Thrift stores see increase in customers as inflation continues to impact
SAN ANTONIO — Thrift stores are working overtime to ensure they keep their low prices.
This comes as some are seeing a record number of new shoppers.
Linda Reams said so far in 2022 it's been busier than usual at her North Side consignment store Too Good To Be Threw.
“We've always had new people discovering us. But it is more now,” Reams said.
Economist Ray Perryman said that's a trend likely to continue especially with inflation rising about eight percent from 2021 to 2022.
“In most markets, we're seeing as much as a 30% year over year increase in thrift store shopping right now,” Perryman said.
That is helping stores across San Antonio offset inflation's impact. For Reams it means not raising prices too much.
“We're very grateful for that people are looking to my kind of business for the first time,” Reams said.
It's welcomed business for stores across the Alamo City, which includes Texas Thrift.
“I think people are noticing the need to stretch their dollars farther, because they're feeling the pinch at the gas pump and in the grocery line,” Spokesperson for Texas Thrift Rachel Conry said.
The big question right now is how to continue to offset inflation. Thrift stores, which includes Goodwill San Antonio, feel the impact daily.
“We are experiencing increases in utilities in transportation costs. Wages, obviously, we're having to compete like every other business,” President and CEO of Goodwill San Antonio Carlos Contreras said.
Contreras said. they increased prices in 2021 by 50 cents at the most to help slow additional costs.
Right now, they're working to use all resources to keep prices from increasing further.
“We've done everything we can to maximize and, and really optimize our operations. So we can so we can squeeze every, you know, that penny out of the donations,” Contreras said.
Another thing helping is donations are continuing to come. Everyone said as long as they are able to keep inventory prices will not likely skyrocket.