This famous Alabama store is auctioning suitcases from airports and no one knows what’s inside
The Unclaimed Baggage Center in Scottsboro hosts its unique auction June 13, where bidders could uncover luxury goods, rare collectibles, or the completely unexpected.
Mason Reed 
If you have ever wondered what happens to the luggage that never finds its way home, a trip to Scottsboro this June might hold the answer. The iconic Unclaimed Baggage Center is set to host an adrenaline-pumping, one-day auction event on Saturday, June 13, that promises plenty of surprises.
The ultimate mystery box
This isn't your average shopping trip. Attendees can gain free entry to the event, where the main attraction features the high-stakes bidding process for unopened and unsorted lost suitcases. Staff will facilitate hourly drops of 20 sealed bags starting at 10 a.m. and running through 4 p.m.
As the store’s official event page notes, this is the only experience of its kind in the nation. It transforms the mystery of lost luggage into a live, high-energy event where your bid could land you anything from luxury goods and rare collectibles to the truly unexpected.
More than just suitcases
The excitement continues beyond individual bags. The store will also offer mystery bundles—sealed boxes packed with merchandise available at a set price. For those looking for specific treasures, the auction will also feature high-value items, including rare fashion pieces and one-of-a-kind finds available both in-person and virtually.
The Unclaimed Baggage Center has become a staple of Alabama retail over the last 50 years. The center sources its inventory through partnerships with every domestic airline in the United States. Once a piece of luggage remains unclaimed after a three-month search, it is sent to the facility on Sand Mountain.
Once the cargo arrives, the team at the center gets to work. Items are sorted for resale, repurposing, or recycling. Apparel is professionally cleaned, electronics are wiped and tested for quality, and jewelry undergoes formal appraisal. Every day, roughly 7,000 items are added to the store floor, waiting for a second chance with a new owner. Stay tuned to 205focus.com for more updates on this unique Alabama destination.
