(BLACK PR WIRE) (February 28, 2009) In times like these, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.
This year the Salvation Army and Goodwill reported sales increases from 6 to 15 percent, according to CNN. It’s not a coincidence that the economy is spiraling downward and the tradition of dispensing aged goods is increasing. Purchasing second hand goods is less costly, and allows you to have an authentic look.
Thrift stores offer vintage garments originating from another era. “Thrift store shopping is a clever technique. It allows you to be creative with the items because they’re usually separate,” said Anthony Reyes, a senior at Johnson C. Smith University. “Being savvy is the best way to save money.” 

Some people associate hand-me-downs as a poor man’s choice. Others consider hand-me-downs relics from the past left by those who came before them. Vintage items are the must-have bits and pieces for every season. Great design often is a combination of inspiration and innovation. The fashion-conscious have found they can have both and save big bucks. 

“I could never get used to shopping at the thrift, but many of my close friends love it,” said Candice Owens, a psychology major at JCSU. “I just never have the patience to look through so much stuff. The thrift has clothes, shoes, microwaves, televisions and anything else you can think of. I like the variety, but I just don’t have the tolerance it takes to find treasure in the midst of all that junk.” 

Although thrift store shopping is light on the wallet, it also has its downfalls. “I know that all of the items are donated so sometimes the items can have an airless smell,” said Soundra Mitchell, a criminology major and senior at JCSU. “The organization of the store sometimes turns me away. I don’t like clothes to be thrown everywhere. Although, I must admit the prices are great and the stores always offer a unique variety of fashion choices.” 

The Salvation Army has reported a dangerous decline in donations, according to CNN. People are giving fewer items away, possibly because they have to make their old items last a little longer. The economy isn’t only affecting the new but also the old. The decline in items being donated is less likely to affect the number of customers storming through the doors. 

“I don’t shop at the thrift much just because I rarely find items that I love,” said Latia little, a senior and biology major at JCSU. “I donate all of my clothes, shoes and appliances at the end of each semester. I don’t like to throw away the things I’m not using anymore. I think it’s better to recycle the items. Plus it feels good to know that I’m helping out others in need.”