Don't Sleep On This Store's Chic, Budget-Friendly Selection When Shopping For New Luggage

All the savvy "Maxxinistas" out there already know that Marshalls and TJ Maxx are hotspots for bargains on mid-range and high-end fashion. But we're no gatekeepers, either; travelers definitely shouldn't sleep on Marshalls (or sister store TJ Maxx) when shopping for new luggage. Whether your style is hardside or softside luggage, Marshalls is a cult-favorite for scoring a new suitcase at a discount — especially if you're after something "brand-name." 

In addition to budget-friendly pricing, the store is known for its wide selection. Most locations have aisles lined with everything from hard-shell spinners in glossy finishes to leather duffels and designer weekenders. Big-name luggage brands like Samsonite, Traveler's Choice, and London Fog are often in the mix. And stylish shoppers after a designer label like Calvin Klein, DKNY, Betsey Johnson, and Karl Lagerfeld can get lucky, too. The price tags typically carry discounts from 20 to 60% off regular retail, which is great for travelers who don't want to blow their trip budget before they even book flights.

Plus, the inventory rotates constantly, so shopping feels like a treasure hunt with the potential for brag-worthy finds. Travelers online often share stories of scoring $200 bags for under $80 or snagging matching luggage sets for half the department store cost. TikTok creator @vloskinbar said, "They have so many cute options," showing off a selection of Calpak hard-side spinners at prices like $79.99 and $99.99. Considering many of Calpak's hard-side suitcases retail on their website at well over $200, that's an unbeatable deal.

Marshalls' luggage aisles tend to be stocked with variety — and not just in brands. Travelers can typically find a range of sizes and bag features, making it more likely you'll find the perfect luggage set to suit your style. While frequent business travelers might find a feature-packed carry-on with a matching personal bag, digital nomads could stumble on a set of checked bags with luggage locks suited for longer international stays. If you're wondering what style works best for you, check out these tips from Rick Steves on picking the best bag for your travels.

Lower prices don't always mean lower quality, either — shoppers can expect to find the same luggage in a pricier department store like Macy's. That's because Marshalls and TJ Maxx stock inventory through what the brands call "opportunistic" buying. They work out deals with retailers to purchase overstock, discontinued lines, end-of-season refreshes, and other batches of merchandise at low wholesale prices. Those savings then get passed on to customers.

Luggage shopping at Marshalls is a great opportunity to experiment with colors and styles. Instead of the same old black suitcase, you'll often find trendy colors and patterns that will make spotting your bag on the carousel much easier. Matching luggage sets sometimes show up, giving travelers the chance to snag coordinated gear for way less than usual. The main trade-off is consistency. Because stock is built around closeouts and seasonal rotations, what you see on one visit might not be there the next. That's part of the treasure-hunting excitement but also a reason to grab what you want as soon as you see it.

To boost your chances of finding the perfect luggage at Marshalls, timing and strategy help. First, there are certain things to look for when buying quality luggage — consider your travel style, how often you'll use it, and what kind of features you need. For example, TikTok user @meridithonthemap says she replaces her bags around twice a year "because the airport staff are rough on it." Frequent bag-checkers might want to focus more on durability and lower price in this case, while travelers who typically only bring a carry-on can splurge on something more for looks than hardiness.

Marshalls' tags show the "compare at" price, so you can usually get a good idea of what you're saving. And don't just scan the outer aisle — the clearance section can hide some gems at even lower prices. Consider store hopping to improve your selection, as different stores carry different inventory. You might find a full-sized checked bag at one store and a matching carry-on at another location on the other side of town. You can also look at the selection online, and shipping is usually free for orders over a certain amount. Don't forget accessories, either. Marshalls often carries travel pillows, packing cubes, and toiletry organizers at similar markdowns, letting you outfit your whole trip in one go.

Marshalls replenishes its stock often, but insiders say the best times to shop are weekday mornings. Friday offers the best of both worlds, with quieter weekday shopping and more inventory hitting the floors for the weekend. The weeks before peak travel seasons (like early summer, back-to-school, and before the winter holidays) might also see more luggage stock available. However, every store and season is different, so happy hunting!