Unclaimed Baggage, a retail store in Scottsboro, Alabama, specializes in reselling items left behind by travelers. The store has released “The Found Report,” which highlights unique and valuable items that have been left behind, as well as trends that the store has noticed. Sonni Hood, the senior manager of PR and communications, stated that the report allows the store to share cultural shifts seen year after year. Some odd items left behind include a freeze-dried chicken foot, a toilet seat, uncut $2 bills, a preserved rattlesnake in whiskey, and silicone butt pads. The retailer only takes possession of unclaimed bags after an extensive 90-day search for the owners before preparing the items for sale.
In addition to unusual items, historic artifacts have also found their way to the store, such as a movie script from “The Goonies,” a newspaper clipping from the attack on Pearl Harbor, and a letter signed by Eleanor Roosevelt in 1944. The store boasts a 50,000-square-foot retail space that attracts over 1 million visitors each year, along with a website that also showcases their inventory. Items found at the store are typically marked at up to 80% off the suggested retail value, making it a popular shopping destination for bargain hunters.
According to Sonni Hood, the store has observed changes in trends over the years. For example, there has been an increase in pet supplies, campaign buttons, posters, and hats that reflect strong political affiliations that were apparent during the 2024 presidential campaign. Additionally, a Rolex 18K gold watch valued at $20,000 was found among the lost luggage, along with other valuable items like an 18K white gold solitaire ring, Louis Vuitton handbag and suitcase, Chanel loafers, and various designer clothes. Hood also noted that there has been a shift towards more casual clothing in recent years, likely due to the rise of hybrid and remote work settings in society.
The store has also seen a significant increase in comfort wear and athleisure items in unclaimed bags over the past five years since the pandemic began. This shift in clothing reflects the overall trend towards a more relaxed society. Some frequently found items detailed in the report include undergarments, pants, books, shoes, and phones. The Unclaimed Baggage website features an ever-changing inventory, with hundreds of new products added daily. With a diverse range of items available, the store remains a popular destination for shoppers looking for unique and discounted finds.
