Unclaimed Baggage: A One-of-a-Kind Shopping Experience
Ever wonder where lost and found items from airports nationwide end up? The answer lies in tiny little Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage. The store buys and resells unclaimed luggage from airlines. This 50,000-square-foot retail wonderland offers an eclectic mix of lost treasures, from designer fashion and electronics to rare collectibles and everyday essentials—all at discounted prices.
The Story Behind Unclaimed Baggage
Unclaimed Baggage got its start in 1970 when Doyle Owens, armed with a borrowed pickup truck and a $300 loan, purchased unclaimed luggage from a bus line and started selling its contents. The concept quickly grew, and today, the store partners with airlines and other transportation services to acquire baggage that goes unclaimed after exhaustive efforts to reunite it with its owners.
Once these bags arrive in Scottsboro, they undergo a thorough sorting and inspection process. Items are cleaned, tested, and priced before making their way to the sales floor. Many items are sold at deep discounts, while some rare and valuable finds—like luxury handbags, high-end watches, and unique global souvenirs—attract collectors and bargain hunters alike.
Visiting Unclaimed Baggage
We were excited to visit while road-tripping through the area. We pulled into the parking lot on a sunny weekend afternoon. High expectations were quickly tempered with a slightly underwhelming experience, especially given all the online hype over the years. There are dozens of YouTube videos exploring how exactly they come into possession of these items. Maybe it was just not our day, and the inventory was not that great that day. It does constantly change.
Overall, it was a solid thrift store-type establishment. There was an impressive inventory, tons of square footage displaying items. There are a few fancy items behind displays. However, some of the items just seemed as though they were truly lost; oddly, personal things were there, like picture frames with photos of someone’s wacky uncle.
What You May Find
Shopping at Unclaimed Baggage is a little like going on a treasure hunt. You never quite know what you might find. Some of the most common (and surprising) finds include:
- Clothing & Accessories – From everyday apparel to high-end designer pieces, there’s something for every style and budget.
- Electronics – Laptops, tablets, smartphones, headphones, and even cameras often appear on the shelves at significant discounts.
- Jewelry & Watches – You might stumble upon gold, silver, and luxury-brand timepieces.
- Sporting Goods & Outdoor Gear – Camping equipment, skis, and scuba gear have been found.
- Books & Collectibles – Rare books, souvenirs, and cultural artifacts from around the world occasionally appear.
Plan Your Visit
Unclaimed Baggage is located in Scottsboro, Alabama, about two hours from Nashville, Atlanta, or Birmingham. The store is open Monday through Saturday and closed on Sundays. Because the inventory constantly changes, many shoppers visit frequently to discover new finds. If you plan on visiting, the place is enormous. Budge at least 45 minutes to an hour. Of course, if you get sucked into the thrift, more time will be needed.
It is not your typical thrift store experience, although the “hunt” is very similar if that is why you are there. We stopped out of sincere curiosity and because of its proximity to our route. It was well worth it!
