Manchester’s Trafford Centre has unveiled the most frequently lost items handed in to its lost property department over the past year, offering a fascinating glimpse into the habits of forgetful shoppers. Using advanced data from Over-C, a digital software platform that tracks lost property, the shopping centre has identified the top 10 most common items people leave behind, revealing some surprising trends.
The list, compiled through Over-C’s innovative data collation technology, includes everyday essentials such as clothing, bank cards, and shopping bags. Surprisingly, shopping bags themselves, and even the cards needed to pay for them, feature prominently in the top 10. Clothing tops the list, while other items such as mobile phones, wallets, and jewellery are also frequently forgotten.
The Top 10 most commonly lost items at Trafford Centre include:
- Clothing
- Bank or credit cards
- Shopping bags
- Personal bags
- Jewellery
- Toys
- Mobile devices
- Keys
- Cash
- Wallets or purses
Alongside these, the next most commonly forgotten items include glasses, umbrellas, and even passports. The list, both practical and peculiar, offers a snapshot of the vast array of personal items that pass through the centre daily.
In addition to these common items, several bizarre objects have also turned up in lost property. Among the more unusual finds were a David Bowie poster, a Harry Potter costume, a crutch, a tape cassette, a pair of black Crocs, and even an empty pram.
Michael Elliott, founder and CEO of Over-C, highlighted the impact of the software on the retail space. “We’re delighted to see the positive effect Over-C has had on Trafford Centre, which saw a footfall of over 20.8 million people last year. This fun list is just a small part of what our software can illustrate for busy shopping centres,” said Elliott.
Over-C’s digitalised system not only helps track lost property but also streamlines processes across the shopping centre. Elliott added: “From reducing insurance premiums to cutting down on the huge waste of paper, we’ve seen remarkable improvements in efficiency and customer service.”
Simon Layton, Centre Director at Trafford Centre, praised the technology’s ability to enhance the shopping experience for visitors. “Switching from paper and ring binders to Over-C was a big change for our team, but they embraced it fully. This goes beyond security and helps us improve guest services, including lost property,” Layton said.
He added: “In using Over-C to accurately log and understand insights from across the centre, we’ve been able to improve the overall experience for our customers, creating a more magical experience for all our visitors.”
As the retail sector continues to adopt digital innovations like Over-C, it is clear that smarter, data-driven solutions are reshaping the way shopping centres operate. For Trafford Centre, these technological advancements are already enhancing both efficiency and customer satisfaction, offering a glimpse into the future of retail management. For more information visit the website here