Airlines lose an estimated 2 million bags every year, resulting in a large number of unclaimed suitcases. Instead of ending up in a landfill or storage unit, these bags are sold to Unclaimed Baggage, a vendor in Scottsboro, Alabama. This company buys and resells items from lost luggage that airlines have been unable to return to their owners. The operation offers around 7,000 items from various modes of transportation and hospitality businesses, creating a diverse collection of goods for shoppers to peruse.
Typically, airlines make an effort to reunite passengers with their lost luggage and reimburse them if unsuccessful. Unclaimed Baggage acts as a middleman, offering these unclaimed items to the public at discounted prices. The store carries a wide range of products, from designer items like Louis Vuitton pouchettes and Chanel tweed blazers to more unusual finds such as fishing rods and bobbleheads. The store owner compares the experience of finding new items each day to an archaeological dig, showcasing the element of surprise that comes with shopping at Unclaimed Baggage.
Some shoppers are attracted to the store’s bargain prices, allowing them to purchase luxury items at a fraction of their original cost. For example, one customer was able to buy a Louis Vuitton duffel bag for $350, significantly less than its typical retail price. Unclaimed Baggage also prides itself on giving items a second chance, recognizing that through the loss of luggage, there is an opportunity for hope and redemption. The company donates a portion of the items to charity, further extending the positive impact of the business on the community.
Unclaimed Baggage has become known for its assortment of unique items, ranging from AirPods to expensive jewelry pieces and hair tools. Despite only one-third of the items received being put up for sale, the store manages to provide customers with a wide array of options to choose from. Additionally, the company emphasizes the transformation of lost items into found treasures, highlighting the positive impact that can come from situations of loss. By selling unclaimed luggage items at discounted prices, Unclaimed Baggage offers individuals the opportunity to purchase high-end products that they may not be able to afford at full retail price.
The store’s spokesperson echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the store’s role in giving lost items a second chance and transforming loss into something positive for others. Unclaimed Baggage provides a unique shopping experience for customers seeking one-of-a-kind items, with the added benefit of knowing that their purchases support a company that gives back to those in need. Through the sale of unclaimed luggage items, the store not only benefits shoppers who find discounted luxury goods but also contributes to charitable causes, creating a positive impact on both its customers and the community.
