Colossal Ski Sale With Unclaimed Baggage Happening Next Week

Since 1981, the store has welcomed thousands of visitors for the annual sale, which includes just about everything you’d need to get equipped pre-season, from skis to snow pants. Attendees travel great distances to Scottsboro, sometimes camping out in Unclaimed Baggage’s parking lot to get the best spots in line.

This year, the ski sale takes place on Saturday, November 2nd, and runs from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. The aforementioned camping takes place the night before and includes several Unclaimed Baggage-hosted activities, like family-friendly movies and outdoor games. The first 50 campers in line will receive a $450 Unclaimed Baggage gift card and a 30-minute ski sale head start.
 
Instead of selling ski equipment throughout the year, Unclaimed Baggage saves up all of its snowsports products to release during the sale. On its website, the store notes that for-sale brands include Patagonia, The North Face, Arc'teryx, Canada Goose, Moncler, Marmot, and REI. 

Unclaimed Baggage is a literal name. Via purchasing agreements with domestic airlines and other transportation companies, they buy the baggage that gets left behind by travelers. Then, they comb through and prepare the findings before selling them online or in person.

The unique method of product procurement generates some interesting stories. Unclaimed Baggage once turned up a modified Nikon F camera that came from NASA’s space shuttle program (they returned the camera to NASA, and someone probably got a very stern talking to from their boss). Another time, they found a Gucci suitcase crammed full of Egyptian artifacts dating back to about 1500 B.C. (the artifacts did not get sent back to Egypt—instead, they were sold at Christie's Auctions & Private Sales).

Bargain hunters have taken notice. While Unclaimed Baggage’s inventory isn’t dirt cheap, it is, for the most part, much cheaper than retail—unless you’re talking about an Egyptian burial mask that predates capitalism. For instance, a pair of Balenciaga sneakers on Unclaimed Baggage’s website cost $304.99. That’s an estimated 73% discount.

Personally, we'd stick to the skis if we were in Alabama next week, but there's no shame in buying some discount designer products, too. Someone has to have the best outfit at aprés.

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