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Unclaimed Baggage Center

By , About.com Guide

What is the Unclaimed Baggage Center:

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is a one-of-a-kind store that buys unclaimed baggage and cargo from airlines and freight ships, and then sells it to consumers at a considerable discount (anywhere from 20-80% off retail). The 40,000 square foot facility is neatly arranged by department and boasts a wide-range of merchandise. With 7,000 new items added daily, there's always something new to check out.

Where It's Located:

The Unclaimed Baggage Center is located in Scottsboro, Alabama (about 40 minutes outside of Huntsville). There's also a second location in Boaz, Alabama.

Get Directions
Visit the UBC Website

Store Hours:

For the Scottsboro Store:

Monday - Friday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Saturday 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Closed Sundays.

For the Boaz Store:

Monday - Friday 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. CT
Closed Sunday

Verify the hours before you go: 256-259-1525

What You'll Find:

  • Clothing
  • Electronics
  • Cameras
  • Sporting Goods
  • Books
  • Housewares
  • Jewelry
  • Eyewear (both sunglasses and prescription glasses)
  • Purses, bags and luggage
  • Some things you have to see to believe

You'll Like the Unclaimed Baggage Center If:

  • You want the latest fashions and gadgets, and are willing to pay half-price for them
  • You enjoy searching stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls for designer labels
  • You enjoy wearing clothing from overseas designers

You May Not Like the Unclaimed Baggage Center If:

  • You're used to paying thrift store or yard sale prices for your belongings
  • You don't like crowds
  • You're not into labels

Tips for a Successful Shopping Trip:

  • Shop on a weekday to avoid the crowds
  • Be sure to visit the Annex and Book Nook housed in separate buildings (use the door in the men's department to reach them)
  • Sign up for the UBC e-newsletter to receive sales alerts
  • Make a pit stop before you go. There are only two stalls each in the men's and women's bathroom, and the lines stay long

UBC's Biggest Bargains:

Coats and shoes are the stand-out bargain. You'll find winter coats for as little as $8 and brand new shoes for half their regular retail. This is a great place to get high-end sneakers for low-end sneaker prices.

Cameras are a bargain too. Prices start at just $25 for a good quality digital camera.

If discounts of 80% off are more your thing, check out their selection of hats, gloves and socks. Accessories seem to get the biggest discount, and there are lots of new-in-package socks to choose from.

My one-and-only find on a recent visit: a wool Columbia ski cap for $2.09, with a retail price of $25

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