are hard to fix on modern luggage. The fabric or plastic may be scuffed, dented, or stained. Most importantly, you lose the manufacturer warranty, so if something breaks after you buy it, you have no recourse. Secondhand luggage makes sense for a child's first suitcase, a backup piece you rarely use, or if you are testing whether a brand works for you before buying new.

Comparing prices across retailers

The same luggage often costs different amounts at different stores. A Samsonite hard-sided carry-on might be $120 at Walmart, $150 at Macy's, $140 on Amazon, and $160 at a specialty shop. Before buying, search the brand and model on Google Shopping, Amazon, Wayfair, and the brand's own website to see current prices. Check whether the price includes shipping and what the return policy is — a slightly higher price with free returns and a longer return window can be worth it.

Sign up for price-tracking tools like CamelCamelCamel (for Amazon) or Honey (a browser extension) if you are watching a specific item. Many retailers price-match or offer price adjustments within 7 to 14 days, so if you see a lower price elsewhere, contact the store where you bought it and ask them to match.

What to check before buying from any source

Regardless of where you buy, inspect the luggage for the same things. Check that wheels roll smoothly in all directions — wheels are the first thing to fail on luggage, and replacement wheels cost $30 to $80. Test the handle to make sure it extends and retracts without resistance and locks in place. Open and close zippers several times; they should glide smoothly. Look at the seams, especially around the bottom and corners, for loose stitching. Lift the piece to feel its weight — lighter is not always better, but very light luggage is often flimsy.

Check the warranty. Most luggage comes with a 1 to 5-year manufacturer warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship, but not damage from use or accidents. Read what the warranty covers before buying, especially if you plan to check the luggage on flights. Some brands like Samsonite and American Tourister have strong reputations for honoring warranties; others are harder to reach if something breaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is luggage cheaper online or in stores?

Online retailers and big-box stores are usually cheaper than department stores or specialty shops by 10 to 30 percent. Brand websites sometimes match Amazon prices, especially during sales. Secondhand luggage is cheapest but comes with wear and no warranty. The best price depends on the specific brand and model — use Google Shopping to compare before buying.

Can I return luggage if I change my mind?

Most retailers accept returns within 30 to 90 days with a receipt. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's typically allow 30 to 60 days. Amazon and Wayfair allow 30 days. Costco accepts returns indefinitely on most items. Check the return policy before buying, especially online, because some sellers charge for return shipping.

What should I look for in luggage wheels?

Wheels should roll smoothly in all directions without wobbling or sticking. Four-wheel luggage (spinner wheels) is easier to maneuver in tight spaces than two-wheel luggage. Test the wheels in person if possible, because reviews often mention which brands have wheels that wear out quickly. Replacement wheels cost $30 to $80, so durable wheels matter over time.

Is secondhand luggage worth buying?

Secondhand luggage is worth buying if you travel rarely, need a backup piece, or are testing a brand before spending full price. Expect cosmetic damage like scuffs and dents. Check that wheels roll smoothly and zippers work before buying. Avoid secondhand luggage if you travel frequently or need a warranty, because repairs are expensive and you have no recourse if something breaks.

Do brand websites have better prices than Amazon?

Brand websites sometimes match or beat Amazon prices, especially during sales and clearance events. They often have better product information and clearer warranty terms. However, Amazon usually has faster shipping and easier returns. Compare both before buying, especially for expensive luggage.