Named for the month when many of us plan holidays, Melbourne brand July was founded in 2018 to elevate luggage options and travel accessories while keeping a relatively affordable price point.

It’s since grown to three Melbourne stores (the first opened in 2019) and one in Sydney, all while retaining its direct-to-consumer model and high quality designs that include “unbreakable” 100 per cent German polycarbonate shells, in-built device chargers and copyrighted Silent Move 360-degree spinner wheels.

Now, Aotearoa fans of the brand can purchase July luggage in New Zealand currency with free shipping and returns, thanks to a local e-commerce warehouse on our shores.

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“We started July with the mission to create better products to lift people’s travel experience,” said co-founder Athan Didaskalou. “We are coming to Aotearoa to simply give our kiwi customers another option – with better features, unique personalisation options and an Australian approach to travel.”

The company has seen more than 280 per cent growth in sales from the New Zealand customer base in the last 12 months, Didaskalou tells Broadsheet. “So, we’re really excited to expand our offering to the region.”

July has initially launched with just one product: The Carry-On. At NZ$395 for the original model, which has a 40-litre allowance and a weight of 3.4kg, it’s more affordable than a comparable Samsonite model of the same volume – with the added bonuses of the ejectable charging battery, lifetime warranty and a hidden laundry bag.

The range now includes a variety of sophisticated hard-shell suitcases, overnight bags, backpacks, toiletry bags, packing cells and other practical accessories.

Other notable features of July luggage include the handles, which have more than 20 different stops – as opposed to the usual three or four – to accommodate people of all heights. There are combination locks on all the cases, and inside you’ll find two compartments and a Y-shaped compression strap (the overpacker’s best friend).

One of July’s biggest drawcards is the range of colours you can choose from: neutrals like black, navy, charcoal and sand, and statement shades like sunny yellow and sky blue – as well as limited edition special releases. Currently, New Zealand customers’ favourite colours are moss green, charcoal, forest and sand – in that order.

While nothing is set in stone, the team is currently exploring bricks-and-mortar options for Auckland. Until then, browse the full range online – they’re even offering free personalisation for a limited time to celebrate the launch.

July.com/nz