Tumi Inc.

Charles Glatzer opened a small leather goods shop in New York City in 1975, launching a brand that would eventually redefine business travel. The company gained immediate traction by introducing the first nylon carry-on suitcase featuring a built-in garment bag. This innovation combined rugged durability with sophisticated style, setting a new standard for travelers who needed to protect suits and shirts while moving through airports.

Tumi grew from that single product into a global powerhouse, expanding its operations to Edison, New Jersey. The firm went public in 2012 under Doughty Hanson & Co., but its independent run ended quickly. Samsonite International S.A. acquired Tumi Holdings Inc. in 2016 for approximately $1.4 billion, integrating the premium label into a larger portfolio while keeping its distinct identity intact.

Today the brand operates over 120 flagship stores and maintains another 200 retail locations worldwide. Its product lines feature proprietary materials like ballistic nylon and the signature textured fabric found in the Alpha series. Recent launches such as the AXIS collection target modern minimalists, while partnerships with Formula 1 driver Lando Norris and actor Wei Daxun keep the image fresh for younger demographics. [edit]