Local thrift stores, consignment stores and resale shops are seeing a resurgence in interest during the economic downturn as more shoppers search for bargains.
A host of new stores have opened in the area to satisfy buyers searching for good stuff cheap.
Goodwill Industries, one of the city's largest nonprofits, has opened several new locations since 2008, most recently at Harry and Rock Road. A store at 21st and Amidon is scheduled to open this fall.
Sales at their Wichita area stores have risen during the downturn, said Emily Compton, president and CEO of the group.
"I think people have discovered that shopping thrift stores provides them with new options for expensive wardrobes at economical prices."
A 2010 national survey by NARTS: The Association of Resale Professionals showed a growth in net sales of 12.7 percent between 2008 and 2009, the most recent year reported. The group said the number of stores grew about 7 percent a year in the past two years.
