Our Story
Heys was born in Canada in 1986, beginning as a small family dream in Toronto and growing into a global icon of modern travel design. Inspired by Canada’s wide-open landscapes and spirit of exploration, Heys is driven by the belief that luggage should be more than a necessity, but reflect the story, individuality, and aspirations of every traveler’s journey.
Guided by our mission to create truly unique travel goods, we combine craftsmanship, lightweight engineering, and thoughtful innovation to design products that are as beautiful as they are functional.
Whether you’re setting out on a new adventure, heading home, or embarking on a dream vacation, Heys is there with you throughout your journey, helping you carry stories that last far beyond the journey.
Since 1986
A CANADIAN SUCCESS STORY IN THE MAKING
Established in 1986 in the suburbs of Toronto as a small family-run business, Heys grew from a home-based business into a global travel brand, synonymous with creative travel products. Here is our story...
THE FOUNDATION
1990's
Within a few years, Heys grew into an established company with an office and distribution centre, laying the foundation for the success that would follow.
2000's
THE XCASE
Fariha Sheikh created the now iconic Heys logo, and Heys invented a glossy, hard-shell, candy-coloured carry-on. In 2003, the “xcase” was launched with a national marketing campaign and billed as the World’s Lightest Carry-on, years before baggage fees were even introduced. It became 'the' travel case of its time, and attracted the attention of the travel industry and press.
2004
INTERNATIONAL FAME
The xcase's phenomenal success brought international fame to Heys.
Soon after, Heys collaborated with prestigious star-studded events,
gained celebrity endorsements, and was featured in a number of top
Hollywood films, and TV shows.
2006
DISNEY BY HEYS!
Disney and Heys teamed up together to produce the first-ever hardshell printed Disney luggage
designed exclusively for kids. The partnership worked so well, that we now enjoy licensing
agreements with the world’s top licensing brands.
Heys expanded into a new larger distribution facility.
2012
THE ART OF MODERN TRAVEL
Artists like Romero Britto, Fernando Volken Togni and Karim Rashid created exclusive artwork for Heys which transformed traditional luggage into rolling pieces of art.
2014 & 2016
OH CANADA
Heys was proud to have been chosen to produce the official luggage and backpack of the Sochi and Rio Canadian Olympic Teams.
SUCCESS BY DESIGN
Today, our passion for the original, the fashionable, and the innovative has driven us to create products that appeal to every type of traveler. Our design team pulls inspiration from all over the world, and pushes boundaries to bring thoughtful and creative designs to life. Our Smart Access Opening system and Smart Luggage are just a couple of the over 200 utility patents, design patents and trademark registrations we hold worldwide.
FROM CANADA TO THE WORLD
Born as a small family venture in Toronto, Heys has evolved into an international brand powered by distribution centres throughout Canada, the United States, Germany, South Korea, China, and Australia.
Today, with a reach that spans continents, Heys stands as a modern expression of Canadian design excellence.
