When it comes to brand recognition, Samsonite are up there with the very best. They have been at the forefront of people’s minds when it comes to luggage for a long time…a very long time. Is Samsonite a good brand…let’s find out.
In this post, I will tell you a little about why Samsonite is a good brand and why you should consider buying their products. I will also briefly share their history, ownership and sister brands.
You will also find out which other brands you should consider when buying luggage.
View the full range of Samsonite luggage
Is Samsonite a good brand…Why it is important to know?
Luggage and suitcases can be expensive. If you don’t already own a suitcase, simply buying one can cost almost as much as your weekend away.
We therefore want value, regardless of how much we are prepared to pay. When it comes down to it, it is not just about the box we place our clothes into…luggage has much more meaning than that.
We should therefore have a good expectation of what we buy and why. It has implications too as we will find out.
Why would you buy Samsonite luggage?
- Reputation
- History
- Image
- Construction
- Design
- Warranty
Reputation
The reputation of Samsonite is up there with the biggest brands in the world. They are a trusted heritage brand that have been trading for many years. Not only that, they are a brand that has been at the top of its industry for many years too.
This reputation is time served, not something to can just buy with a big marketing budget. The reputation comes from the experience and trust afforded them by their customers and users of their products.
Their reputation in the luggage and travel accessories market is well deserved and hard fought.
History
Samsonite are a historic brand…and a heritage brand too. They have been trading for many years and such have plenty of know how and a full understanding of the needs of their customers. You don’t trade for so long with such a successful record without knowing a thing or two about your market.
Time and time again, Samsonite meet and exceed their customers expectations.
Image
Samsonite cater for a range of budgets and price points. They do this very successfully. It is their image that allows then to do this and they can sell equivalent products from other brands at a higher price because of their image.
The strength of the brand and the meaning it projects means that they can do this. The brand projects images of quality, trust, history, knowledge and ultimately, value.
Ultimately, it is a brand people want to be seen with and associated with.
Construction
Having been producing luggage for well over a hundred years, Samsonite know a thing or two about constructing great luggage. They were often pioneers in some of the innovations that are now considered standard in the luggage market.
Whether it is the actual construction techniques or the material design for construction, it is clear the Samsonites innovation culture keeps them moving forward at the top of their industry.
Design
The design aspect of the Samsonite product offering is one of their biggest strengths. They are known in the industry for innovation in both materials and design.
The designs, regardless of the market they are aiming at, is always thoughtfully designed and often sets the design standards that others will follow.
If you are buying Samsonite, you know that you are buying a well-designed item with ergonomics and aesthetics.
Warranty
One of the major reasons why Samsonite keep their customers is the customer service and support they offer their customers. Their Limited global warranty is a key selling point.
View the full range of Samsonite luggage
What products do they make?
Samsonite are famous for serving all kinds of markets and at price points for differing needs. You can see their full range at their website but essentially, they offer the following;
- Carry on luggage
- Checked luggage
- Hardside/Softside luggage
- Luggage sets
- Underseat luggage
- Garment bags
- Bags & totes
- Accessories
- Backpacks & Duffels
History
Samsonite was founded by Jesse Shwayder in 1910, in Denver. Originally called the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company, the Samsonite name came as a result of one of the products been named after Samson, a biblical character known for his strength. In 1965, the company changed its name to Samsonite following the success of its Samson product.
The Shwayder family sold their stake in the business in 1973 and there have been a host of owners since.
Who owns Samsonite
Samsonite has had a host of owners since 1973. They are currently owned by Samsonite International S.A.
Who are their sister companies?
Samsonite International S.A own a number of brands to compliment their main Samsonite brand. American Tourister was acquired in 1993. In 2012, they acquired High Sierra and Hartmann brands. This was followed by the acquisition of the Lipault, Speck and Gregory brands. The biggest acquisition was made in 2016 with Tumi joining the Samsonite family of brands.
Together they form a formidable number of brands that compliment each other and serve different product groupings.
9 other luggage brands to consider
Samsonite are a great company with a great product line. However, there are other brands you should consider and pay attention too.
In most cases, they tend to have a design style so be sure to find a brand that meets your expectations.
You should have a look at the following brands;
- American Tourister
- Delsey
- Briggs & Riley
- Tumi
- Rimowa
- Victorinox
- Away
- Travelpro
- London Fog
View the huge range of luggage & suitcases at Amazon
American Tourister
Owned by the same company as Samsonite since 1993, you can be sure that the build quality will be very good. They focus mainly on younger looking products for budget conscious customers. Therefore, exceptional value for money.
ViewDelsey
One of the main competitors of Samsonite, they produce high quality luggage that sits in the same market. The build quality and finish is excellent as you would expect. The brand is also a historic brand that carries a great reputation and image. If you are considering Samsonite, it is well worth taking the time to look through Delsey Paris’s offerings.
ViewBriggs & Riley
A relatively new American company, they have been operating since 1993. However, they have grown hugely in that time, mainly down to great pricing and great product design. Their warranty is one of the best in the business…if you are a frequent traveler, well worth consideration.
ViewTumi
Part of the Samsonite group, they tend to focus in the premium end of the market. However, if you are looking at some of Samsonite’s premium products, it may be worth considering what Tumi has to offer.
ViewRimowa
This German company do what all German companies to well…fantastic product design and build. Rimowa are no exception. Beautifully designed and crafted luggage. They specialize in aluminum products but are expanding their offering. Highly distinctive and highly desired, this is an excellent brand.
ViewVictorinox
This is a brand more famous for their Swiss army knives but they produce a huge array of goods…including luggage. They apply the same precision to this as they do with their knives. Well-constructed products in great materials. If you want something different, this may well be an option.
ViewAway
This is a relatively new company but is making great inroads into the market. Fantastically designed products that focus on customer needs, therefore applying the latest smart technology. They cut out the middlemen so prices are very keen. In terms of value, they are great but they have a way to go before they hit Samsonite levels of brand awareness.
ViewTravelpro
If durability is a key requirement, Travelpro is designed for the frequent flyer. Ironically, the company was started by an ex pilot with an excellent idea. The designs may not be to everybody’s taste but they have a strong following based on high quality products.
ViewLondon Fog
If you are looking for something that is timeless with a retro cool, London Fog stand out. Excellent build quality with fantastic design and construction. If it is a soft side case you want, you may consider London Fog.
ViewVerdict
This is one of the easiest opinions I can give to the question…is Samsonite a good brand? It is an excellent brand with a great heritage. The core competencies that Samsonite display in their market is admired and studied by many companies.
The brand has impact. It is desired and the message it sends is one of quality, innovation, desirability, youthfulness and image.
They invest much into keeping Samsonite at the forefront of people’s minds.
Should you buy Samsonite? Yes is the simple answer and it is also the correct answer.
Let me know what you think…is Samsonite a good brand? Leave a comment below and share your experiences.
View the full range of Samsonite luggage
FAQ
What is the best quality luggage brand?
There are many ‘quality’ luggage brands out there. Although many brands will offer products to suit different price points and budgets, essentially there are a handful with fantastic reputations. Samsonite, Delsey, Tumi, American Tourister, Rimowa are just some to name a few.
Which Samsonite luggage is the best?
Samsonite offer a full range of products. Based on feedback and sales, these are the most popular products they currently offer;
- Samsonite Cruisair DLX Hardside Spinner 26
- Samsonite Mightlight 2 Softside Spinner 25
- Samsonite Aspire Xlite Expandable Spinner 29
- Samsonite Luggage Inova Spinner 28
- Samsonite Aspire Xlite 20
- Samsonite Tectonic 2
- Samsonite Winfield Hardside luggage
Which luggage material is the most durable?
There are a number of tough, durable and resilient materials on the market. In terms of hardside materials, polycarbonate and aluminum lead the way. In terms of soft side, there are a number of materials like ballistic nylon and cordura.
Is American Tourister luggage made by Samsonite?
American Tourister is owned by the same company that owns the Samsonite brand. They effectively have the owners and there will be some overlap in terms of functions. However, they are operated as separate entities with their own identity, personality and ethos.
One thing that will be consistent is the quality of product they produce. These quality standards reflect across the companies owned by the group so they have to be consistently high.
You can be rest assured about the quality of American Tourister.
What is the best designer luggage?
When it comes to designer luggage, there are a few companies that operate in this market. Many are little boutique brands that offer few ranges but very expensive bespoke luggage.
However, in terms of mass market offerings at the premium end, Hartmann and Tumi, also owned by Samsonite offer high end products. Other brands that are famous for designer luggage include Louis Vuitton, Dunhill, Globe trotter and Bottega Veneta.