Alabama’s Beloved Retailer to Host a Celebration of Sisterhood, Style and Giving Back
Unclaimed Baggage Opens Ticket Sales for Exclusive ‘Girlfriends Getaway’ Front Porch Tea Party with Proceeds Benefiting E.L.I.’s House
SCOTTSBORO, AL, July 18, 2024 – Calling all moms, daughters and gal pals! To honor National Girlfriends Day, Unclaimed Baggage is rolling out the “pink carpet” for their annual “Girlfriends Getaway” taking place from July 25 to July 27, 2024. The nation’s only retailer of lost luggage will host three days of fun, great deals and giving back to an important cause supporting women.
While the in-store shopping event is open to all who wish to shop and enjoy the celebratory atmosphere, those who purchase a ticket will have exclusive access to the first-ever “Pouring on Purpose” Front Porch Tea Party on Saturday, July 27. Special vendor booths will also be on-site for additional shopping opportunities.
With two timeslots available, the delightful tea parties will feature florals and vintage China adorning Unclaimed Baggage’s Cups Café outdoor seating area where guests will hear from Melissa Lester, editor of Victoria magazine. Scones, sweets and savories will be served.
The ticketed event is sponsored by Unclaimed Baggage’s charitable foundation, Reclaimed for Good, with all proceeds benefitting E.L.I.’s House, an organization dedicated to empowering survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, substance and sexual abuse. This faith-based residential program is working to equip women and their children to thrive after trauma by providing education, therapy, parent coaching and life skills.
“A core value at Unclaimed Baggage is to redeem the lost and reclaim the rejected,” said Jennifer Kritner, Vice President of Retail and Company Culture. “In purchasing a ticket to our first-ever Front Porch Tea Party, you’re helping to empower survivors of trafficking, domestic violence, substance and sexual abuse to heal and ultimately break the cycle of abuse and addiction.”
Additional Tea Party Details:
· When: Saturday, July 27, at 11:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m.
· Location: Grab your sun hat and head to the Cups Café outdoor seating area at Unclaimed Baggage, 509 W Willow St., Scottsboro, AL 35768
· Tickets: Snag yours on Eventbrite for just $20 (limited spots available).
o Tickets for 11:00 a.m. Session
o Tickets for 2:00 p.m. Session
“When you equip a woman with the tools to become herself, you change the world,” said Jenny Rustioni, founder and CEO of E.L.I.’s House. “We are so grateful that Unclaimed Baggage is an advocate for us. What a blessing this event will be to the families we serve and to us, as staff!”
Throughout Girlfriends Getaway, Unclaimed Baggage will offer all store guests a 25% discount on women’s dresses, sterling silver and fashion jewelry. Over the weekend, guests will also have an opportunity to round their change to the nearest dollar at checkout to benefit E.L.I.'s House.
For more information about “Girlfriends Getaway” and to purchase a ticket for the Front Porch Tea Party, visit https://www.facebook.com/events/s/girlfriends-getaway/1858711614628925/.
About Unclaimed Baggage
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind retail store and the country’s only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents. Unclaimed Baggage offers a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. The store has made national news for its ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all sold at an incredible value. As part of its commitment to service and generosity, the company created the Reclaimed for Good foundation which has given millions of dollars’ worth of product and profit to meet needs around the globe. Learn about Unclaimed Baggage at unclaimedbaggage.com.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
Lost Luggage Retailer Announces Expansion Plans and Extended Hours Amid Company’s Growth
Unclaimed Baggage Celebrates More Product Than Ever and Launches New Retail Elements During the 2nd Annual Memorial Day Weekend Event
SCOTTSBORO, Ala., May 20, 2024 — The nation’s only retailer of lost luggage and Alabama's beloved tourist attraction, Unclaimed Baggage, is excited to announce new changes and developments to the Scottsboro storefront launching during the 2nd Annual Memorial Day weekend “Big Tent Event.”
As a result of the company’s growth, significant transformations have taken place within the store’s key departments, featuring upgrades such as an enhanced jewelry and luxury section, an expanded electronics division, additional women’s and men’s fitting rooms and the introduction of a technology repair service that will provide locals with access to affordable screen protectors and basic technology repairs.
“We are thrilled to finally unveil the exciting upgrades and innovations that our team has worked hard to put in place for our guests,” said Jennifer Kritner, Vice President of Retail and Company Culture. “We hope these changes will only enhance the Unclaimed Baggage experience for guests when they visit the store.”
Additionally, the popular retailer has extended their store hours, providing shoppers with more opportunities to discover hidden treasures among the treasure trove that is Unclaimed Baggage. The store will now be open until 8:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday.
Beginning May 24, 2024, Unclaimed Baggage will host the 2nd annual Memorial Day weekend event that will feature more product than EVER. A huge tent will be stationed in the main parking lot to house the abundance of product that will be featured during the event. Just in time for summer, guests will have an opportunity to shop from an assortment of summer wear items, including t-shirts, summer tops and shorts, and several racks of Lululemon. Fresh rollouts will occur each day of the event with additional discounts available on men’s tees, sunglasses and luggage.
“Our company’s growth can be attributed to our community’s support over the years,” said Kritner. “We are grateful to the Scottsboro community and our fans nationwide who are passionate about the world of lost luggage and reclaiming lost items for good.”
The Memorial Day weekend "Big Tent Event” will be held on May 24-27 (closed on Sunday). Food trucks will be on-site from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. CT on the Friday and Monday of the event. More information about the event can be found online at https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/blogs/events/memorial-day-weekend-event.
To learn more about Unclaimed Baggage, visit unclaimedbaggage.com.
About Unclaimed Baggage
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind retail store and the nation’s only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents. Unclaimed Baggage offers a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. The store has made national news for its ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all sold at an incredible value. As part of its commitment to service and generosity, the company created the Reclaimed for Good Foundation which has given millions of dollars’ worth of product and profit to meet needs around the globe.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
lauren@alarryross.com
Unclaimed Baggage Unveils 2023 ‘Found Report’ Unpacking the Fascinating World of Lost Luggage
New Report Details Trends and Top Items Found in Abandoned Luggage
SCOTTSBORO, Ala., April 1, 2024 — Have you ever wondered what gets left behind in travelers’ lost or abandoned luggage? Your curiosity ends here. The first-ever Unclaimed Baggage “Found Report,” released today, offers a comprehensive overview of the curious, unusual and most valuable items found in the orphaned luggage of air travelers in 2023, providing a time capsule into last year’s traveling trends.
With more than 850 million passengers making the trip to 30,000 feet in 2023, less than 0.05% of their bags don’t make the journey with them. Following a rigorous 90-day search initiated by airlines to locate the rightful owners or provide compensation, bags land at Unclaimed Baggage, where lost treasures are donated, recycled or sold to eager shoppers.
Released today, the inaugural Found Report delves into the analysis of the over two million items that found their way to the renowned Unclaimed Baggage store. The report details:
· The 10 Most Frequently Found Items
· The 10 Most Expensive Things Found
· The Top 40 Most Fascinating Finds (including two live snakes, an Ethiopian Begena, a funeral casket key and a 13.3’ women’s pole vault)
· 2023 Travel Trends; and
· Travel Tips & Tricks: How to Not Lose Your Luggage
This comprehensive review not only satisfies the innate curiosity of readers eager to unzip lost treasures but also highlights year-defining and emerging trends in fashion, popular brands and media consumption habits.
"These bags are a glimpse into 2023. From the surge in Taylor Swift t-shirts to an array of Nintendo Switch games and Stanley water bottles, each item our team uncovered tells a story of its own," said Jennifer Kritner, Vice President of Retail and Company Culture at Unclaimed Baggage.
The Found Report underscores the ever-changing preferences and lifestyles of travelers nationwide. “Each bag is like a time capsule,” says Bryan Owens, CEO of Unclaimed Baggage. “Twenty years from now, we can look back at the Found Report and see what people packed in 2023. It’s an exciting and curious way to take a snapshot of our culture.”
Bryan’s father, Doyle Owen, founded Unclaimed Baggage in 1972 with a borrowed pickup truck, a $300 loan and a one-of-a-kind idea. Since then, Unclaimed Baggage has launched an online store, expanded their charitable partnerships and created the enchanting Unclaimed Baggage Museum. The Found Report represents the newest expansion of Unclaimed Baggage as the experts and leaders in all things lost luggage.
“The items discovered in unclaimed bags are endlessly fascinating. You never know what you are going to find!” says Bryan Owens.
The inaugural edition of Unclaimed Baggage’s annual report can be found here: https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/blogs/news/the-2023-found-report.
About Unclaimed Baggage
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind retail store and the country’s only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents. Unclaimed Baggage offers a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. The store has made national news for its ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all sold at an incredible value. As part of its commitment to service and generosity, the company created the Reclaimed for Good foundation which has given millions of dollars’ worth of product and profit to meet needs around the globe.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111
Unclaimed Baggage to Share the Love with One Lucky Couple During Annual “Bling Week” Event
Forgotten Jewels and Handbags Reclaim Their Sparkle at the Nation’s Only Retailer of Lost Luggage from Feb. 5-14
SCOTTSBORO, Ala., Feb. 1, 2024 — In 2023, the average wedding cost a whopping $30,000. After booking a picturesque venue, locking in a delicious dinner menu and securing a DJ to bring the party, couples are often long on love but short on funds.
Starting next week, Unclaimed Baggage – Alabama’s popular tourist destination and the nation’s only retailer of lost and forgotten luggage – will kick off “Bling Week,” a ten-day Valentine’s-themed event during which fans will enjoy an expanded selection of must-have brands and bargains. This year, the retailer is offering a “Complete the Wedding” giveaway where one lucky couple will win up to $2,500 in wedding bands, suits, dresses, shoes and more to complete their picture-perfect wedding. The raffle will be held in-store at their Scottsboro, Alabama location.
Whether engaged, married, dating or “just friends,” customers looking to find uniquely perfect Valentine’s Day gifts for their loved ones will find a deal during Bling Week. The event will take place online and in-store from February 5-14, giving early love birds and last-minute shoppers the perfect opportunity to land the ultimate gift.
“In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, we want to share the love with our guests by rolling out some of our favorite jewelry pieces, handbags and wedding-related finds,” said Jennifer Kritner, Vice President of Retail & Company Culture at Unclaimed Baggage.
As a beloved local store and a fan-favorite of travelers, Unclaimed Baggage finds new homes for items left behind in lost and abandoned luggage. Visitors looking for unique finds with mysterious histories will enjoy combing through an expanded selection of must-have jewelry pieces, designer clothes, suits, wedding dresses and bags, including a new in-box Hermès Kelly bag (priced at $19,000) and other luxury purses, all at discounted prices.
“You never know what unique items you’re going to find at Unclaimed Baggage,” said Kritner. “No matter the price-point, guests are sure to find the perfect gift for their special someone!”
Shoppers can find deals, support sustainable practices and spread the love this Valentine’s season. For every item Unclaimed Baggage sells, they recycle or donate another through Reclaimed for Good, partnering with Samaritan’s Purse, Salvation Army, Wheels for the World and The Neighborhood Thrift Shop.
For more information about “Bling Week,” visit https://www.unclaimedbaggage.com/blogs/events/valentines-weekend-event-bling-week
About Unclaimed Baggage
Located in Scottsboro, Alabama, Unclaimed Baggage is a one-of-a-kind retail store and the country’s only merchant of unclaimed and lost airline baggage and its contents. Unclaimed Baggage offers a treasure trove of goods that airlines have been unable to reunite with their former owners. The store has made national news for its ever-changing array of unique items from around the world, all sold at an incredible value. As part of its commitment to service and generosity, the company created the Reclaimed for Good foundation which has given millions of dollars’ worth of product and profit to meet needs around the globe. Learn about Unclaimed Baggage at unclaimedbaggage.com.
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Media Contact:
Lauren Briggs, A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111