✈Worldwide Wednesdays: The Unclaimed Baggage Center

Unclaimed Baggage Center, USA

Bringing You Lost Treasures From Around The World For 39 Years.Unclaimed Baggage, located in Scottsboro, Alabama, is a one-of-a-kind store snuggled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and bordered by the 70,000 acre Lake Guntersville. Founded in 1970 by Doyle and Sue Owens as a part-time business, it soon became a full-time venture. In 1978, the Owens incorporated the company and watched it prosper as one of the great 'hidden' bargain centers for savvy shoppers.

In 1995, Bryan Owens, son of the founder, acquired Unclaimed Baggage and directed the expansion which includes the current contemporary retail store that covers more than a city block. The store has many amenities including a Concierge Desk to help guests and Cups Espresso Café - serving Starbucks Coffee and Dippin Dots.

Over one million items pass through the store annually. About 60% of the merchandise is clothing with the balance of the store dedicated to cameras, electronics, sporting goods, jewelry, designer optical, books and of course, luggage. The vast majority of items are from unclaimed baggage which, after at least 90 days of intensive tracking by the airlines, are declared unclaimed. However, unclaimed cargo is also available throughout the store.

"Many of our guests come again and again," according to Bryan Owens. "But whether people are visiting for the first time or are among the 'regulars' who drop by frequently, everyone enjoys the sense of adventure in seeing what treasures they can find among the lost items on display in the store."

Resource:  unclaimedbaggage.com