The main places to buy luggage

You can buy luggage at department stores, specialty luggage retailers, big-box retailers, and online marketplaces. Each type of store has different strengths: department stores carry mid-range brands in one place, specialty shops have staff who know luggage construction, big-box stores compete on price, and online retailers offer the widest selection but require you to return items by mail if they don't fit your needs.

The store you choose depends on whether you want to see and touch the luggage before buying, how much you want to spend, and whether you need it quickly. A person buying a carry-on for a trip next week has different needs than someone planning a purchase months ahead.

Key Takeaways

  • Department stores like Macy's and Nordstrom stock luggage from multiple brands in one location, making comparison shopping straightforward.
  • Specialty luggage retailers employ staff trained in luggage construction and durability, and often repair items they sell.
  • Big-box retailers like Costco and Target offer budget options and fast checkout, but carry fewer brands and styles.
  • Online marketplaces like Amazon and brand websites show more options and often have lower prices, but you cannot inspect items before purchase.
  • Luggage outlet stores and clearance sections sell previous-season stock at discounts, though selection changes frequently.

Department stores and general retailers

Macy's, Nordstrom, Dillard's, and similar department stores stock luggage from brands like Samsonite, American Tourister, and Delsey in dedicated sections. You can walk in, see multiple options side by side, and ask a sales associate questions about weight, warranty, and materials. Most department stores accept returns within 30 to 60 days if you keep your receipt and the luggage is unused.

Target and Walmart carry luggage in their home goods sections, usually at lower price points than department stores. Selection is smaller — typically 10 to 20 options rather than 50 — but you can inspect items in person and return them to any store location. Costco and Sam's Club rotate luggage seasonally, usually stocking it before summer and winter travel periods, at prices below regular retail.

Specialty luggage shops

Independent luggage retailers and chains like Luggage Factory or Briggs & Riley boutiques employ staff trained in luggage durability, wheel types, and handle construction. These shops often repair luggage they sell, which matters if you buy a mid-range or high-end bag you plan to use for years. They can explain the difference between spinner wheels and two-wheel designs, or why a polycarbonate shell costs more than soft-sided fabric.

Specialty shops typically carry fewer brands than department stores but stock more styles and colors from each brand. Prices are often the same as department stores, but staff can help you choose based on your actual travel patterns rather than just what looks good. Many offer a warranty period longer than the manufacturer's standard coverage.

Online retailers and brand websites

Amazon, Wayfair, and brand-direct websites like Samsonite.com or Away.com show hundreds of styles and colors in one place. Online shopping lets you read customer reviews, compare prices across sites, and sometimes find sales or discount codes. Shipping is usually free or low-cost, and return windows are often 30 to 90 days.

The trade-off is that you cannot feel the weight of the luggage, test the wheels, or see how the handle extends before it arrives. If the bag does not meet your needs, you have to pack it back up and arrange a return, which takes time. Some online retailers like Zappos and Nordstrom.com offer free return shipping; others require you to pay for return postage or use a prepaid label.

Outlet stores and clearance sections

Luggage outlet stores and clearance sections in department stores sell previous-season colors, discontinued styles, and overstock at 20 to 50 percent below regular prices. Brands like Samsonite and American Tourister run outlet locations in many cities, and you can find them by searching "[brand name] outlet near me." These stores have the same return policies as regular retail locations.

The catch is that selection changes constantly and you cannot order online to pick up in-store at most outlets. If you see a bag you like, buying it when ready is safer than waiting, because the same style may not be in stock next week. Outlet prices are lower because the merchandise is older, not because it is lower quality.

Warehouse clubs and seasonal sales

Costco, Sam's Club, and BJ's Wholesale stock luggage during peak travel seasons — typically May through August and November through December. Prices are competitive with big-box retailers, and you can return items to any warehouse location. The downside is that you must be a member, and selection is limited to whatever the warehouse buyer chose that season.

Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and post-holiday sales at department stores and online retailers often include luggage discounts of 20 to 40 percent. If you are not in a hurry, waiting for these sales can save money, though popular styles and colors may sell out. Sign up for email newsletters from stores where you shop to learn about upcoming sales.

What to compare when shopping

Before you buy, decide what size you need — carry-on dimensions are set by airlines and do not vary much, but checked bag sizes range from 24 to 32 inches. Compare the weight of the empty bag, because a lighter shell means more room for clothes. Check whether wheels are spinner (four wheels that rotate) or two-wheel, since spinners are easier to maneuver but may wear faster.

Read the warranty information: most luggage comes with a 1 to 5-year manufacturer's warranty that covers defects but not damage from rough handling or accidents. Look at the material — hard-sided polycarbonate resists dents and water but is heavier, while soft-sided fabric is lighter and more flexible but easier to puncture. Handle construction matters too: telescoping handles should extend smoothly and lock firmly, and the grip should feel comfortable in your hand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it cheaper to buy luggage online or in a store?

Online prices are often lower because retailers have fewer overhead costs, but you pay for return shipping if the bag does not work out. In-store prices at big-box retailers are competitive with online, and you avoid return hassles. Department stores and specialty shops match online prices on the same items during sales.

Can I return luggage if I have already used it?

Most retailers accept returns of unused luggage within 30 to 90 days with a receipt. Once you have traveled with a bag, it is considered used and most stores will not take it back. Some specialty luggage shops will repair damage instead of accepting a return, which is often cheaper than buying new luggage.

What is the difference between luggage sold at outlets and regular stores?

Outlet luggage is the same quality as regular retail — it is just older stock, discontinued colors, or overstock. The lower price reflects age and availability, not inferior construction. Outlet bags come with the same warranty as new retail luggage.

Should I buy luggage from the airport before a trip?

Airport luggage shops charge 30 to 50 percent more than regular retailers because of high rent and captive customers. If you forgot luggage, an airport shop is your only option, but if you have time to order online or visit a nearby store, you will save money.

Do I need to buy luggage from a specialty shop or is a department store fine?

A department store is fine if you want a basic carry-on or checked bag for occasional travel. A specialty shop is worth visiting if you travel frequently, want to understand durability differences, or plan to keep the same bag for many years. Specialty staff can also recommend repair services if your luggage breaks.