Mystery 'Lost Packages' Pop-Up Shop Arrives in Cork for the First Time

A French start-up is bringing 10 tonnes of unopened lost parcels to Douglas Court Shopping Centre later this month, offering Cork shoppers a real-life treasure hunt with mystery contents.

A unique shopping experience is heading to Cork for the first time, as King Colis prepares to open its 'Lost Packages' pop-up store at Douglas Court Shopping Centre from Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March.

The French start-up, which gives undelivered online orders a second life, is bringing the concept to Cork following what it describes as a successful first edition in Dublin. Visitors will have the chance to rummage through thousands of mystery parcels, with the possibility of uncovering anything from high-tech devices and designer clothing to watches, beauty products, and collectibles.

The concept is simple: packages are sold by weight, and shoppers have 10 minutes to select as many as they like, but they cannot open them before purchase. After weighing up the total price, the real fun begins: unboxing the surprises.

Killian Denis, CEO and co-founder of King Colis, said:

"We are so excited to be bringing King Colis and its concept to Cork. It's always exciting because you never know what you'll get. Sometimes there are real treasures hidden inside the boxes. For example, in France one customer discovered a small collectible gold bar, while in Italy someone found an ultra-rare Pokémon Card valued at €3,000."

He added:

"Of course, luck plays a big role in what you find in your packages, but one thing is certain, the experience is unforgettable. I believe the turnout will be great, as it has been elsewhere and I advise anyone thinking about it to get down early as stock is limited."

Every year, millions of online orders go undelivered, most often due to incorrect delivery information. After customers receive refunds, these parcels were previously destroyed. Since 2023, King Colis has been purchasing these lost packages and selling them through its website and pop-up stores in shopping centres across Europe, with the aim of reducing waste.

What you need to know:

The pop-up runs from Tuesday 24 February to Sunday 1 March at Douglas Court Shopping Centre (main square, next to Here's Health). Opening hours are 10:00 to 20:00 daily. Admission is free, though children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Fast passes to skip the queue are available for €15 at www.king-colis.com.

Whether you leave with a gold bar or a pair of socks, at least you'll have a good story to tell.