What will you learn?
1. What can be found in lost luggage according to Unclaimed Baggage's report?
2. What is the significance of the annual "Found Report: A Look Inside America's Lost Luggage"?
3. What are the most interesting discoveries described in the report?
4. What is Unclaimed Baggage's operation regarding unclaimed items?
5. What is the history and significance of Unclaimed Baggage for the city of Scottsboro, Alabama?
Among the most intriguing finds were live snakes, Halloween cards signed by former President Richard Nixon, and even a mounted ram head. These unusual items shed light on surprising events and stories related to travel, which often end with lost luggage.
CEO Bryan Owens emphasized that the report aims to capture the most common, valuable, and unusual items that end up in the store. From a 13-foot vaulting pole to props from the popular "Saw" movie series, the list of items surprises with its diversity and uniqueness.
Unclaimed Baggage operates based on long-term contracts with various entities, such as airlines, hotels, or car rental companies, to purchase unclaimed items. This process involves processing tens of thousands of items weekly, of which about one-third are sold, another third are donated, and the rest are recycled.
The company's history dates back to 1970 when Doyle Owens, the father of the current CEO, founded the store in the small town of Scottsboro, Alabama. Since then, the company has evolved and grown, becoming a major attraction for both local residents and visitors from across the country and the world.
In addition to sales, Unclaimed Baggage also operates the "Found Treasures" museum, showcasing the most peculiar and fascinating items found in lost luggage. This place has become a tourist attraction, attracting thousands of visitors annually who want to see the extraordinary finds and learn the stories behind them.
The "Found Report" is not only a collection of curiosities but also evidence of how many fascinating and unusual things can be hidden in lost luggage. It is also a reminder that travels can be full of surprises and mysteries, which sometimes only reveal themselves when opening unclaimed baggage.