Find the best luggage store in NYC

This New York institution has been around since 1920, offering a huge selection of luggage from upscale brands such as Zero Halliburton, Bric’s and T-Tech by Tumi. Although the store is hard to navigate—rolling suitcases are stacked high on shelves, while upright carry-ons and duffels flood the floor—a quick scan of the room from a narrow walkway dividing the space will reveal multiple choices you’d be hard-pressed to find elsewhere. Kenneth Cole Reaction wheeled uprights ($150-$250) and vibrant Heys hard-side polycarbonate carry-ons ($139) make boring black luggage look downright depressing. In addition to fancy pens ($10–$5,000) and midrange watches ($50–$500), the back of the shop stocks small travel accessories, Eagle Creek fleece neck pillows ($24) and Travelon digital luggage scales ($21). Free next-day delivery to all five boroughs for purchases over $99 makes the subway ride home less cumbersome.

For an educational crash course on all things luggage-related, head to this official Tumi retailer, opened by Saeed Zia in 1982. His son Subi, who manages the store, is a luggage whiz who can explain the history behind each brand, list product details as if he’s memorized the specs and even namecheck the celebrities who own the items. For those of us with real-life budgets, Samsonite’s hard-side cityscape-print spinner luggage ($209) is an attractive and more wallet-friendly option. Free delivery within Manhattan on all purchases will help make you feel like an A-lister.

Whether you’re traveling by train, plane or automobile, this all-encompassing shop has luggage, accessories and commuter-friendly toiletries to make any trip feel first class. Owner Moshe Mittelman, whose father ran and operated Luggage Plus on the Lower East Side for 25 years, runs this Williamsburg shop (formerly named For the Go). You won’t find much brand-name luggage here, but there are plenty of affordable and reliable pieces, including Eagle Creek wide-body carry-ons ($180) with padded handles, Atlantic rolling uprights ($80) that weigh just 6.5 pounds and Travelpro duffels ($60) made from water- and stain-resistant polyester. Innovative items such as Kuhi Comfort adjustable neck pillows ($40) that support both sides of your head and inflatable VinniBags ($27), which prevent breakage of wine bottles and other fragile items in transit, make getting to your destination more enjoyable.

If the thought of packing your belongings in a mundane suitcase gives you the shudders, then this cheery boutique is for you. Big Bag was a West Village staple before it moved to its current location in 2009, and it’s since gained a following for its colorful, fashion-forward selection. Paisley wallpaper and glass globe light fixtures adorn the front of the store, where everyday purses and wallets from popular brands such as MZ Wallace and Hobo International predominate. Jet-setters should beeline to the back, where they’ll find Bric’s medium trolleys ($200), Hervé Chapelier signature nylon totes ($168) and Jack Gomme waterproof bags ($178) made from lightweight Japanese rain-jacket material for overnight stays.

During an Air France flight in 1998, business travelers John Sencion and Brad John came up with the idea for this streamlined shop, which carries everything a frequent flyer could need under one roof. That includes a sturdy bag—and you’ll find plenty of fashion-forward options toward the back of the modern white space, including Lipault carry-ons ($199), neon hard-sided carry-on cases ($150) and sleek, white polycarbonate cases from Rimowa ($475–$550). Fill your new luggage with functional travel accessories, such as safety card-inspired dopp kits ($28) and house-line SpacePak three-piece nylon bag sets ($98) that organize and compress items to conserve valuable suitcase space.

Whether you’re traveling by train, plane or automobile, this all-encompassing shop has luggage, accessories and commuter-friendly toiletries to make any trip feel first class. Owner Moshe Mittelman, whose father ran and operated Luggage Plus on the Lower East Side for 25 years, is using this 700-square-foot space as a launchpad for his concept shop, which will open in a larger location nearby in June. You won’t find much brand-name luggage here, but there are plenty of affordable and reliable pieces, including Eagle Creek wide-body denim carry-ons ($180) with padded handles, Atlantic rolling uprights ($80) that weigh just 6.5 pounds and Travelpro duffels ($60) made from water- and stain-resistant polyester. Innovative items such as Kuhi Comfort adjustable neck pillows ($40) that support both sides of your head and inflatable VinniBags ($27), which prevent breakage of wine bottles and other fragile items in transit, make getting to your destination more enjoyable. Mention TONY for 10 percent off all purchases through June 21.

On first glance, this 28-year-old family-owned shop appears to sell nothing more than men’s leather shoes, wallets and briefcases, with only a few shiny pieces of Rimowa luggage ($425–$1,560) displayed on high shelves. But ask for the suitcase section and a sales associate will guide you down a narrow, turquoise-carpeted staircase, where you’ll discover a bevy of baggage options and travel accessories from go-to brands such as Bric’s, Samsonite and Tumi. Bold travelers who want to make a statement on the turnstile will adore punchy Zero Halliburton hard-side rolling cases ($550) and equally vibrant Hartmann Herringbone carry-on spinners ($300). More understated types can pick up classic Bric’s nylon spinners ($250) or Eagle Creek two-wheeled bags ($240) that expand up to 15 percent. No matter how much you spend, Hides in Shape will monogram the leather luggage tag on your bag for free. The tri-level boutique is also one of the only places in New York that repairs Rimowa luggage, a complimentary service for products under warranty that takes one or two days. The shop will also fix bags from other brands for a nominal fee ($10–$35) and have them ready for pick up within a week.

When Insoek Paek opened this luggage, handbag and accessories store in 1989, he wanted to create a neighborhood shop with a European feel. He’s done exactly that by stocking the neatly organized bag emporium with international brands such as Jack Gomme from France and Italian line Mywalit. Paek draws on his hospitality experience from stints at South Korean hotels, chatting up customers to recommend items and personally delivering purchases throughout Manhattan for free. Last-minute types who always find themselves running to the gate should invest in Tumi rolling carry-ons ($495) or Victorinox light-weight bags with rotating wheels ($289) for quicker sprints. Cover and safeguard your suitcases with clear Luggage Protect bags ($30) or guard your hands from blisters with Lewis N. Clark Belle Hop cushioned handle wraps ($15).

Walking by this unassuming Chinatown luggage purveyor, you might mistake the postcard stands in front for one of the many souvenir shops in the area. While the front of the store is lined with North Face backpacks ($50–$149), Manhattan Portage messenger bags ($40) and Jansport totes ($30), head to the back for larger luggage options from the likes of Samsonite, Bric’s and Delsey, along with Eagle Creek travel organizers and accessories.

One of five Mitsosa locations in the city, this place in Midtown East carries stylish luggage options for your next vacation. Jet-setters can choose an attractive Bric’s lightweight carry-on spinner with leather detailing ($595) for an effortless glide from ticket counter to gate, while adventurous globetrotters can pick up expandable Eagle Creek bags made of durable poly ripstop fabric ($450). Avoid the hassle of train turnstiles with free same-day delivery for Manhattanites.

Feel confident that your personal items will get to your destination in one piece with Tumi’s collection of quality luggage. Founded in 1975 across the Hudson in New Jersey, the brand is known for its best-selling black-on-black ballistic nylon bags ($625) but has branched out to include hard-side polycarbonate carry-ons ($475) and cases made of impact-resistant Tegris ($945), a material used in NFL protective gear and NASCAR race cars. While the price tags can be prohibitive, expect excellent customer service in addition to standard five-year warrantees and free monogramming on your new luggage.

The team of knowledgeable experts at this Mitsosa location will have you packing the right bag for your needs on your next trip out of town. Invest in a classic Rimowa aluminum roller ($980) or Hartmann Tweed bag ($545–$945) that will turn heads when you hit the tarmac. More modest options include Samsonite nylon spinners ($220) or Victorinox ultra-light carry-ons ($289). In addition to free same-day delivery within Manhattan, peruse a selection of leather handbags and briefcases for everyday needs.