American Express Membership Rewards - Using MR points for merchandise

Has anyone used their MR points for merchandisdse (specifically luggage)? AE is running discounted point specials for Samsonite luggage (expires this week) and I wanted to know if anyone had any comments as to their experiences, overall satisfaction, value in terms of points charged, etc.

Thanks in advance.

I've done this several times, though I used ShopAmex and not just the MR website. Ordered luggage through ebags.com. Very prompt service. AE places a credit on to your account in the value of the points, then later debits your account the value of the purchase (from ebags in my situation.)