Store operators point to three reasons for increased sales: an ailing economy, more donations and heightened awareness about the planet.
“People are looking to be eco-friendly. We’re all about recycling. People are looking to invest in their community,” said Shannon Kendrick, spokeswoman for Heart of Texas Goodwill Industries.
Goodwill store sales are up 10 percent this year, and 12 percent for May, said Ms. Kendrick. These figures are for store locations across much of Central Texas: Waco, Copperas Cove, Temple and Bryan.
Ms. Kendrick said for the last few years, many donations went to areas affected by hurricanes Rita and Katrina. But that has tapered off.
“An increase in donations has helped a whole lot. Without that, our sales are not as high,” Ms. Kendrick said.
Goodwill Temple sells clothes, accessories, toys, shoes and knick-knacks. Store manager Samantha Rangel urged people to overcome the stereotype associated with thrift stores.
“We have a lot of new merchandise at reasonable prices. Before I worked here, I thought this was going to be garage sale stuff, but it’s not,” Miss Rangel said.
In the heart of downtown Temple, not far from the Goodwill store on N. Fourth Street, a non-profit women’s group owns and operates the Second Hand Rose. Sales the last few months have “been very healthy.”
Stacie Bratton, vice president of finance at the Women’s Junior League of Bell County, said Second Hand Rose has some first-rate merchandise. Some clothes donated by retailers still have the tag on them.
“Some new clothes, you can get for pennies on the dollar,” said Ms Bratton.
Donations to the Second Hand Rose are up also. One family gave them an entire estate’s furniture. Staying open an hour later seems to have increased interest from downtown workers who now have time to drop in on their way home.
Like the other thrift stores, Ms. Bratton said the overriding factor for increased sales is the economy.
“People are looking for good deals. Right now times are uncertain. Anything they can do to save a dollar.”
For several years, Capt. Martha Burchett has worked at the Temple Salvation Army location. She said store sales are up about 5 percent for the same period last year.
Besides offering sweet deals in tough times, this trend has an additional benefit to the community. Much of the proceeds are used for area health and social programs. In other words, shopping at places such as Goodwill and Salvation Army stores helps folks who can’t help themselves.
“Eighty-four percent of our revenue generated in our stores is invested in programs such as helping people with disabilities,” said Ms. Kendrick, with Goodwill.
Stacie Bratton said the Junior League supports Families in Crisis, the Children’s Advocacy Center of Central Texas, and Christian Farms Treehouse.
The Temple Salvation Army operates Homeless Prevention, a campaign in which residents can avoid having their utilities turned off because of overdue bills.
