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Second-hand stores find silver lining in hard times

December 14th, 2009 Posted in Business

By Katie Krusi

LOGAN–While the recent economy has had a negative impact on many of the larger retailers, second-hand stores are flourishing as shoppers look for ways to save their money and find bargains.

Logan resident Zachary Bosch said he only shops at second-hand stores. “There’s no way I could give up $30 for a shirt or jeans when I could come to the DI and get them for $2,” he said.

Bosch said he buys all of his shirts at Deseret Industries and bragged that he owns about 15 different family reunion shirts, none of which are from his own family reunions. “Buying clothes at DI is great because no one else is going to have them. How many people do you see wearing a Spooner family reunion shirt,” Bosch said.

Somebody’s Attic customer Ashley Ward said, “I love finding scarves here. I can’t imagine paying $20 for one at the mall when you can get super unique vintage ones here for less than $5.”

Clothing isn’t the only hot item at second-hand stores. Deseret Industries employee Kaity Long said furniture pieces are some of their best selling items. “We probably sell five to 10 couches a day,” Long said.

She said books are another thing that seem to be hopping off the shelves. “People love being able to come in here and get books for 50-cents instead of paying $20 at a bookstore,” she said.

Providence resident Derek Nelson said he loves buying electronics at the DI. “It’s exciting to search for a treasure when you’re shopping here! You never know what you’re going to find when you come in,” he said while showing off his find, a Xbox in near-new condition.

The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops (NARTS), reported that 64.1 percent of its members said their sales were up from the previous year, with an average increase of about 31 percent.

Cache Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Emile said, “I think we’re as strong as we’ve been in the past retail-wise. Businesses are looking outside the box to increase their sales and it‘s working.”

Somebody’s Attic manager Suzette Prom said she has noticed an increase in business in the past year. “I think people have started to realize that they can save a lot of money by shopping here,” she said.

Prom said the more the store sells, the more money they make to help fund Community Abuse Prevention Services Agency (CAPSA). “It’s especially important this time of year with the holiday’s coming up. Our community can help a lot of people in need,” she said.

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