13 luggage retailers to help you beat this summer's shortage

This summer, lack of workers, a shortage of materials and an all-around lagging supply chain are making luggage scarce. Fortunately, several major luggage retailers have told us that they're prepared.

"We are absolutely seeing a resurgence of travel here in the U.S.," Lynne Berard, president of Samsonite North America, told The Points Guy. "... Current increases in demand for luggage show how important travel is.... Like many industries, global supply chains are playing catch-up from the last year, but as the leader in the industry, Samsonite is prepared to fulfill the needs of travelers through our partners and our direct-to-consumer stores and websites."

If you're in the market for new bags but can't seem to find what you're looking for, head straight to the source by buying from big names like Samsonite, Away or Rimowa, or you can search for a dedicated specialty luggage store in your area. According to TPG Facebook readers, these smaller outposts in 13 cities are stocked and boast excellent customer service.

Baton Rouge

Serving the Baton Rouge area of Louisiana, Pearson's began selling luggage and gifts in 1979. It also became a full-service travel agency in 1997 and now operates two family-owned businesses: Pearson's Travel World travel agency and Pearson's 1979, which sells home decor and travel items, including luggage. A small selection of bags is available for purchase online and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

"Their website is not good for ordering, but it's worth a call," TPG Lounge member Graham Bateman said. "Great prices and fabulous service."

Boston

Leather World -- located in Newtown, Massachusetts, just outside Boston -- offers luggage sales and repairs, both in store and by mail. In business for more than 50 years, the company carries big names like Tumi, Rimowa and Briggs & Riley. It's also the place to snag travel accessories, such as toiletry kits, luggage tags and more.

Charlotte

Sharon Luggage, a Charlotte-based division of larger luggage retailer Bergman Luggage, conducts in-person sales in North Carolina. If you'd rather purchase online, you can do so through Bergman Luggage, which has been in business since 1927 and stocks a large selection of brands, including Tumi, Rimowa, Briggs & Riley, Touro, Herschel, The North Face, Samsonite and more.

"Great selection of luggage and bags and any travel accessory you could possibly need!" Kelly Weaver Goley said on Facebook.

Chicago

Irv's Luggage, a Chicago staple since 1947, can help you find new bags that fit your travel style or repair existing luggage that might have seen better days. In addition to stocking tons of brands, this woman-owned business is also the place to score packing cubes, luggage locks, neck pillows and other travel accessories. Further cementing its place in the community, the company is a contributor to Luggage for Freedom, which collects bags filled with sheets and towels to give to women fleeing abusive situations.

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If you can't make it to the store in person, don't worry. "Shop on our website ... and [we will] guide you to the best items for your specific type of travel," said Renee Silverman, president of Irv's Luggage. "That's what we do. We match you to the best luggage for how you travel. You simply will not get that service from a big box store, and certainly not from Amazon."

Denver

For luggage sales and repair in the Englewood area of Denver, check out Paradise Baggage Company, which carries the likes of Briggs & Riley, Rimowa, Tumi, Delsey, Eagle Creek and more. It also completes repairs. This store stems from the Paradise family's original foray into the luggage industry in 1977, giving them more than 40 years of experience. To give back to the local community, the store collects used luggage to donate to foster children and the homeless.

"They are fantastic," shared Facebook user Candace Black Werth. "I discovered them when I needed a zipper repaired on a TravelPro bag. They repaired the bag while I waited, but as I was able to shop and compare brands, I ended up leaving with a fixed zipper and a new set of Briggs & Riley at a great price. They were so helpful and friendly. Top-notch service."

Houston

For a large selection of purses, backpacks and hard- and soft-sided bags, Houston's Luggage Depot is a great place to start. It frequently runs specials on its brands, which include Ricardo, Samsonite and others. As far as I can tell, it doesn't offer online sales, but it's worth the trip if you're local or traveling nearby.

Los Angeles

Lazar's Luggage Superstore in the Sherman Oaks section of Los Angeles has a variety of pieces at all price points, meaning you can find exactly what you're looking for on any budget. Since 1962, the family-owned store has provided a large selection of luggage, as well as briefcases, duffel bags and totes, plus travel accessories. If you can't shop in person, the store also features online retail.

"We have seen many brand-new customers come into our store and tell us that they cannot find luggage anywhere," Jay Friedman, Lazar's Luggage president, told me in an email. "They are amazed to find luggage at our store."

Miami

Voyage Luggage is relatively new to the luggage game. Having been in business just seven years, it boasts two locations in Miami and one in Aventura. This high-end retailer specializes in brands like Tumi, Victorinox, Rimowa and Porsche and, although it's not exactly a mom-and-pop retailer, you will find knowledgeable service to guide you to the luggage that's just perfect for your needs.

Minneapolis

Selling dozens of brands and offering 5% in rewards on all purchases, Luggage World in Minneapolis carries standard luggage, duffels, briefcases, backpacks and accessories ranging from travel bottles and luggage scales to neck pillows and packing organizers. In addition to its physical store, Luggage World also does online retail, offering a price-match guarantee and free shipping for purchases of more than $150.

"Lovely family business," said Matthias Hinrichs during the Facebook discussion. "I bought multiple Briggs & Riley from them and received great warranty service after some airline incidents. They are really nice people and know everything about luggage."

New York

Lexington Luggage, a family-run business since 1978, carries a head-spinning number of brand names and bag styles. The store's distribution center is in New Jersey, but it serves the New York City area as an online retailer and offers free shipping anywhere outside of the Garden State. Check the website on any given day, and you're likely to find discount codes and deals that knock money off of packaged items, such as a bundle that includes a carry-on suitcase, toiletry kit, packing cubes and luggage tags.

"I have bought a lot of suitcases there over the years," confided Joan Lessing in the TPG Lounge. "Not sure if they remember me because whatever they have sold me lasts a long time!"

Philadelphia

R.E.Load Bags, founded in Philadelphia in 1998 by two messengers, specializes in handmade messenger bags and small waist bags. Although they don't offer standard luggage, they're a great place to look for carry-on bags, personal items and fanny pack-style purses that allow you to safely carry items hands-free during your travels. They even offer custom-made pieces if you're seeking one-of-a-kind items that really stand out.

Scottsboro

The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro, Alabama, isn't your average luggage store. It's essentially where lost luggage that nobody claims is given a second life. The store purchases bags from major airlines if they haven't been reunited with their owners within three months. About a third of items are sold, while others are donated or recycled. In addition to great deals on used suitcases, you can find other secondhand items for sale, including clothes and household goods. Visit the actual store or order online to find further discounts.

"Your article wouldn't be complete without a mention of the Unclaimed Baggage Center!" said Joshua Zweighaft on Facebook. "In addition to luggage, they have many of the items that the bags contained, including jewelry, clothes, knives and even prosthetics. I was there in 2009 and bought a multi-tool and a flashlight."

Seattle

Filson, a purveyor of rugged outdoor gear, offers a selection of durable cloth backpacks, messenger bags, duffels and soft-sided luggage with wheels, as well as garment bags, luggage tags and other accessories. The brand has more than a dozen locations, ships worldwide and can be found in major retailers like Nordstrom, but its headquarters are in Seattle, where it was founded more than 120 years ago.