Samsonite has always had one goal: to produce premium bags and suitcases of the highest quality. Samsonite's large selection of bags, rucksacks, suitcases etc. have always been durable and hard-wearing to meet the needs both for travel and for everyday life. Everything from backpacks and bags for children to professional bags for work use, both for women and men. Samsonite's entire range is aimed at people all over the world. They cover every need for equipment for travel, leisure and work use. Thanks to their quality guarantee and the versatility and smart functions of the products, they can offer perfect bags and suitcases as well as accessories.
It all started when Jesse Shwayder founded Samsonite in 1910. Back then it was reserved for the few who had the means to see the world. It was about exclusivity only for the few. Travel was then a high quality experience from the transportation to the service during the journey and also the accessories used to transport one's belongings. Samsonite is one of the original brands in travel accessories and they continue to use their over 110 years of experience to further develop their heritage of craftsmanship and innovation. Today, their very wide range is aimed at all people. Today, traveling with a Samsonite product is not reserved for the few. Today, they continue to lead the luggage category with the same basic principles that Shwayder originally had and further expand the vision globally with design and innovation in product categories according to consumer needs and goals.
By identifying the trends and interpreting the continuous evolution of the travelers' needs, Samsonite continues to lead the market with innovative products, exclusive quality and stylish designs. A lot has really happened in the development of travel equipment since the foundation of Samsonite in 1910 until today. Among some of the most exciting milestones in Samsonite's history, the following can be mentioned: In 1910, Jesse Shwayder develops and designs the suitcase. This first suitcase was made of wood with metal parts and reinforced corners. An incredibly eye-catching, robust and beautiful product. The suitcase back then was so robust and strong that you could stand and jump on it. Something we continuously see over the years up to today as advertising for a selection of some of Samsonite's robust suitcases.
The first wooden suitcase was, however, with its robustness, also heavy. In 1941, Samsonite launched a completely new and innovative suitcase. This suitcase consisted of a wooden frame covered with a light, paper-like fiber material with rawhide properties to achieve a leather-like effect. The shape, which was narrower at the top, became a classic in the bag industry. This classic suitcase model was further developed over many decades. Since this model, Samsonite has always named their products series and still does so. The case from 1941 was named the Streamlite.
In 1958, the Silhouette series was added. This suitcase was the most advanced product up to that time. It was a completely new modern design that revolutionized the industry. The suitcase was produced with an aluminum frame and in a plastic material that could cope with everything from wear and tear to bad weather conditions during transport.
In 1963, Samsonite started producing in ABS, which i.a. consists of thermoplastic. The product that was produced was the Classic Attaché briefcase, which was developed for a new generation of business people. An innovative folder in a minimalist design, which became a symbol of the Mad Men style in the 60s. The attaché was there to stay through the next few decades.
In 1969, the first Samsonite suitcase in the material polypropylene came on the market. Polypropylene is a lightweight material. A lighter suitcase had long been requested. Saturn, as the collection came to be called, was the best combination of lightness and durability to date. Both ABS plastic and polypropylene are still used to this day in many suitcase manufactures.
Now the suitcases had become lighter, but a full suitcase was still heavy. Then, in 1974, wheels finally came on the suitcase, which made traveling and transporting the suitcase considerably easier. The wheels were mounted on the frame of the suitcase. The first series with wheels in the Samsonite universe came to be called Silhouette, just like the innovative suitcase from 1958, but now in an updated version and with wheels. This was a revolutionary change to the suitcase developed at the time and the world of luggage was changed forever. This meant unprecedented travel comfort and convenience and the perfect suitcase for the traveller.
In 1986, Samsonite produced a suitcase with a three-point locking system for the first time. The locking system on this suitcase helped make it extra robust and secure. Better wheels had also been added. This suitcase on wheels came to be called the Oyster and immediately became a huge success. This model became the fastest selling suitcase ever. Although the Oyster suitcase has today been further developed, given a new name and has become significantly better, you still regularly see Oyster suitcases on the luggage belt when you are waiting for your suitcase on the travel belt in the arrivals hall at the airport. Probably one of the best selling suitcases ever.
One of the reasons for the launch of the Ziplite suitcase in 1994 was the desire to combine the advantages of both hard and soft suitcases. The Ziplite suitcase was the first suitcase in the hard material polypropylene which, instead of a fixed frame, was assembled with a zipper. This made the suitcase lighter and more flexible. The collection was a great success. And the demand for hard suitcases with zippers increased. Samsonite today produces several suitcase series in new exciting flexible materials with zippers. I will come back to this under the point of current suitcases.
In 1998, Samsonite began producing suitcases in the material aluminium. The first aluminum collection that Samsonite launched was called Xylem. Matching products were manufactured for the Xylem series. One of the products was the matching aluminum attaché case featured in the James Bond film "The World Is Not Enough". The attache was used to transport cash around the world. This promotion helped spread awareness of this new revolutionary collection in aluminum.
To make travel and transport even more comfortable, in 2004 Samsonite launched the suitcase with 4 wheels. The wheels can be maneuvered in all directions, 360 degrees, and easily roll next to the traveller. This innovation significantly improved mobility and comfort for travelers, making it easier to move around with one's suitcase. At the same time, you have significantly more control over the suitcase by driving it by your side, rather than pulling it behind you and without having to carry the suitcase or travel bag around. A suitcase or travel bag on 4 wheels is called a spinner, as it can spin (turn) around itself.
Now it had become even easier, convenient and comfortable to travel, but the demand became greater and greater for lighter and at the same time durable suitcases. It is often seen that the lighter the suitcase becomes, the less robust and durable it becomes. Therefore, in 2008, Samsonite launched the newly developed patented material Curv. Curv is polypropylene which is converted into a woven, self-reinforcing structure that adds approx. 5 times more strength and resistance to the material. Multiple layers of woven polypropylene fabrics are partially melted and heat compressed, creating a thin sheet that is incredibly light and exceptionally impact resistant. Curv suitcases have a unique self-reinforcing design characterized by sharp spines. These act as a shock absorber and provide extra strength to the case, resulting in unprecedented lightness and impact protection.
The first Samsonite collection in Curv which was launched in 2008 was Cosmolite. Cosmolite was the lightest and at the same time the most durable Samsonite suitcase developed at the time. The design of the suitcase, which was inspired by seashells, was a great success, and the collection subsequently won many design awards, such as the Red Dot Award "Best of the Best" The Red Dot Design Award is a coveted award , which is awarded by an international jury to products with an excellent design.
Samsonite develops, tests and produces all the time. Samsonite continues to design suitcases and travel bags of absolute top quality. At Samsonite, functionality is paramount and you can be sure that every detail has been thought of. Samsonite also thinks about the environment and about recyclability. In 2018, Samsonite is introducing worldwide 23 collections produced in recycled polypropylene or recyclex, a woven fabric made from recycled plastic bottles. In 2019, Samsonite also manufactures the S'Cure series (further development of the Oyster series from 1986) in a "Green Grey" version and calls it S'Cure ECO, which are the first suitcases made from recycled plastic waste. The suitcases are produced in recycled polypropylene from household waste. In this way, the material, which is far too valuable to be thrown away, is recycled into high-quality and functional products for travelers. With their commitment to sustainability and the pursuit of innovation, Samsonite wants to contribute to a future that everyone can be a part of.
Samsonite's founder Jesse Shwayder already gave out the motto during his lifetime: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." This motto reflects the five values deeply rooted in Samsonite's business, namely entrepreneurship, openness, collaboration, integrity and family togetherness. This is still the guiding principle in the world of Samsonite. Just as the most important features are high-quality products, short transport distances, high safety standards and good working conditions for employees. Several studies have been done that show that Samsonite is the third most valued label in the world because they sell European manufactured products. Samsonite's production facilities are located in Oudenaarde, Belgium and, since 2017, in Szeksard, Hungary.
In 2020, Samsonite had its 110th anniversary, which has been celebrated with completely new collections. Among the latest collections, the following can be mentioned:
Proxis is a novelty within hardcase suitcases. Samsonite says that with Proxis a new journey begins. The suitcase's outer shell is made of a completely new material called Roxkin, which is an exclusive composite material developed by Samsonite. The material is extremely strong, resistant and light. The suitcases have a refined design, which is made to meet all travel needs. The elegant Proxis suitcase is part of Samsonite's new wecare programme. The Wecare program offers, among other things, free personalization. This means that we can personalize your suitcase with an embossed monogram in leather with e.g. the initials in your name. In addition, it is possible to get additional service and high priority if your Proxis product is registered. Necessary repairs, including minor transport damage (e.g. caused by airline handling) are carried out, however cosmetic damage or damage caused by mishandling is not covered by the warranty. The few suitcases that cannot be made can be used as recycling.
One of the most popular collections in soft material is the Paradiver Light collection. It is a bestseller with a stylish yet sporty look. The iconic series in sporty colors from Samsonite is practical, durable and light. It is made of a water-repellent material. It is the perfect casual collection that includes both travel models and products for everyday use. There are many different sizes in the travel series. One of the few series available with both two and four wheels. There are also accessory bags, 3 practical rucksacks and a toiletry bag in the same series. The entire Paradiver series is water resistant, even the zips are well covered. The backpacks are particularly comfortable with ergonomic padded shoulder straps and back panel. There are many details, such as a bottle holder and pockets for various contents.
One of the new popular series has always been the Samsonite Spark series. Several of the models have been used by flight crews for decades. The Spark series has been continuously updated and has now come in a brand new environmentally friendly collection called Samsonite Spark SNG ECO. In addition to experience from the experts, flight crew and travelers, a point that makes this series special is that the fabric is produced, both externally and internally, with environmentally friendly Recyclex, a product made from 100% recycled PET plastic bottles from consumer waste. In addition, the Samsonite Spark SNG ECO series has nature-proven details in the form of a carrying handle, logo and nameplate in cork. The collection has many small practical details, such as foldable wheels for easier storage when the trolleys are not in use. The collection consists of a large selection of suitcase trolleys in different sizes, travel bags such as beauty cases, shoulder bags and toilet bags. The series offers the possibility of a complete matching Samsonite travel equipment in environmentally friendly material.
The Magnum is a newer Samsonite suitcase from 2020 where the hard frame and a three-point locking system have been retained, just like on the original Oyster suitcase from 1986. However, the Magnum is a completely new version with the striking logo, the rounded corners and the perfectly coordinated details completes the design of the bag. It is the best combination of lightness, design and three-point locking. A three-point lock makes the Samsonite suitcase easy to use and extremely secure. The Magnum has a brilliant removable interior, but in addition the inner lining is removable and washable.
Within backpacks, the new Samsonite Securipak should be mentioned. It is the latest Samsonite anti-theft product that combines the comfort of an urban backpack with many security features. The safety function means that when the rucksack is on your back no strangers can get into it. The entrance must be accessed from the back, which is only possible when you take off your backpack. In addition, the backpack is produced in an ecological anti-cut material, which makes it almost impossible to cut. Additional security in the side compartment with integrated RFID protection. The backpack also has reflective details and a USB port.
Samsonite's selection also consists of a large selection of travel accessories. Accessories such as code locks with and without TSA lock, suitcase straps with and without TSA lock, suitcase tags, covers for the suitcase, neck pillows, universal adapters etc. Everything that helps to make the journey more comfortable and easier.
The children are not forgotten either. In addition to various bags, suitcases and backpacks in Disney motifs, Samsonite has their own children's universe with the series Happy Sammies. Samsonite's Happy Sammies family consists of various backpacks, suitcases and toiletry bags in animal motifs. A lifestyle collection with attention to detail, reflections and 3D effects. There are always new animals joining the family. The newest animals from Happy Sammies ECO are duck Dodie and racoon Remy. They are both manufactured in environmentally friendly 100% R-PET Polyester.
Samsonite is much more than the above, so come by our store, see and be presented with more of Samsonite's Universe. Together we find the right travel products, whether it's a suitcase, a backpack, a work bag or something else entirely.
