What: In Alaska, and we imagine the rest of the country, shoppers are going to the thrift store instead of the mall. Demand for second-hand items is up and in some cases, the supply is also up, as people are now more willing than ever to sell their old clothing for cheap. In Juneau, a mixture of thrift shops and consignment stores, including the Salvation Army, Alaskan Dames (And Gents), and Mommy & Me, are all enjoying the silver lining of this shabby economy.

What They Say:

“The Salvation Army Family Store manager Henry James said he is seeing ‘more office-style people,’ including state or federal workers in the new Juneau store.”

What We Say: What makes us a little nervous is that “customers are using credit cards more often than before,” and isn’t that what got us into this mess in the first place? Good thing we’re spending less money but if we were using cash before and credit now - there could be some serious consequences of this years to come. Also, as for bargain stores that rely on donations alone, like the Salvation Army and Goodwill, the news isn’t all that great. People aren’t giving away as much stuff as they used to; many would rather sell an ancient pair of shoes on Craigslist than donate it to the Salvation Army.

Do you think thrifts shops are worth the required hunting around and negotiating, or do you stick to the department stores, which offer convenience and first-hand clothing?