Help, I need to buy a new suitcase in Midtown Manhattan!

August 19, 2014 3:29 PM

My old suitcase finally gave out on me. I got it off the luggage carousel at LaGuardia this morning and the frame is separating from the rest of the bag. I'm worried it will fall apart if I try to fly it home to Minnesota on Friday morning. I'm staying near the Chrysler building and I should be free from 5-6 pm tomorrow evening. Is there somewhere nearby where I can buy a new suitcase that isn't going to break the bank? I hate spending a lot on luggage, but I also don't want to lose or ruin my stuff.
posted by Area Man to Shopping (18 answers total)

There's a massive Innovation Luggage store on 42nd & 2nd. They always seem to have stuff on sale, so you should be able to find something decent depending on your budget. Knowing what your budget is would be helpful for more specific recommendations.
posted by bedhead at 3:33 PM on August 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Could you Amazon something?
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 3:48 PM on August 19, 2014

Best answer: Dude just duct tape that bitch closed before your flight. Yes, it will look ridiculous. But personally I'd rather have some time to look for specific features and shop around for a decent price and not feel rushed by the situation.
posted by phunniemee at 3:54 PM on August 19, 2014 [9 favorites]

Go to the Nordstrom Rack in Union Square.
posted by bensherman at 3:56 PM on August 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Problem with duct tape? What if the TSA wants to open it? Will the TSA tape it shut again?
posted by valannc at 4:03 PM on August 19, 2014

Best answer: One of the best items I ever purchased over 20 years ago was a military surplus duffel bag. The thing is tough as nails, holds a crapton and was cheap.

Here's a place at 319 W 42nd street that looks like it has good reviews (note: I'm not a local, just an avid googler).
posted by SpecialSpaghettiBowl at 4:08 PM on August 19, 2014

Kmart on 34th?
posted by roomthreeseventeen at 4:15 PM on August 19, 2014

I too would go the sturdy duffel route just to get your stuff home. Anything you buy back in MN will not only be less expensive but will also be easily returnable if you decide you hate it after a day or two.
posted by elizardbits at 4:15 PM on August 19, 2014

Ross/TJMaxx/Marshall's always have a ton of cheap luggage if there's one of those around.
posted by jabes at 4:15 PM on August 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

Macy's on 34th and JC Penneys on 33rd & 6th both have luggage
posted by TravellingCari at 4:22 PM on August 19, 2014 [1 favorite]

The Bag Man on 34th has some good deals, worth checking before the Kmart.
posted by Sophont at 4:30 PM on August 19, 2014

Wherever you might consider buying luggage in MN, you can probably find the same store here in NYC: bed bath & beyond, Target, Macys, etc. The Macy's on 34th is a bit of a tourist attraction and right next to the Empire State Building if you want to sightsee a bit while you are out. The nearest Target is up in East Harlem, and there is a Costco there as well. You could also probably find a place with a cheap rolly suitcase if you walked down the street around you for a few minutes. If you want to get more specific or neat: there are a few Mujis around the City and they have some neat bags and luggage. There is an REI in Soho and an EMS if you want more outdoorsy bags/packs. There are Tumi stores and showrooms for other major brands if you are thinking of osmething specific.
posted by This_Will_Be_Good at 4:47 PM on August 19, 2014

Macy's. I just bought a full set for $200 of Travel Pro. Great deal, great suitcases. Plural, we got three!
posted by Ruthless Bunny at 4:54 PM on August 19, 2014

Are you staying at a hotel? Can the concierge take care of this for you?
posted by smashface at 5:19 PM on August 19, 2014 [2 favorites]

Seconding Marshall's and Tjmaxx.
posted by slateyness at 8:50 PM on August 19, 2014

Seconding smashface: ask your concierge what to do.
posted by trip and a half at 10:19 PM on August 19, 2014

Depending on how much stuff you have, you could always just mail your stuff home and then take your time buying a newer piece of luggage when you got home, especially if you want something that would be part of a set for longer trips. If the cost of shipping is the same or less than the baggage fee, I would do that - and then you don't have to wait for your stuff at the carousel when you get home, so there's that too.
posted by NoraCharles at 10:27 PM on August 19, 2014

You can get a luggage strap - basically a big belt to hold it together. Or get something overnight from LLBean, and have the guarantee. I have an LLBean rolling duffle that's been a champ. Or get an old suitcase at Goodwill; they usually have lots.
posted by theora55 at 7:59 PM on August 20, 2014