The main places to buy suitcases
You can buy suitcases at luggage specialty stores, department stores, big-box retailers, online marketplaces, and secondhand shops. Each route 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.
Luggage specialty stores carry the widest range of brands and sizes in one place, but cost more than online retailers. Department stores like Macy's and Kohl's stock popular brands at mid-range prices. Big-box stores like Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart offer budget options and fast checkout. Online retailers like Amazon and eBay have the lowest prices but require shipping time. Secondhand options at thrift stores, Facebook Marketplace, and Goodwill cost the least but offer no warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Luggage specialty stores let you handle bags in person and get informed information, but prices run 20 to 40 percent higher than online.
- Online retailers like Amazon, Wayfair, and brand websites ship within days and often have lower prices, but you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives.
- Department stores and big-box retailers offer a middle ground: moderate prices, in-store pickup, and the ability to return items in person.
- Secondhand suitcases from thrift stores and online marketplaces cost 50 to 70 percent less but come with no warranty and may have hidden damage.
- Outlet malls and clearance sections at major retailers carry last season's models at 30 to 50 percent off full retail price.
Luggage specialty stores and what to expect
Luggage specialty stores like Samsonite, American Tourister, and local independent shops stock dozens of brands and let you open, roll, and lift bags before you buy. Staff can explain the difference between hard-shell and soft-sided luggage, show you how zippers and wheels perform, and help you pick the right size for your travel style. These stores also handle repairs and warranty claims on-site.
The trade-off is price. A mid-range carry-on that costs $80 online may cost $120 in a specialty store. Return policies vary by location, but most allow returns within 30 days with a receipt. If you travel frequently or want a bag that will last years, the higher upfront cost may be worth the durability and service. If you buy one suitcase every five years, the savings from buying online usually outweigh the convenience of in-store help.
Online retailers and shipping times
Amazon, Wayfair, Target, Walmart, and brand websites like Samsonite.com and Away.com offer the lowest prices and the widest selection. You can compare hundreds of models side by side, read customer reviews, and filter by price, size, and material. Most ship within three to five business days, and many offer free shipping on orders over a certain amount.
The main drawback is that you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives. If the wheels are stiff, the zippers stick, or the color is not what you expected, you will need to return it and wait for a replacement. Read the return policy before you buy — some retailers charge return shipping, which can cost $10 to $20. Check customer photos and reviews for details about durability and how the bag looks in real life, not just the product photo.
Department stores and big-box retailers
Macy's, Kohl's, Dillard's, and JCPenney carry luggage from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey at prices between specialty stores and online retailers. You can see the bags in person, and many locations offer same-day or next-day pickup if you order online. Return policies are usually 30 to 60 days, and you can return items in the store without shipping them back.
Costco, Sam's Club, and Walmart stock a smaller selection but at lower prices. Costco and Sam's Club rotate their luggage inventory seasonally, so selection changes throughout the year. Walmart carries budget brands like Mainstays and better-known names like Samsonite. These stores are best if you want a basic suitcase quickly and do not need premium features or a wide range of colors and styles.
Outlet malls and clearance sections
Outlet malls in most regions have dedicated luggage stores that sell last season's models and overstock at 30 to 50 percent below retail. Brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey run outlet locations where you can inspect bags and return them in person. Outlet prices are lower than specialty stores but higher than online clearance sales.
Department store clearance sections and online clearance pages also mark down luggage at the end of each season. These bags are the same quality as full-price versions — they are straightforward older colors or styles that did not sell. Check clearance sections in January and July, when stores make room for new inventory. Online clearance moves faster, so if you see a bag you want at a good price, buy it within a day or two.
Secondhand suitcases and what to watch for
Thrift stores like Goodwill and Salvation Army, Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, and eBay sell used suitcases for 50 to 70 percent less than new ones. If you travel rarely or need a bag for one trip, secondhand is the cheapest option. Inspect the bag in person if possible — check that zippers open and close smoothly, wheels roll without catching, and the shell or fabric has no large tears or stains.
Secondhand bags come with no warranty, so if the wheels fail or a zipper breaks after you buy it, you have no recourse. Ask the seller how many times the bag was used and whether it was stored in a dry place. Bags stored in damp basements or attics may have mold or mildew inside. If you buy online without seeing the bag first, use a platform like eBay or Facebook Marketplace that offers buyer protection in case the item is not as described.
Comparing prices across retailers
| Retailer Type | Price Range | Selection | Return Policy | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Luggage specialty store | $100–$400+ | Widest | 30 days, in-store | informed help and durability |
| Online retailer | $50–$300 | Largest | 30–60 days, shipping required | Lowest prices and speed |
| Department store | $80–$250 | Moderate | 30–60 days, in-store | Balance of price and convenience |
| Big-box retailer | $60–$200 | Limited | 30–90 days, in-store | Budget and speed |
| Outlet mall | $70–$250 | Moderate | 30 days, in-store | Discounted brand-name bags |
| Secondhand | $20–$100 | Varies | None or platform-dependent | Lowest cost, occasional use |
How to decide where to buy
Start by deciding how much you want to spend and when you need the suitcase. If you need it within a week, online retailers with fast shipping or in-store pickup at a department store are your best options. If you have two weeks or more, you can wait for a sale or check outlet malls and clearance sections for discounts.
Next, think about how often you travel. If you fly several times a year, buy from a specialty store or a reputable online retailer so you get a bag that will last. If you travel once every few years, a budget option from a big-box store or a secondhand bag will work fine. Finally, consider whether you want to see the bag in person. If you are particular about color, size, or how the bag feels, visit a store. If you are flexible and trust customer reviews, buy online and save money.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between buying at a specialty store and buying online?
Specialty stores let you handle the bag, ask questions, and return it in person, but charge 20 to 40 percent more. Online retailers have lower prices and faster delivery to your home, but you cannot inspect the bag before it arrives and may pay to ship it back if you need to return it.
Can I return a suitcase if I have already used it?
Most retailers allow returns within 30 to 60 days if the bag is unused and in original condition. If you have traveled with the bag and it shows wear, the retailer may refuse the return or charge a restocking fee. Check the return policy before you buy, especially if you are unsure about the size or style.
Are outlet mall suitcases the same quality as full-price ones?
Yes. Outlet bags are the same quality as retail versions — they are straightforward older colors, styles, or overstock that did not sell at full price. The warranty and durability are identical. Outlet prices are lower than specialty stores but higher than online sales.
Is it safe to buy a used suitcase on Facebook Marketplace or eBay?
It is safe if you inspect the bag in person or use a platform with buyer protection. Ask the seller detailed questions about wear, damage, and how the bag was stored. If you buy without seeing it first, take photos of the bag when it arrives and report any damage to the platform within the protection window.
When is the best time to buy luggage on sale?
Luggage goes on sale in January and July when stores clear old inventory for new models. Black Friday and Cyber Monday also offer discounts. If you do not have a important date, waiting for a seasonal sale can save you 20 to 40 percent compared to buying at full price.