Thrift Stores: Demand 'Going through the Roof'

Aha! I've done it. After days of digging around, I finally figured out where those supposedly unstoppable U.S. consumers have been spending their cash. Rodeo Drive? Nah. Michigan Avenue? Nah. Fifth Avenue? No, not there, either. In fact, as The Star Press reports in "Some Thrift Stores Feel Economic Pinch," it appears that they've been crowding into often threadbare little shops, many far removed from Main Street, that depend on the charity of others.

MUNCIE -- This winter, for the first time in at least 24 years, Muncie Mission's Attic Window clothing inventory was nonexistent.

Zero, zip, nada.

"This is the first year, literally, our clothing got down to zero," executive director Ray Raines said. "The first time we ever completely emptied our shelves, our surplus supply."

The economy continues to keep demand high for used clothing, furniture and appliances. Donations, however, don't always match demand. Thrift store donations tend to be cyclical. People give more during warm weather.

"During those winter months when it's cold and people aren't out and about as much, we see a reduction in donations," said Cindy Graham, vice president of marketing for Goodwill Industries of Central Indiana. "We traditionally see a pick up in the spring."

Now that spring is here, clothing donations at Attic Window are up and a surplus once again exists, but furniture and appliance donations still are down. Raines thinks this is just another example of people saving money by holding onto more expensive items longer instead of upgrading with newer replacements.

Around the country, non-profit groups say the slumping economy has affected donations, especially in states that have been hit hardest by the recession.

Major Man-Hee Chang, who is in charge of The  Salvation Army's thrift stores and alcohol-and-drug rehab programs they fund in 13 western states, recently told USA Today that, "Demand is up, but donations are down."

Goodwill Industries International CEO Jim Gibbons told the paper that demand at Goodwill's stores "is going through the roof."

"The demand and need is ... 10 times bigger than our ability to keep up with it," he is quoted as saying.

Comments

[The Man With All The Answers!!]

"Some Thrift Stores Feel Economic Pinch,"

wait till 12 months, and all the traders and smart financial analysts waiting for inflation to kick in. Then what do you think is going to happpen? yes. You guessed it. Demand will go up but so will the prices, and the dollar is at risk too.

Time to stock up people.

[Abraham]

Some other good businesses: house clean out companies, pawn shops and buying jewelry from desperate hungry people. Oh, don't forget about the private security industry either.

[kwark]

For the first time in the 21 years I've lived in my current home, I've seen people gleaning the "leftovers" from recently harvested fields. Just anecdotal, but unnerving given the "things are improving" stuff I hear every day.

[sharonsj]

If the thrifts are feeling the pinch it's because people are selling their stuff instead of giving it away. Last year I said the only thriving businesses would be: junk dealer, rag picker, thrift shop owner, and flea market seller.

I buy and sell second-hand items and I see daily that the thrift shops are absolutely packed. In the small town over from me (in PA), two new "antique" stores opened up for a total of four and I'm trying to rent a storefront there myself for a total of 5. The only other businesses in that town are two banks, a library, a bar, and a hair salon.

[Marion Shaw]

Gee, Sharons, there is not even a hardware store.
grocery store, pawn shop or post office in your town?
Where do people buy groceries ?I must say, you live in
a very small town, even by small town standards. I
hope there are enough people to put inventory into
the new antique stores; it all sounds very grim.
Good luck.