Whether trying to save money or save the planet by recycling, a growing number of people are turning to second hand stores for pre-owned items.
Gregg Goff with Recycle Boutique said business is phenomenal since he opened this consignment store in Charlotte, North Carolina two months ago.
Shoppers have been flocking in to find deals.
"They're looking for more value than what they can find in some department stores and in some of the regular price boutiques," Goff said.
This consignment shop in Dallas, Texas, has seen a 25% increase in sales from last year.
"It's actually very exciting to see the pieces that are coming in, and we are able to sell them and get them into the hands of someone who can use them at a very minimal cost," said Leslie Pritchard of Again & Again Consignment Furniture.
Buying pre-owned also helps the environment by keeping those items out of landfills.
Aisles of this thrift store in a Chicago suburb are crowded with carts. Business is up 75% over this time last year.
Everything from dishware to dresses is flying off the shelves.
"This empty rack is where we hang our formal prom dresses. As you can see it's completely empty cause the second we get the donation, it's sold," said one consignment store employee.
Thrift store prices are usually lower than consignment boutiques, but there are deals to be found at both.
Shopper Patti More said, "These were True Religion Jeans $250. They were $20 and they still have the tags on them."
There's not only an increase in shoppers but also those looking to sell. People are dropping unwanted items for consignment and making a few bucks while clearing out the clutter.
Gone are the days of negative thoughts about buying second hand merchandise.
"A lot of our customers are high income women that are coming into the store that have never shopped consignment before," said Goff.
New and experienced second hand shoppers are both pinching pennies as the recession drags on.
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