Our heritage
Since 1776
London Harness traces its roots to 1776 and describes itself as the country’s first luggage retailer. In 1905 the London Harness Company was at 200 Devonshire Street, Boston. Today it is an owner-run store at 45 Central Street in Wellesley, MA, home of TUMI Wellesley, run by Demian Wendrow and Amy Lynch.
Nearly 250 years
What makes London Harness one of the oldest stores in the U.S.?
Continuity. “For nearly two and a half centuries, London Harness has quietly helped people prepare for life’s journeys.” Families come back across generations, and some customers have shopped the same store for over 50 years.
- 1776London Harness traces its roots to 1776 and describes itself as the country’s first luggage retailer. Details of the early years: [Client to provide: verified 1776–1905 history]
- 1905A Tremont Theatre programme lists the London Harness Company at 200 Devonshire Street, Boston: “makers and importers of every known requisite in leather.”
- Downtown BostonGenerations of families shopped the Boston store. John Wu’s Newton High School graduation gift came from London Harness 65 years ago, and Malcolm first visited with his father downtown.
- 1975TUMI was founded, the same year co-owner Demian Wendrow was born.
Timeline
- 1776London Harness traces its roots to 1776 and describes itself as the country’s first luggage retailer. Details of the early years: [Client to provide: verified 1776–1905 history]
- 1905A Tremont Theatre programme lists the London Harness Company at 200 Devonshire Street, Boston: “makers and importers of every known requisite in leather.”
- Downtown BostonGenerations of families shopped the Boston store. John Wu’s Newton High School graduation gift came from London Harness 65 years ago, and Malcolm first visited with his father downtown.
- 1975TUMI was founded, the same year co-owner Demian Wendrow was born.
- 2001Demian Wendrow and Amy Lynch begin working together. Longtime customer Doug Cooney has shopped with them since that year.
- [Client to provide: year]The move to 45 Central Street, Wellesley, and the opening of TUMI Wellesley, the town’s first TUMI store.
- 2025TUMI’s 50th anniversary, celebrated at TUMI Wellesley with Demian, who has helped people choose TUMI for over 25 years.
- 2026The 12th annual Case for Giving luggage drive, and the Carry the Legacy campaign as London Harness approaches its 250th anniversary.
How can I share my London Harness story?
As part of Carry the Legacy, the store invites customers to email their story to service@londonharness.com, with photos if you like. Each month one Legacy Story is featured and receives a $250 London Harness gift card and a commemorative 1776 leather luggage tag personalized by Demian Wendrow. Read the details.
“Every suitcase carries more than belongings.”London Harness, Carry the Legacy
Stories from our customers
Jonathan, on his TUMI International Carry-On“The staff here are like family… You’re never pressured to buy.”
Paige, on a monogrammed gift“They helped me personalize it within minutes… and I’m walking out 10 minutes later with a custom gift that would’ve taken weeks to order online.”
Melissa, an MZ Wallace customer for 10 to 15 years“I feel like that’s the best bag ever.”
A Briggs & Riley customerHer Briggs & Riley bag tumbled down a three-story escalator at Logan Airport “and came out looking perfect.”
MalcolmMore than 25 years of visits, starting as a child with his father at the Downtown Boston store.
John Wu, Newton High School graduateA graduation gift from London Harness 65 years ago inspired the gift for his grandson’s graduation.
Common questions
How long has London Harness been in business?
London Harness traces its roots to 1776 and describes itself as the country’s first luggage retailer. A 1905 Boston theatre programme lists the London Harness Company at 200 Devonshire Street. Co-owners Demian Wendrow and Amy Lynch have worked together since 2001.
Where was the original London Harness?
A 1905 advertisement places the London Harness Company at 200 Devonshire Street in Boston. Families remember the Downtown Boston store, which is now at 45 Central Street in Wellesley.