LuggageHero expands storage network with the acquisition of Knock Knock City

FOR RELEASE AUGUST 26, 2019

COPENHAGEN  — Leading short-term luggage storage network LuggageHero will significantly expand its reach and give its customers even more convenient locations with the acquisition of competitor Knock Knock City. Beginning immediately, LuggageHero will acquire Knock Knock City, including its assets, people, and storage locations, announced LuggageHero CEO and founder Jannik Lawaetz.

LuggageHero, launched in 2016 in Copenhagen, provides easy, safe, and affordable hourly luggage storage by using existing locations, such as local shops, cafes, and hotels. It currently operates in 26 major cities in Europe and North America. Fifteen more locations are due to launch by early 2020 as part of a fast-paced expansion plan. With the acquisition of Knock Knock City, LuggageHero also will fortify its reach in several U.S. locations where both companies have been operating. Going forward, all former Knock Knock City locations will belong to LuggageHero’s network and carry LuggageHero’s name.

Since LuggageHero launched, its customers have racked up over 1 million hours of bag storage at more than 1,000 drop-off points. The company, which has raised more than $2.25 million in funding to help expand its operations, was named one of PhocusWire’s Hot 25 Startups for 2019.

Making travel easier and more convenient has been the guiding force of both start-ups from the beginning – each was born of the personal need for safe and convenient luggage storage after checking out of an Airbnb short-term rental. In Knock Knock City’s case, co-founders Selin Sonmez and Nikolaos Georgantas left their luggage in the hallway outside their Philadelphia rental after check-out to explore the city less encumbered. They launched the company in 2017 and have focused on North America. Lawaetz had also confronted the same issue a year earlier while traveling in Barcelona. His solution was to ask a nearby shop owner to hold onto his bag for a small fee, giving Lawaetz the idea of contracting with local existing businesses to store luggage.

LuggageHero will benefit from the strong partnerships Knock Knock City has built in the U.S., such as with Guesty and other property management-related companies. Sonmez and Georgantas will become part of the LuggageHero team and will continue to build out these partnerships. Sonmez will become the Country Manager for the U.S. and Canada, and Georgantas will be the Partner Manager for LuggageHero shops and partnerships in North America.

“Knock Knock City offers an exciting opportunity for LuggageHero to expand and strengthen its network of on-demand luggage storage locations in as many cities as possible,” said Lawaetz, who is based in Copenhagen. “As we grow, we will want to build more third-party relationships, an area Knock Knock City has excelled in. We’re happy to welcome Selin and Niko to the LuggageHero team, where they’ll have the opportunity to continue their work and scale it internationally.”

Sonmez, Knock Knock City CEO and cofounder said, “LuggageHero’s acquisition gives our consolidated business a major growth opportunity and extends our services wider and deeper. As the on-demand short-term luggage storage business matures, we will be well-positioned to give our customers the best service available.”

Cities currently served by LuggageHero: New York City, London, Copenhagen, Lisbon, Barcelona, Madrid, Montreal, Boston, Rome, Chicago, Brussels, Nice, Paris, Amsterdam, Miami, Vienna, Milan, San Francisco, Berlin, Florence, Venice, Porto, Hamburg, Valencia, Malaga and Dublin.

Fifteen additional cities in Europe and North America are expected to be launched by early 2020, including Munich, Denver, San Diego, and New Orleans.

LuggageHero service highlights

Storage sites are plentiful and convenient. Situated inside existing locations, including retail outlets, hotels, cafes, and more, they are part of our vibrant sharing economy. All are vetted by LuggageHero’s local representative.

To store luggage, travelers simply visit LuggageHero.com, choose a location, and place a booking. There is no fee to cancel.

Luggage is checked in and checked out onsite.

No fees are charged until luggage is dropped off. There is no fee to cancel a reservation

Users are charged by the hour, with a low daily maximum.

Security seals are placed on bags to assure that luggage remains secure.

Each piece of luggage and its contents are insured up to $3,000 or €2,500.

Customer online chat support is available 24/7.

Host shops benefit by receiving a portion of the rate and becoming known to travelers.

++++++++

For more details, visit luggagehero.com.

Download press photos here: https://luggagehero.com/press-center/press-photos/

Contact for information

Jannik Lawaetz, founder and CEO
Jannik_lawaetz@luggagehero.com
Skype: jannik.lawaetz