Check the official store locator and authorized reseller list before you go. The manufacturer maintains a limited set of branded shops and periodic pop-ups in major cities; selected department and specialty travel retailers also carry the line on a regional basis. Availability changes by market, so confirm the exact address, hours and current inventory on the brand’s website or by phone.
If you plan to inspect a bag in person, focus on these measurable checks: wheel rotation smoothness, pull-handle travel length and locking positions, zipper glide under load, external shell finish for scratches, internal compartment depth and compression capability. Bring a tape measure if you need to verify carry-on or checked dimensions against airline rules (typical carry-on ≈ 22″ external). Ask staff to show a floor model’s serial/warranty card so you can confirm authenticity and register the product immediately after purchase.
Compare total landed cost: in-person purchase will add local sales tax and may include on-site discounts or open-box offers; online purchases can have broader color selection and periodic promo codes but may add shipping and longer return timelines. For immediate replacement or exchange, an in-store transaction is faster; for broader selection or price drops, order from the official site and monitor return-policy windows.
When visiting a retailer, request clear warranty terms, an itemized receipt, and any available demo or clearance pricing. If authenticity is critical, buy from the brand’s own showroom or an authorized dealer listed on the official site to ensure warranty coverage and post-purchase support.
Physical availability of the brand’s suitcases
Phone ahead to confirm model and color availability at brand boutiques, department chains and airport kiosks before you go; don’t assume a full-range selection will be on-site.
Use the manufacturer’s store locator and the list of authorized sellers on the official website to identify legitimate offline sellers; record the SKU or model name, then verify it with staff. Inspect the hard shell for stress marks, test the telescoping handle under load, spin every wheel across tile and carpet, and weigh the case with a scale to compare against the published tare weight.
Expect showrooms to carry best-selling carry-ons and one or two checked sizes; limited palettes and exclusive finishes are frequently online-only. If you need a specific color or limited-edition model, order directly from the brand’s web shop and choose in-store pickup only if the retailer confirms stock.
Compare total cost: include local sales tax, any shipping or handling fees, and possible price reductions at factory outlets or certified refurb programs. Before purchasing, get written confirmation of the return/exchange window, warranty coverage and repair process, and ask whether price-matching or post-purchase adjustments apply.
Combine a local shopping trip with nearby attractions – for example, see best aquarium in phoenix while you’re in the area.
Which retail chains and independent shops carry this brand’s suitcases locally?
Check major department chains first: Nordstrom, Macy’s and Bloomingdale’s commonly stock select hard-shell spinner models in flagship locations–call the specific branch and request the exact model name or SKU before visiting.
Visit specialty retailers and airport concession counters for broader assortments: independent travel boutiques, high-end fashion boutiques that include travel cases, authorized dealer kiosks at international terminals, and concession counters inside large shopping complexes tend to carry full-size and carry-on options.
Confirm availability by asking for a photo of the floor sample, verifying authorized-reseller status (to preserve warranty), and requesting an inter-branch transfer or hold. Bring the model name, color code and preferred dimensions to avoid mismatches.
Local alternative sources that often have new or lightly used pieces: consignment shops, outlet centers, factory outlets, and regional classifieds–inspect serial numbers and warranty documentation when buying pre-owned. For mission-focused recommendations see best luggage brand for lds missionaries.
Track pop-up events and temporary concessions by subscribing to the brand’s mailing list or following local retail calendars; pop-ups in gateway cities (New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, London, Toronto) frequently bring limited colors and sizes not available elsewhere.
How to check store stock, available sizes and colors before you visit
Call the specific retail location and provide the exact model name and SKU (or UPC); ask: “Do you have SKU 12345, size 24″ (height), color ‘Matte Black’ on the sales floor right now? Can you set it aside until [time]?”
Find the SKU and precise dimensions on the official product page: model code, external dimensions (H×W×D), weight and volume in liters. Use those values in searches on third-party merchant sites and marketplace listings to avoid mismatches between similar models.
Use the brand’s website availability tools: select the size and color, enter your ZIP code, then check the “pick up” or “reserve” option. If the site shows near-by availability, note the location ID and timestamp and screenshot the confirmation before calling the location to verify.
Search stock aggregators and alert services: BrickSeek (search by UPC/SKU), NowInStock, and Google Shopping filters. Enter SKU + ZIP to see which local outlets list on-hand quantity versus online-only inventory.
Phone script to copy: “Hi, my name is ___; I’m checking availability for model [name], SKU [#####], color [name], size [inches]. Is it on the sales floor or at the back? Can you hold one until [time/date]? If yes, which employee set the hold and what is the hold number?” Ask whether holds require a card, payment, or ID and how long the item will be kept.
Use social channels when phone lines are slow: DM the retailer’s verified Instagram or Facebook with a screenshot of the product page showing SKU, color and size, and request an on-hand confirmation and hold; save the conversation as proof.
For click-and-collect options, complete the online reservation and then call the pickup desk to confirm the order number and estimated pickup window. If the site offers same-day store pickup, choose that and bring the order confirmation and ID.
Check local resale platforms (OfferUp, Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor) using the SKU or exact model name to compare available colors and pre-owned sizes. For a local brick-and-mortar recommendation, see best luggage store in nashville tn.
Compare in-person pricing, promotions and price-matching with the brand website
Verify the official website price, SKU and exact color before you approach a retailer; if the web total (price + shipping + tax) is lower than the local offer, present that total as your target figure when requesting a match.
How to confirm eligibility fast
Open the product page on your phone with the full URL and timestamp visible, or print the page; confirm matching model number, size and finish, plus the final checkout price after any site-wide promo codes and shipping. Ask the sales associate whether their price-match policy excludes flash deals, member-only pricing, refurbished items or third-party marketplaces–many national chains allow matches within a 14–30 day window but exclude coupon-only discounts.
Negotiation and cost comparison steps
Request the match at point of sale and, if declined, ask for manager review. Calculate total landed cost (retailer price + local tax) versus website total (price + shipping + tax); include potential credit-card protections, extended warranties or return-window differences in that comparison. If the brand site offers bundle discounts, free shipping or a more generous manufacturer warranty, treat those as monetary benefits–add estimated value (for example: free shipping $15–$40, warranty servicing convenience $20–$100 depending on expected use) to the online side. Keep receipts and screenshots for price-adjustment requests within common retailer timeframes.
When a retailer’s clearance or in-person promotion brings the local price below the brand site, confirm condition and one-off codes before buying; when the site is cheaper but the retailer will match, insist on matching the web final price not just the advertised tag. Use the retailer’s app coupons or membership discounts only if permitted by the policy and always confirm exclusions in writing (email or printed policy) before completing the transaction.
What to inspect in person: warranty coverage, repair options and return policies
Obtain a printed copy of the product warranty, the seller’s return policy, and any repair-service terms before paying.
- Warranty: specific items to check
- Duration: note exact length stated (examples you may encounter: 1 year, 2 years, 5 years, lifetime). Write this date on your receipt.
- Scope: confirm whether coverage is for manufacturing defects only or includes accidental damage (drops, wheel failure, zipper breakage).
- Exclusions: look for exclusions such as normal wear, cosmetic scratches, airline damage, misuse, or unauthorized repairs.
- Transferability and proof: ask whether warranty transfers to a new owner and which documents are required (serial number, original receipt, online registration within X days).
- Start date: verify if coverage begins on purchase date, shipping date, or date of first use.
- Claim process: request the step-by-step claim procedure (online form URL, required photos, expected response time).
- Repair options and logistics
- Authorized repair network: ask whether repairs are handled by the brand, by authorized third-party centers, or by the seller’s in-house techs; request contact info for the nearest service center.
- Turnaround times: get typical repair timelines for common fixes – wheel replacement (2–6 weeks), telescoping-handle repair (2–8 weeks), shell repair (3–10 weeks). Record any expedited options and costs.
- Cost-share and estimates: determine which repairs are free under warranty and which will incur fees; ask for a written estimate policy and maximum estimate threshold before proceeding.
- Shipping: clarify who pays shipping to/from repair center and whether shipping is insured; get a return-shipping timeframe and tracking procedure.
- Parts availability: confirm whether spare parts (wheels, zippers, handles, locks) are stocked domestically or need to be ordered internationally, which affects repair time.
- Loaner policy: ask whether a temporary replacement is provided during extended repairs and any fees involved.
- Return, exchange and refund rules
- Return window: note exact number of days for returns and whether that applies from purchase date or delivery date (common windows: 14, 30, 45 days).
- Condition requirements: confirm whether original tags, packaging, and undamaged condition are required; verify acceptable signs of use (none vs. light testing).
- Restocking and fees: ask if a restocking fee applies (typical range 0–20%) and for which item categories or discounted merchandise.
- Refund method and timing: confirm refund goes back to the original payment method and the expected processing time (e.g., 3–14 business days); ask about store credit alternatives.
- Final-sale items: request a written list or label indicating any items that are non-returnable.
- Price adjustments: check policy on price drops after purchase and whether difference is refunded within X days.
- Physical inspection checklist to support claims
- Document serial number, model name/number and attach photos of tags and QR codes.
- Operate telescoping handle through full extension and locking positions – note wobble, sticking, or failed locks.
- Roll the item across carpet and tile; listen for grinding, check wheel alignment and spin freely without wobble.
- Open and close zippers several times; test TSA or combination locks and confirm reset procedure.
- Inspect shell or fabric for cracks, stress lines, seam separations, loose rivets or screws, and interior-lining tears; take timestamped photos.
- Check interior attachments (compression straps, pockets, divider) for secure stitching and functional hardware.
- What to ask staff and what to get in writing
- Request a written summary showing: warranty start/end dates, exact exclusions, who handles repairs, typical turnaround, return window and any restocking fee.
- Ask for a sample repair authorization form or a URL to the claim portal and confirm required documentation (photos, proof of purchase).
- If purchasing a display or discounted unit, get confirmation in writing about warranty applicability and return rights for that specific unit.
- Keep copies: collect receipt, warranty card, transaction number, and staff name who provided verbal assurances.
FAQ:
Can I buy Away luggage in physical retail stores?
Yes. Away sells its suitcases through company-operated shops in select cities and through a number of authorized third-party retailers and department stores. Availability depends on location and individual store stock, so checking the brand’s store locator or the retailer’s website before visiting is a good idea.
Which brick-and-mortar retailers typically carry Away products?
Away appears at its own flagship and pop-up locations and partners with some department stores and specialty travel retailers. In many countries you will find Away pieces at larger department chains and a few high-end stores that handle travel gear. Exact partners change over time, so look up current retailer listings on Away’s official site or contact local department stores to confirm which models they stock.
Are all sizes and colors of Away luggage available in stores, or are some models online-only?
Stores usually carry a curated selection: popular sizes and a handful of color options are common on the sales floor, while rarer colors, special editions and some accessories may be sold only through the brand’s website. If you want a specific color or limited-edition item, order online or call the store ahead to see whether they can reserve that item or arrange a ship-to-home option.
Can I test the suitcase in a store before buying — try the handle, wheels, and pack items inside?
Yes, one advantage of visiting a store is the chance to test the product in person. Staff typically let customers extend handles, roll the bag to assess wheel smoothness and open compartments to inspect build quality. Bring a small bag or a few items to simulate packing and check how the case fits in overhead bins or car trunks. If you need assistance, ask staff to demonstrate and to explain any model differences.
Does buying Away from a retailer affect the brand warranty or repair options?
Purchases from authorized retailers generally retain the manufacturer’s warranty and can be serviced under the same repair policies as items bought directly from the brand. If you buy from an unauthorized reseller or a marketplace seller, warranty coverage may be limited or void. Keep your receipt and any proof of purchase, and register the product with the manufacturer if that option is offered. For repairs, contact Away’s customer support to confirm whether they will handle a claim for an item purchased through a third party and what documentation is required.