Unclaimed Baggage: Home of Lost Luggage and Found Treasures
In Scottsboro, Alabama, lies the singular store known as Unclaimed Baggage, the sole destination for less than 0.03 percent of unclaimed luggage across the country.
With contracts from all domestic airlines, this establishment turns orphaned baggage into a unique shopping experience and a museum of extraordinary finds.
A Unique Store with a Mission
Though over 99.5 percent of lost luggage is reunited with its owners through airline technology, the remaining fraction becomes property of Unclaimed Baggage after a three-month search.
Sorted into categories—resell, repurpose, or recycle—items find new life either on the store shelves, donated to communities globally, or recycled responsibly.
Retail Treasures and Charitable Efforts
Offering a wide array of items from designer clothes to electronics, Unclaimed Baggage is renowned for its ever-changing inventory and daily influx of 7,000 new items.
Among their unique sales, the store boasts selling a men’s platinum presidential Rolex watch valued at $64,000 for $32,000 and discovering rare items like Birkin bags.
Charitable Impact and Store History
Unclaimed Baggage’s commitment to charitable endeavors, known as “Reclaimed for Good,” aims to repurpose items for a positive impact.
Initiatives range from donating prescription eyewear to children’s foster care to additional donations for each item sold.
Origins and Growth of Unclaimed Baggage
Started in 1970 by Doyle Owens, the store has expanded from a humble two-day operation to a thriving business covering a city block.
With expansions under Bryan and Sharon Owens, it includes a café, Cups Café, and a Museum of Found Treasures, showcasing bizarre and intriguing finds from across the globe.
Tourist Destination and Unusual Discoveries
Becoming a popular tourist destination, the store attracts visitors from all corners of the globe and has expanded its reach online and through a unique road tour across all 50 states.
The Museum of Found Treasures highlights intriguing discoveries like a suit of armor, space shuttle camera, and items from pop culture, attracting visitors from 50 states and over 40 countries.
Breaking News