Tumi
Samsonite Group · United States
Tumi is an American premium luggage and travel goods brand founded in 1975 by Charlie Clifford and best known for black ballistic nylon bags for business travellers. It has been owned by Samsonite since 2016, when it was acquired for 1.8 billion US dollars. Tumi is the premium flagship of Samsonite Group's portfolio.
| Founded | 1975 |
|---|---|
| Founder | Charlie Clifford |
| Owner | Samsonite Group (since 2016) |
| Headquarters | Edison, New Jersey, United States |
| Signature material | FXT Ballistic Nylon |
| Key collections | Alpha, 19 Degree |
| Website | tumi.com |
What is Tumi?
Tumi designs premium luggage, backpacks, business bags and travel accessories. Its signature material is FXT Ballistic Nylon, used across suitcases, backpacks and bags, and its best known collections are Alpha, aimed at business and travel use, and 19 Degree, a hard-shell line with a fluted design and, according to the brand, a more sustainable polycarbonate shell.
History
Charlie Clifford, a former Peace Corps volunteer, founded Tumi in 1975 and named it after a Peruvian ceremonial knife. The brand initially sold leather bags imported from South America before focusing on ballistic nylon. The private equity firm Doughty Hanson acquired Tumi in 2004 for 276 million US dollars, and the company later listed in the United States. In March 2016 Samsonite agreed to acquire Tumi for 1.8 billion US dollars in cash.
Products and positioning
Tumi occupies the premium segment, above its sister brand Samsonite. The range includes:
- Carry-on and checked luggage in nylon, aluminium and polycarbonate
- Business backpacks, briefcases and totes
- Wallets, belts and travel accessories
- Collaborations and limited editions
Customers can personalise products, and the brand offers repair services and in-store appointments.
Business model and distribution
Tumi sells through its own stores, department stores and specialist luggage retailers, airport locations and e-commerce. Wikipedia reports more than 120 flagship stores and around 200 shops worldwide, and the opening of its first flagship store in mainland China in July 2025. As part of Samsonite Group it shares sourcing and distribution infrastructure with the group's other brands.
Why it matters
Tumi is the clearest example of a premium business travel brand within a mass-market luggage group. Its growth inside Samsonite shows how large accessories companies use a premium label to capture higher margins while keeping a distinct brand identity.
Frequently asked questions
Who owns Tumi?
Tumi is owned by Samsonite Group, which acquired it in 2016 for 1.8 billion US dollars in cash. It is the premium brand in Samsonite's portfolio.
Is Tumi a luxury brand?
Tumi is generally described as a premium luggage and travel goods brand. Its prices are well above mass-market luggage, and it targets business travellers with durable materials such as ballistic nylon.