Samsonite
Samsonite Group · United States
Samsonite is an American luggage brand founded in Denver in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder, and the core brand of Samsonite Group, which describes itself as the world's largest travel luggage company. The group is listed in Hong Kong and owns Tumi, American Tourister, Gregory and other brands. In March 2026 shareholders approved preparations for a US dual listing.
| Founded | 1910 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Jesse Shwayder |
| Owner | Samsonite Group (listed in Hong Kong) |
| Headquarters | Luxembourg and Mansfield, Massachusetts |
| Sister brands | Tumi, American Tourister, Gregory, Lipault |
| Website | samsonite.com |
What is Samsonite?
Samsonite makes suitcases, travel bags, backpacks, business bags and travel accessories. It is the main brand of Samsonite Group, whose portfolio includes Tumi, American Tourister, Gregory, High Sierra, Kamiliant, Xtrem, Lipault and Hartmann. The group has joint headquarters in Luxembourg and Mansfield, Massachusetts, and a principal place of business in Hong Kong.
History
Jesse Shwayder founded the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company in Denver, Colorado, in 1910. The company adopted the Samsonite name in 1965 and became known for durable hard-sided luggage. After a change of ownership in 2005 it moved its headquarters from Denver to Mansfield. In June 2011 it listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in an offering that raised 1.25 billion US dollars. In 2016 it acquired the premium brand Tumi for 1.8 billion US dollars.
In March 2026, FashionNetwork reported, shareholders approved resolutions to prepare a dual listing in the United States, expected in the form of American depositary shares, with timing dependent on market conditions.
Products and positioning
Samsonite itself is a mid-market to premium brand, while the group spans value to premium price points. Key categories are:
- Hard-side and soft-side suitcases
- Business bags and laptop backpacks
- Travel accessories
- Casual and outdoor bags through sister brands
Business model and distribution
The group sells through department stores, specialist luggage retailers and other wholesale partners, its own stores and e-commerce. Manufacturing sites include Nashik in India and plants in Hungary, alongside third-party production. In 2022 the company also announced plans to add production in Japan, and capacity at Nashik was slated to grow to 750,000 hard-side pieces a month.
Why it matters
As the largest luggage company, Samsonite is a bellwether for global travel demand. Its multi-brand portfolio and planned US listing make it a reference for how accessories groups structure brands by price and use case.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Samsonite?
Samsonite is the main brand of Samsonite Group, a company listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange since 2011. In March 2026 shareholders approved preparations for an additional listing in the United States.
Where is Samsonite from?
Samsonite was founded in Denver, Colorado, in 1910. Today the group has joint headquarters in Luxembourg and Mansfield, Massachusetts, and its principal place of business in Hong Kong.