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Foundation (1933)

American Tourister was founded during the Great Depression by Sol Koffler, who invested his life savings to establish a luggage company with one clear objective:

Create a durable suitcase that ordinary Americans could afford.

At a time when many suitcases were expensive and fragile, Koffler designed a hard suitcase that sold for just one dollar, making reliable luggage accessible to a broader market. This focus on affordability and durability became the foundation of the brand’s identity.3

Growth During the 1940s

As commercial air travel expanded after World War II, travellers increasingly wanted lighter luggage. American Tourister responded by introducing the Hi-Taper suitcase, which was lighter, easier to carry, and more practical for modern travel.

In 1946, the company launched its first national advertising campaign, emphasising:

• Lightweight construction
• Attractive interiors
• Fashionable colours
• Long-lasting durability

These innovations helped establish the brand across the United States.3

Innovation in the 1950s

During the 1950s, American Tourister became an industry innovator by developing one of the world’s first moulded luggage designs using advanced materials.

Its Trim and Slim Tri-Taper construction improved both strength and weight, setting new standards for suitcase engineering. These designs influenced modern hard-shell luggage that remains common today.1

Expansion in the 1960s

International travel grew rapidly during the 1960s, and American Tourister focused on testing luggage under real travel conditions.

The company became one of the first luggage manufacturers to conduct flight testing with airline cabin crews to evaluate product durability and usability.

Its slogan:

“Flight Tested, Flight Approved.”

reinforced its reputation for dependable travel products.1

The Famous Gorilla Campaign (1970s)

One of American Tourister’s most memorable achievements was its “Gorilla” advertising campaign.

The commercials featured a gorilla aggressively throwing, jumping on, and smashing a suitcase inside a zoo enclosure to demonstrate the product’s durability.

Although dramatic, the campaign became one of the most iconic advertisements in luggage history and ran for approximately 15 years. The gorilla remains one of the brand’s most recognisable symbols.1

The 1980s

Consumer preferences shifted towards soft-sided luggage, prompting American Tourister to expand beyond hard-shell suitcases.

The company introduced:

• Soft luggage
• Expandable travel bags
• Improved organisation features
• Lightweight travel products

whilst continuing to produce durable hard-shell luggage.3

Acquisition by Samsonite

In 1993, American Tourister was acquired by Astrum International, the owner of Samsonite. When Astrum later adopted the Samsonite name, American Tourister officially became part of the Samsonite family.

The acquisition expanded the brand’s global distribution whilst allowing it to maintain its own identity as the more affordable option within the group’s portfolio.2

American Tourister positions itself as a brand offering:

• Reliable quality
• Affordable pricing
• Modern designs
• Colourful styling
• Youthful image
• Family-friendly products

Compared with Samsonite, American Tourister generally targets value-conscious consumers whilst benefiting from Samsonite’s manufacturing expertise and global reach.2

American Tourister offers a broad range of travel products, including:

• Hard-shell suitcases
• Soft-shell luggage
• Cabin luggage
• Checked luggage
• Backpacks
• Laptop backpacks
• Duffel bags
• Travel organisers
• Wallets
• School bags
• Children’s luggage
• Travel accessories

Many collections include features such as:

• 360° spinner wheels
• TSA-approved locks
• Expandable compartments
• Lightweight shells
• Scratch-resistant finishes
• Organised interiors

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American Tourister has expanded from a U.S. luggage manufacturer into a global travel brand with products available in more than 120 countries through:

• Brand stores
• Department stores
• Travel retailers
• Airport shops
• Authorised dealers
• Official online stores

Its strongest markets include:

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Middle East
• Latin America

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The brand emphasises:

• Durability
• Functionality
• Lightweight construction
• Contemporary aesthetics
• Bright colours
• Affordable innovation

American Tourister frequently introduces new materials and designs whilst aiming to keep prices accessible for a wide range of travellers.1

American Tourister has partnered with several globally recognised entertainment franchises to create themed luggage collections, including:

• Disney
• Marvel
• Star Wars
• Various animated character collections

These collaborations have made the brand especially popular among children, families, and younger travellers.3

Among its notable achievements:

• More than 90 years of brand history.
• Presence in over 120 countries.
• SoundBox, one of its signature polypropylene luggage collections, received the Red Dot Design Award.
• Recognised globally for combining affordability with dependable quality.3

American Tourister’s brand values include:

• Fun
• Adventure
• Accessibility
• Reliability
• Innovation
• Youthfulness
• Practicality

Its marketing emphasises that travel should be enjoyable, colourful, and accessible to everyone.3

• 1933 – Founded by Sol and Irving Koffler as American Luggage Works.
• 1940s – Introduced lightweight Hi-Taper luggage.
• 1950s – Pioneered moulded luggage technology.
• 1960s – Began airline flight testing of luggage.
• 1971 – Launched the iconic Gorilla advertising campaign.
• 1980s – Expanded into soft-sided luggage.
• 1993 – Acquired by Samsonite (then Astrum International).
• 2010s – Expanded collaborations with Disney and Marvel.
• 2017 – SoundBox collection won a Red Dot Design Award.
• Today – Operates as one of the world’s leading affordable luggage brands with a presence in more than 120 countries.1

American Tourister has evolved from a small American luggage manufacturer founded during the Great Depression into one of the world’s best-known travel brands. Its reputation is built on producing luggage that balances durability, affordability, and modern design. As part of the Samsonite group, it continues to serve travellers worldwide with a broad portfolio of suitcases, backpacks, and travel accessories whilst maintaining its identity as a fun, youthful, and value-oriented brand.1

1. American Tourister | History
2. American Tourister
3. Brand Story | American Tourister Philippines