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Thrift stores see increase in sales |
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Friday, 06 June 2008 |
Thrift stores see increase in sales and customers
By KAY LOUTH
Staff Writer
ST. MARYS — A downturn in the economy turns out to be a bright spot for thrift stores as sales increase as more and more customers look for ways to stretch their dollars, two county agency directors say.
“We are at 106 percent of increased sales over this last year,” Agape Ministries Thrift Store Director Kathy Bayless said.
Bayless said people are using the thrift store more because they don't have the funds to shop at the department stores. Bayless also said she has noticed an increase in donations, a trend she credits to the caring nature of the community. nature.
“Definitely donations are up,” Bayless said. "(They are) predominately clothing and clothing related items, (of) all seasons, people are cleaning out their closets and definitely making sure other people in need have an opportunity for it.”
Bayless said that as people bring in their donations, they will often take a trip around the store and buy something for themselves. She also heared people who donating items say they hope people can use their items.
“It's really quite amazing really," Bayless said. "It's quite a blessing.”
Shoppers at Agape are buying clothing, but Bayless said people also are buying dishes, pots and pans and other household necessities.
“The little knickknack items, not as much," Bayless said. "The decorative items just aren't going off the shelves as fast. Pictures are way down, things you can do without,” Bayless said.
Mercy Unlimited in Wapakoneta has a thrift store as a part of its Christian ministry. Executive Director Tammy Brown said the thrift store is seeing more business.
Like her counterpart at Agape, Brown said the economic downturn results in increased sales at the shop.
“Traditionally in times of recession and economic downturns, used stores, consignment shops and thrift stores such as ours do very, very well,” Brown said. “What I'm seeing, is they're not only buying good used clothing, but instead of buying a brand new sweeper, they are going to look and see what a thrift store has. If they need new dishes, or pots and pans, more and more people are looking to thrift stores to fill that need and why wouldn't you.”
Mercy Unlimited also has a furniture annex, where people can find quality used furniture like couches and chairs. It is also doing very well, Brown said.
“We started our furniture annex in October 2006 and so we've been doing this for one and half years and in one and half years, it's made over $15,000," Brown said. "That's after paying rent and utilities."
Brown was quick to credit the community for its unwavering support of Mercy Unlimited.
“The community support is unbelievable," Brown said. "We get tons and tons of stuff, literally more than we can hold in the store. So I believe those who are sharing and those in need, are coming into the store. It is working very well.”
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Last Updated ( Tuesday, 10 June 2008 )
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