If you watched Season 4 of ABC’s Shark Tank, you’ll likely remember LugLess: A New York-based luggage shipping company.
Well, investors didn’t jump on the prospect of funding it, but being featured on the show still fueled the firm’s exposure and growth - leading Entrepreneur Magazine to put LugLess on its list of 100 Brilliant Companies.
Now, the startup has been acquired by the Boston-based door-to-door delivery service Luggage Forward, which aims to help users avoid hassles like lost suitcases, baggage check fees and waiting at baggage claim by shipping your stuff directly from your doorstep to the destination. The company also specializes in shipping sports equipment like skis and golf clubs. It's not just the headaches you're dodging with this deliver service, either - they claim to shave two hours off your time at the airport.
Luggage Forward has seen its revenue grow nicely, landing on the Inc. 5000 list this year for its $4.2 million in revenue last year, up from $2.6 million in 2010.
This is the eighth competitor Luggage Forward has snapped up since 2009, and strategic acquisitions have been a key part of its strong organic growth strategy. (Others include The Luggage Club, Baggage Quest, Luggage Express, Luggage Advance, Ship Luggage, Sports Express and Virtual Bellhop.)
Since its launch, Luggage Forward has become the exclusive luggage delivery provider for world leading travel brands like Canyon Ranch, Abercrombie & Kent, Inspirato, Butterfield & Robinson, Haversham & Baker, Holland America Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Visa.
LugLess, meanwhile, has built a particularly loyal following among college students studying abroad and other young travelers (due in part to a relationship with Student Universe) it made sense for Luggage Forward to add the brand to its arsenal. Now, any bookings made with LugLess will also come with Luggage Forward’s best price assurance, worldwide on-time guarantee and predictive tracking technology.
And as for our city - this move may indicate an exciting opportunity for Boston to evolve into even more of a travel industry hub.
