Resale retail equates to quick cash for some in Oklahoma
Shoppers seeking bargains benefit charity programs

BY JENNIFER PALMER

Published: October 9, 2008

In today’s tumultuous economy, many shoppers are seeking out thrift store bargains and selling to resale stores for quick cash.

Nationally, the Salvation Army and Goodwill Industries International, the nation’s two largest charitable resale organizations, report year-to-date sales increases of 6 percent to 15 percent.

Goodwill Industries in Oklahoma has seen 20 percent growth in its donated goods and retail program, exceeding the national numbers. And Salvation Army in Oklahoma City reports at least a marginal increase.

Stores such as the resale chain Children’s Orchard have seen more families bringing in clothes and other items to sell.

Children’s Orchard buys items outright and pays cash, which can be used to pay a bill, buy lunch or fill up someone’s gas tank, owner Tiffany Jaecke said.

"It’s kind of an ATM for clothes,” she said.

Jaecke said many of her customers are bringing in used clothes to sell to her shop before giving them away to neighbors or holding a garage sale, hoping to earn more.

They also will frequently shop after selling back clothes. "They’re able to turn that money around and buy more,” she said.

Economic turmoil and financial struggles aren’t the only factors driving the increased interest in resale retail, experts say.

People are more conscious of having their household goods find another life versus ending up in a landfill, said Heather Rennebohm, chief executive officer of Oklahoma Goodwill Industries.

"More and more people want to see the value of their goods in the community,” she said.

Goodwill uses the money raised through thrift store sales to fund training programs for people with disabilities.

CONTRIBUTING: THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Your thoughts!