India is one of the world’s most dynamic travel goods markets — full of contrasts, creativity, and everyday practicality.
From the crowded bazaars of Mumbai to the modern shopping malls of Delhi and Bangalore, luggage shopping in India is as diverse as the country itself.
As a luggage manufacturer from Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China, Shire Luggage has worked with many Indian distributors and retailers.
We’ve studied not just the import trends, but also how ordinary Indian consumers actually buy their luggage — where they shop, what they look for, and why price, durability, and trust matter more than anything else.
1. Where Do Indians Buy Their Luggage?
Unlike in Europe, where luggage is mostly bought in chain stores or airports, in India, sales channels are highly fragmented — blending modern retail with traditional street commerce.
Let’s look at the main categories:
1. Local Street Markets and Bazaars (40–50% of sales)
For most middle- and lower-income families, the first stop to buy a suitcase isn’t a mall — it’s a local market.
In almost every Indian city, you’ll find busy open-air bazaars selling luggage along with clothes, shoes, and travel accessories.
Famous examples include:
Sarojini Nagar Market (Delhi)
Linking Road Market (Mumbai)
Commercial Street (Bangalore)
Esplanade Market (Kolkata)
Here, customers can touch, compare, and bargain directly.
They often buy based on price, design, and perceived strength — not the brand name.
For these sellers, imported Chinese PP or ABS suitcases are popular because they’re affordable, lightweight, and look stylish.
In this segment, retailers usually buy stock from wholesale hubs like Sadar Bazaar (Delhi) or Crawford Market (Mumbai) — both of which import large quantities of luggage from China through local distributors.
2. Supermarkets and Department Stores (25–30%)
In urban centers, middle-class consumers are shifting to modern retail chains.
Brands like Big Bazaar, Reliance Trends, Metro Cash & Carry, and Lifestyle sell both Indian-made and imported luggage.
These stores attract families and working professionals looking for mid-range products — durable yet elegant designs.
The average suitcase price in such stores:
₹2,000–₹5,000 for ABS/PP medium-size luggage
₹6,000–₹10,000 for premium PC or branded models
Most of these chains purchase through Indian distributors who source from Chinese factories under private labels.
For instance, a “local Indian brand” displayed in Reliance Trends may actually be OEM-manufactured in Wenzhou or Guangzhou, designed exclusively for Indian buyers.
3. Branded Retail Stores (10–15%)
Premium consumers in Tier 1 cities (Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad) prefer brands like:
VIP, Carlton, Aristocrat (Indian brands)
American Tourister, Samsonite, Delsey (international)
These are sold through official outlets, airports, and large malls.
The buyers here are typically frequent travelers, corporate users, or aspirational youth who want brand recognition.
These stores focus on brand warranty, TSA locks, and stylish design — not bargaining.
Even so, many of these “branded” models are OEM-made in China and simply labeled in India.
4. E-commerce Platforms (15–20%)
India’s digital revolution has changed everything.
Online shopping platforms like Amazon India, Flipkart, Ajio, Myntra, and Meesho now account for a growing share of luggage sales — especially among younger generations.
Typical trends:
Consumers compare price, rating, and delivery speed.
Online brands like Safari, Skybags, Lavie Sport, and new private labels dominate this space.
Imported Chinese PP luggage performs very well in this channel due to its light weight and modern look.
For new brands, e-commerce offers the easiest entry route — no physical shop needed, just strong visuals, clear descriptions, and reliable suppliers.
At Shire Luggage, we already support Indian Amazon/Flipkart sellers with photo-ready products, barcode packaging, and fast reordering systems.
2. How the Average Indian Chooses a Suitcase
If you ask an ordinary Indian how they buy luggage, their answer often sounds like this:
“I’ll go to the market before my trip, see what’s available, and choose the one that looks good, strong, and fits my budget.”
Here’s what truly influences the buying decision:
Price – still the number one factor.
For most buyers, a 24-inch suitcase between ₹2,000–₹3,000 is ideal.
Design & Color – vibrant colors like red, blue, and champagne are popular.
Durability – wheels, handles, and zippers must survive rough Indian travel conditions (buses, trains, airports).
Weight – lighter is better, especially for women and students.
Warranty or Trust – known shopkeepers or recognizable local brands matter more than flashy advertising.
This is exactly why mid-range Chinese luggage — especially PP models — fits the market perfectly: strong, light, stylish, and affordable.
3. Who Are the Real Buyers?
India’s luggage buyers are diverse:
Students heading to university or abroad
Families traveling for weddings or holidays
Working professionals on business trips
Pilgrims and domestic travelers taking trains or buses
Gift buyers (luggage is a common festival or marriage gift)
Each segment values different product features, giving OEM factories endless room for segmentation — from compact carry-ons to 3-piece wedding travel sets.
4. Regional Insights
North India (Delhi, Punjab, UP): Loves bright colors and 3-piece combos.
South India (Chennai, Hyderabad, Kerala): Prefers minimal design and practical quality.
West India (Mumbai, Gujarat): Big market for lightweight PP luggage.
East India (Kolkata, Assam): Still dominated by budget ABS and fabric suitcases.
These regional preferences explain why Indian importers often customize models by region — and why a flexible OEM like Shire Luggage becomes so valuable.
5. The Future of Luggage Sales in India
India’s luggage industry will continue to grow at double-digit rates, fueled by:
Rising travel and tourism
Expanding retail networks
Strong online penetration
Lifestyle upgrades in Tier 2–3 cities
By 2030, the majority of sales will shift toward organized retail and e-commerce, but local markets will still thrive due to India’s huge diversity.
The most successful suppliers will be those who can offer branded quality at local prices — something Shire Luggage already excels at.
With customized molds, Pantone color matching, and PP material innovations, we help Indian partners capture every price segment.
6. Final Thoughts
In India, buying a suitcase is more than a shopping trip — it’s part of a journey itself.
People buy luggage when life moves forward: a new job, a wedding, a family trip, a study abroad dream.
And behind many of those journeys, there’s a suitcase made by a Chinese OEM factory — strong, affordable, and ready for the road ahead.
That’s what Shire Luggage has been doing for over a decade:
supplying durable, stylish, and reliable travel companions for millions of travelers — from Wenzhou, China, to Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai.
Shire Luggage – Where Every Journey Begins with Quality.
Post time: Oct-10-2025