Tumi used to be a great brand. I purchased my Tumi brief in 2000 and it accompanied me all over the world for many great years. But in 2017, I got the "bright" Idea to replace it. I said to myself, "Self, you deserve an upgrade." So I went into the Tumi store and was smitten with a brief from the "Arrive" collection during their annual sale. The price seemed high to me even at a discount. Nevertheless, I knew Tumi was a quality brand and kept telling myself "you get what you pay for." I wish.

The bag has been okay, but the workmanship is clearly inferior to my old bag. The zippers are cheaper, the leather accents are thinner, and the interior lining is flimsier. Compare any Tumi bag or case to one made 20 years ago and you'll notice the decline. Buying a Tumi piece no longer means you are paying for exceptional quality: You're paying for brick & mortar stores in some of the world's most expensive shopping venues. You're paying for "branding."

Many people who buy luxury brands like Tumi don't want to admit they made a poor choice or overpaid. I often feel foolish for buying my Arrive briefcase. I'd probably feel even more foolish if I sold it for ten cents on the dollar, so I keep it and accept it for the utility piece that it is. Charging more for less seems to be Tumi's business strategy. It's not unlike other travel-related businesses during these times of relative prosperity. People eventually catch on, even in the carriage trade.

There are plenty of alternatives. A number of upstarts are making really high quality bags at prices significantly lower than Tumi.