About

Rapp’s Luggage and Gifts is a family owned and operated business that has been serving New Orleans and the surrounding community since 1865.  In our 150-year history, we have become the travel experts.  We carry all of the popular brands and our helpful staff, who travel themselves, know all the tricks.

George Rapp, who came to the United States from Ustica Germany, just as the civil war was winding down, had hopes of making a living in New Orleans.  As a business person, he pursued a career in luggage retail and repair. In 1865, he purchased Mack’s Trunk Store on Common Street and ultimately putting his won name on the sign.  As transatlantic steamship travel came into vogue with New Orleans’s wealthier set, travelers came to Rapp’s to equip themselves with steamer trunks and other voyaging necessities. Rapp also did a heavy trade in hatboxes, suitcases, sealskin wallets and other luggage, most of which were available in only a narrow spectrum of colors. “You can have any color you like,” ran Rapp’s unofficial slogan, :as long as it’s black or brown.”

Rapp retired in the 1920s, and his son-in-law Anton Tranchina abandoned his dental practice to take over the shop. George Rapp Tranchina Jr., George Rapp’s great grandson, owns the business today.  Still providing the New Orleans area with one-stop travel goods and accessories, Rapp’s carries all the popular luggage brands, as well as a large selection of wallets, clocks, and other unique gifts.