CALPAK
CALPAK is an American luggage and travel accessories brand founded in Los Angeles in 1989 by Edward and Judy Kwon. It sells hardshell and softshell luggage, backpacks, duffels and travel organisers, mainly online.
| Founded | 1989, Los Angeles |
|---|---|
| Founders | Edward and Judy Kwon |
| Original name | California Pak |
| First store | Century City, Los Angeles, 2024 |
| Website | calpaktravel.com |
What is CALPAK?
CALPAK is a Los Angeles travel brand that began in 1989 as California Pak, founded by Edward and Judy Kwon, who had immigrated from South Korea. Their children Jennifer and Roy Kwon later joined the business, and the name was shortened to CALPAK in 2013.
Products and positioning
CALPAK positions itself as an affordable luxury travel brand for younger travellers, priced well below established luxury luggage labels. The range has grown from around 10 to 15 products in 2016 to more than 500, including:
- Hardshell luggage in 100% polycarbonate, in collections such as Ambeur, Hue, TRNK and Terra
- Duffels, backpacks and laptop cases
- Packing cubes, cosmetic cases and travel wallets
- Baby gear
Distribution
The brand sells mainly direct to consumer online, together with wholesale partners such as Nordstrom, The Container Store and Hudson News. After a New York pop-up in 2019, CALPAK opened its first permanent store at Century City Mall in Los Angeles in November 2024.
Why it matters
CALPAK is an example of a decades old family business reinventing itself as a digitally led direct to consumer brand, and then adding physical retail once its online customer base was established.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded CALPAK?
CALPAK was founded in Los Angeles in 1989 as California Pak by Edward and Judy Kwon.
Does CALPAK have stores?
CALPAK sells mainly online but opened its first permanent store at Century City Mall in Los Angeles in November 2024.