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The recent economic problems across the country are having a big impact on retail sales. But for thrift stores, that impact is a positive one.
The latest consumer confidence report from the University of Michigan says most Americans had thought our economy was already in a recession, and the recent economic crises have truly shocked people.
The report also predicts this holiday shopping season could see the lowest retail growth rates in decades.
For some business owners, this is good news. "This is a very good business to be in, going forward, with the economy the way it is. I feel very confident that we are going to do very well," said Kelly Ballard, owner of a Second Hand Chic in Sugar House.
Ballard says thrift stores and second-hand retail stores like hers are, in a way, recession-proof.
"People are cutting back on going to the mall and paying retail for things. So, they're looking for other ways to save money, [and] this is just the natural alternative," Ballard explained.
Her second-hand store isn't the only one that could see a bump in sales. Hanging outside the Deseret Industries retail store in Salt Lake City, some customers tell me they'll be shopping there more frequently.
"Would I shop here more?" one woman asked me. "Yes, you bet I would."
Another woman said, "I don't shop here for everything, just certain stuff that I'm looking for, or whatever; so occasionally, off and on. But most recently, now that the economy is the way it is, then yeah."
The Associated Press says two-thirds of thrift stores reported a sales jump from last year, and the average increase was 35 percent.
Ballard says it's not just because the clothes are cheaper. "The stigma of wearing second-hand clothing is pretty much faded away," she said.
It's not just the poor who are going to thrift shops either. "We get all sectors of the population in here buying things. We get people pulling up here in a Mercedes [Benz] and shopping here. You know, wealthy people as well as middle class," Ballard said.
The Associated Press also reports The Salvation Army and Goodwill showed year-to-date sales increases between 6 and 15 percent.
E-mail: pnelson@ksl.com
