Secondhand stores getting second look

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Business is up at some stores around the country as consumers are finding new interest in old products.

Certain shoppers have always appreciated Salvation Army stores and Goodwill stores. Now, there appear to be more bargain hunters.

"The reality is we're preparing for increases in terms of sales. Like I said, we're seeing a significant increase in donations and that's a great thing and we're seeing a corresponding growth in terms of sales, accordingly," said Major Jack Holloway of the Salvation Army.

Major Holloway can't say it's a trend yet. But he does see some new faces in the stores. He's just not sure whether customers are there because of extra advertising or the economy. He thinks it could very easily be both.

It may be that people know that sometimes they'll find brand new items on the racks.

"I just saw a jacket back there that has a $59 price tag on it and we have it priced for $3.99," said Cindy Graham of Goodwill.

At Goodwill, the story is the same. Graham said Goodwill's sales are up three percent over last year.

"I've been talking to a lot of shoppers and what we're finding is that those people who have always shopped at Goodwill are feeling pretty good about that right now because they're stretching their retail dollar and that makes a lot of sense in today's economy," said Graham.

Graham said her stores typically see an increase in donations when the seasons change and at the end of the year. If she doesn't see the usual donations in the new year, it may mean shoppers have cut back and are not spending money to replace things they might have donated in better times.