I get all kinds of promotional emails, from political groups pushing agendas to marketing companies hawking their clients’ wares. I have to admit, when I read this one, I was compelled to pass it along to you.

Ever lose a piece of luggage while traveling the friendly skies? I have and that was over 30 years ago when I was moving back home from Colorado. An enormous suitcase basically filled with my life at the time. Never saw it again.

But that suitcase is now my ticket and incentive to visit the fine town of Scottsboro, Alabama–also known as the lost luggage capitol of the world. It’s home to the Unclaimed Property Center 40,000-sq.-ft. retail store.

That’s right. I said store. Promoting the event as a one-of-a-kind treasure hunt, the UBC is the place where you can actually buy other people’s stuff that was lost or unclaimed by travelers. Travelers like me.

According to the press release, “The unique products are acquired by purchasing unclaimed luggage after airlines have conducted an extensive 90-day search to reunite the original owner with his or her bag.”

Patently untrue. At least in my case. Trying to find that bag took up the latter part of an entire year and working with a defensive and stubborn airline that yielded me nothing but an ulcer.

Does anyone else find it a bit unethical, if not creepy, pawing through the belongings of people who don’t even know their stuff is for sale?

If you are thinking of going, there’s plenty of other stuff to do in Scottsboro, according to the website. And if you happen to find some Pousette-Dart albums with my name in nail polish on them, pick ‘em up for me, would ya?