Economy

Popular luggage brand closing after 22 years, final sale set

As someone who spends about a third of his life traveling, luggage plays an oversized role in my life. I’ve tried various bags, and honestly, I’ve never found one that truly meets all my needs.

The problem is that no one brand or bag does everything. A Samsonite rolling bag, for example, brings durability, while my larger Amazon Basics bag is cheap enough that I’m not really concerned about how long it lasts.

My Solgard bag has an interior organizer, which literally lets me unpack half my stuff just by hanging it in the closet, and a Züca bag allows you to use your luggage as a chair.

For most people, luggage is a rare purchase, meaning a premium brand like Züca constantly needs new customers. It must also compete with cheap brands, Amazon, and discounted higher-end brands sold at TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and other discount chains.

Now, Züca is winding down its global operations, and the going-out-of-business sale has already begun.

Züca made specialized bags

Züca made bags that served athletes, traveling professionals (like photographers and makeup artists who have specialized needs), and roller bags with built-in seats popular with frequent travelers, including airplane crews.

“Our patented concept in travel is like nothing else to organize and carry your travel essentials. ZÜCA’s built-in seat rolls along with you for those moments when you need to take a load off,” the company shared on its website.

The company made specific bags designed to meet the needs of various sports. That included figure skating.

“Originally designed to alleviate weight from students’ and athletes’ backs, the Züca Sport is now used by people of all ages. The front opens up like a miniature locker, roomy enough to store ice skates inside the hollow compartment. There are zippered pockets on the inside of the door (one big one that is the shape of the door and two smaller ones) to provide storage of skating items from CDs to skate guards,” according to U.S. Figure Skating’s magazine.

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Kerrin Jackson, a makeup artist, raved about two Züca products on the “5-Minute Face Talk” podcast on Makeup Refinery.

“For years, I’ve been a loyal fan of the brand Züca. My trusty Züca Rolling Case has traveled with me across the globe, and now is happily serving as my go-to hair kit for special effects makeup,” Jackson said.

She later switched to the Züca Artist Shoulder Bag.

“This sleek and functional bag is precisely what I’ve been searching for. Its discreet black exterior keeps my products out of sight, while its upright design allows for easy access on set. Inside, I can neatly organize my smaller actor bags, paperwork, and essential tools, while the exterior pouch holds utensils and multi-tasking makeup palettes,” she added.

Züca is closing down

The company shared a message about shutting down on its website:

For more than 20 years, Züca has had the privilege of serving hundreds of thousands of loyal customers and building lasting relationships with dealers, partners, athletes, suppliers and communities around the world.

After navigating a prolonged period of challenging business conditions and carefully considering the company’s long-term outlook, we have made the difficult decision to begin an orderly transition of Züca.  Our final day of normal operations will be September 30th.

This was not an easy decision, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who has been a part of the Züca journey.  To our customers who have trusted our products, our dealers and business partners who helped build our brand, and our employees who have dedicated so much to the company.”

Züca made specialized luggage.

Shutterstock

What’s next for Züca?

Züca has not filed for bankruptcy, and it launched a “going-out-of-business” sale on Sept. 23 as this story was being written.

The company also posted a warning.

“We are experiencing a massive volume of orders, which has put our packing team 5-7 days behind our usual shipping schedule,” the company posted.

All orders will be “locked in,” and customers will receive a “shipping confirmation email with a tracking number the moment it leaves our warehouse.”

The luggage brand’s website still offers payment plans through a third party.

Züca’s European website is showing what it calls a “Final Sale.” It’s offering 25% off with no code or coupon needed.

The company has also not commented on how the shutdown will impact its warranty.

“Limited Lifetime Warranty covers against manufacturer defects during normal use,” Züca shared on its website.

That warranty only applied to the original owner and required having your purchase receipt.

The company’s closure leaves customers with an important unanswered question: Who will handle warranty claims after Züca’s normal operations end?

The company has not said whether warranty service will continue, so customers may be left without a clear path for future claims.

Züca did not immediately return a request for comment made through its Contact Us page. The company does not have a media or press page.

Related: Trendy beverage brand files Chapter 7 bankruptcy

FAQ: What happens if you buy from a company that goes out of business?

Can I still buy from a company that’s going out of business?
You can, but check the return, refund, and shipping policies first. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) also recommends comparing liquidation prices with those at other retailers.

What if I pay but never receive my order?
If you paid by credit card, you may be able to dispute the charge. The CFPB says consumers can dispute charges for goods they never received.

What happens to a warranty?
It depends on who provided it. A manufacturer warranty may continue even if the retailer closes, while a retailer-provided warranty may end, according to the Better Business Bureau (BBB).

Will the company honor my gift card?
Not necessarily. A company that files for bankruptcy may stop honoring gift cards, depending on the bankruptcy proceedings, added the FTC.

What should I do before placing an order?
Save your receipt, order confirmation, warranty information, and the company’s return policy. Using a credit card can also provide greater protection if there’s a problem with the order, according to the BBB.

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