Founded in the United States in 1975, Tumi is a brand by Tumi Holdings, Inc., a subsidiary of Samsonite. Tumi designs and manufactures travel, business, and lifestyle products. It is known for its black-on-black ballistic nylon, a fabric introduced during World War II, which is highly durable.
The company’s products are available at department stores and specialty stores. It is said that there are over 120 Tumi stores and shops worldwide. Tumi’s product line includes luggage, bags, wallets, pens, and electronic equipment.
The company markets itself as a luxury brand with a focus on quality craftsmanship, durability, and functionality. That being said, is Tumi really considered a luxury brand through its nature, or is it just a clever marketing ploy?
Is Tumi A Luxury Brand?
Tumi is definitely a luxury brand since its initial release in the 1970s. The company has a long history of providing high-quality products that are known for their durability and functionality. And for the same reason, it has solidified its name as a luxury brand that has a wider reach but with an expensive price tag.
1. The Appealing Designs of Tumi
Tumi’s designs come with a great personality that people praise. The company offers a range of designs, from modern to classical. Each design is made with great attention to detail and construction.
Its product designs give a good impression for both the one using and the one who sees it. The designs reflect an appreciation of good taste and a desire to be different through being minimalist. Many of its products are usually black or dark-colored.
2. The Quality Of Tumi’s Products Is Unmatched
Tumi is a high-end brand, and its products’ quality reflects that. The company uses only the best materials to construct its products. For instance, Tumi’s suitcases are made with an aluminum frame and ballistic nylon fabric.
This makes the suitcases incredibly light and durable. The company’s electronic equipment is also made with high-quality materials, such as titanium, which makes it scratch and corrosion-resistant. In short, Tumi utilizes the best materials to create its products, making them some of the highest quality on the market.
3. The Manufacturing Of Its Products
While Tumi is now outsourcing the manufacturing of its products outside of the United States, the company is still highly involved in the manufacturing process. Tumi has a team of experts and designers who work closely with its manufacturers to ensure that each product meets the company’s high standards.
The company finds its design inspiration from different industries including aeronautics and automotive industries, especially that its main products are lugguages. It makes a Tumi luggage user the expression to travel in style. And it only means that the company is always up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in manufacturing its products, which makes them stand out from the competition.
4. The Cost Of Tumi’s Products Is Not For Everyone
Tumi’s products are not for everyone because of their high price tags. The company’s suitcases, for instance, the basic luggage can cost over $600 and can go all the way to $3,000, for luggage with high specs.
Other items such as bags (start at approximately $100), backpacks (also start at approximately $100), and accessories may vary their prices depending on the design and materials used.
It only means that Tumi is catering its products to specific people with a high disposable income or who are willing to splurge a high amount of money. But, even if its products are expensive, people are still willing to pay for them because of the quality that the company offers.
5. Tumi Is A Luxury Brand By Nature
From its designs down to manufacturing, it is evident that Tumi is a luxury brand by nature. The company’s products reflect that with their quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and innovative designs.
And while others would suggest that Tumi has some affordable products—which is true, anyway—the company’s overall products and services remain top-tier, and that is why it has become one of the most popular luxury brands in the market today.
6. The Exclusivity It Offers
As mentioned, the majority of Tumi’s products come with high price tags. And because of that, the company is able to offer exclusivity to its customers.
Tumi’s products are not mass-produced, which makes them more exclusive. The company is also very particular about where its products are sold. Tumi only sells its products in high-end department stores and specialty shops despite having a lot of stores and retailers that carry the brand. Tumi is something that a person would not see easily around the corner—and this gives the Tumi product owners the feel of exclusivity.
7. Tumi Is A Statement Piece
Lastly, Tumi is a statement piece. The brand has become a symbol of success and sophistication. It has been featured in different movies and television shows, and its products have been used by high-profile celebrities and personalities.
People who own Tumi products are usually people who want to show off their wealth and status. It is like one of the staples in a luxury lifestyle, especially when travelling. And that is precisely what Tumi offers to its customers—a sophisticated lifestyle.
Does Tumi Hold Value?
Tumi definitely holds value. For one, the company offers a five-year warranty for its products. If there are any problems with the materials or craftsmanship, Tumi will repair or replace them for free.
The fact that the company stands behind its products shows how confident it is with the quality of them. Also, it only goes to show that Tumi is a brand that you can trust.
And because of its hefty price tags, the resale value of Tumi products is also high. Although it may vary and might not go over the original price of a brand new one, a secondhand Tumi product would still give the seller a good profit or return of money.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tumi owned by Samsonite?
Yes, Tumi is owned by Samsonite. The luggage company was acquired by Samsonite in the year 2016 for $1.8 billion, which is also Samsonite’s largest ever acquisition.
What makes Tumi so special?
There are a lot of things that make Tumi special. For one, the company offers a five-year warranty for its products. If there are any problems with the materials or craftsmanship, Tumi will repair or replace them for free.
It is also said that Tumi is the only brand that has a special license that allows them to be the only luggage company that uses Tegris material. A Tegris Thermoplastic Composite fabric is used in bulletproof vests and is also said to be 50% lighter than aluminum.
Lastly, Tumi’s website explained that in order to make its products truly durable, the pieces it creates undergo multiple tests to make sure they will perform flawlessly.
