A slowing economy is causing brisk business for thrift and resale shops. People who track sales of second-hand goods say higher food and gas prices cause people to look for new ways to save -- while still spending.

A number of local non-profit organizations also operate thrift stores -- St. Vincent de Paul ... Goodwill ... and HospiceCare to name a few. All but one of those report more sales and more traffic through their aisles this year.

"Every week, there's people who have never been in the store before," Judy Purcell says.
... A store where every purchase gives back to the community.
"All of the proceeds from the sale and from revenue from the store go to help patients and families that are served by HospiceCare in the community," Purcell says.

Spring is a busy time for thrift and resale shops as people clean out their homes and donate unwanted goods. But the store's retail manager says the business of buying is brisk as well.
"We really noticed the increase in April and May, but year to date, we're about 17 percent over where we were a year ago," Purcell says.
An industry survey of thrift and resale stores shows 70 percent reported an increase in sales last month compared to April of 2007. Seventy-five percent reported an increase in new customers; 60-percent in new suppliers.
"I think there's definitely people who are shopping thrift that otherwise wouldn't have considered that as an option," Purcell says.
"I'm just looking to see what kind of deals they have," Jody Nussbaum says.
Recently retired, Nussbaum stops by a couple of times a month.
"I think I'm watching you know, my money a little bit closer so if I want to shop, I'll come here first and see what kind of deals they have," she says.
A spokesperson for HospiceCare says cash donations have remained steady. But purchases at a store, largely staffed by volunteers, also boost the bottom line.
"It''s not going to make up for hundreds and hundreds of dollars, but anybody who chooses to stop here, will make a difference because that bottom line, it contributes back to HospiceCare," Purcell says.
The industry association also says a tighter economy compels people to look -- not only for new ways to save but new sources of income by either giving items for a tax deduction or for cash.