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.
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.
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| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.