2005
Samsonite Black Label introduced X'Lite, built using an exclusive composite called Curv® - a unique and innovative material that is made using a patented process.
2008
Following the highly successful collaboration of Samsonite Black Label and Alexander McQueen, a futuristic looking silver limited edition version is unveiled exclusively at iconic fashion store 10 Corso Como - Milan, Italy. The technology behind the silver high shine offering, which has never been used before, adds a new dimension to the critically acclaimed collection.
2012
Samsonite scores again with 3 wins at Red Dot Design Award with new product introductions, Inova, Lightsphere and Firelite; proving yet again that the brand continues its tradition of combining notable style with the latest design technology.
2013
The 21st Century is a New Age, with new Challenges. In Today's Urban World, the Boundaries are constantly redefined. It is for this world that Samsonite has created RED-Accessories. Samsonite RED is designed to focus on the Asia Pacific Market, including Japan.
1941
Jesse Shwayder introduced a new style of luggage, Samsonite Streamlite®.
1955-58
Introduced a lightweight and breakthrough design know as Ultralite®, the first suitcase made of lightweight magnesium and ABS.
1967
The first polypropylene suitcase with recessed and secure locks with streamlined appearance. The strongest suitcase of the era saw its light.
1969
Introduced the new Saturn® suitcase, the first polypropylene case whose structure was fully supported by injection-moulded shells. This revolutionary design became the most widely accepted way to produce modern hard-side luggage.
1990
The first suitcase with the 'piggyback' system - the first step towards the highly successful upright concept.
Timeline of Events
A company with more than 100 years of history, Samsonite has always stood at the forefront of innovation and introduced some of the best admired suitcases.
Throughout its long history, Samsonite has unwaveringly supported its mission to create reliable, durable, top-quality products.
Samsonite is only among few handful companies that earn more than 100 millions in revenue across all the three regions: Americas, Eupore and Asia.
A tradition of innovation ensured Samsonite achieve market leadership position with increased turnover and global presence. The company's singular focus on travel needs helped it become a trend-setter in the travel luggage category.
The story so far...
Samsonite was founded in 1910 by Jesse Shwayder, a luggage salesman, as the Shwayder Trunk Manufacturing Company.
Jesse drew from his work experience in New York to develop a strategy that he would pursue throughout his life. Jesse decided to differentiate his products on quality and charge a high price as he knew that he could not compete with deep-pocked manufacturers then. Jesse named his products after "Samson", the powerful Biblical character to portary the high quality of his luggage. Jesse ensured that his products withstood abuse and were extremely durable.
In 1916, the Shwayders took a picture that would become an advertising coup. The four brothers and their father stood on a plank positioned atop one of their suitcases with the caption; "Strong enough to stand on." Because the five portly Shwayder men weighed more than 1,000 pounds together, the picture was striking and became an excellent promotional and direct-mail advertising for several years.
The Shwayders continued to invest in improving the quality of its products and introduced exclusive features such as wood-frames, super-strong handles, rayon linings, fiber finishes, and secure locks. In 1939, the company introduced a unique suitcase dubbed as "Samsonite." This new suitcase, which was the predecessor to the popular Streamlite series, became a classic hit in the travel luggage industry.
Samsonite continued to invest heavily in innovation and introduced many advanced innovations to the luggage industry. In 1969, Samsonite introduced the first polypropylene case whose structure was fully supported by injection-molded shells. This revolutionary design became the most widely accepted design for modern hard-side luggage. Samsonite is also credited with introducing the first suitcase with the 'piggyback' system - the first step towards the highly successful upright concept. In 2004, Samsonite introduced a four-wheel 360 degree spinner system, making travellers’ lives easier. To further augment its streak of innovative designs, Samsonite introduced X’Lite, built using an exclusive composite called Curv® - an unique and innovative light material that is made using a patented process in 2005.
To cement its position as a leading luggage manufacturer and retailer in highly competitive global luggage industry, Samsonite introduced Black Label stores in some of the world’s most influential and prestigious fashion capitals. Samsonite collaborated with one of the world’s most respected fashion designers, Alexander McQueen, to create Samsonite Black Label. Another initiative about the same time saw engaging Sir Richard Branson to front the advertising campaign. Continuing on its strength to introduce innovative designs to the market, Samsonite climbed up the premium segment by unveiling an exclusive silver edition. The technology behind the silver edition adds a new dimension to the critically acclaimed collection.
Samsonite celebrated 100 years in travel history in 2010 with a bonus of Cosmolite winning the “Best of the Best 2010” award at the prestigious Red Dot Design.
2011 saw Samsonite getting listed on the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited and Spikes Asia Awards hailing the brand as the Advertiser of the year.
Samsonite scored yet another win in 2012 at Red Dot Design with new product introductions namely Inova, Lightsphere and Firelite, proving the brand's tradition of combining the latest design technology with unique style to deliver high quality travel gear respected by the industry.
