An increasing number of people are turning to resale shops and flea markets as budgets tighten because of the worsening economy.

There was a 37.7 percent increase in sales at the resale shop Among Other Things over the summer compared to summer 2007, according to Cornerstone Among Women’s executive director, Linda Luecke.

“There are always people who enjoy resaling, but we’re showing a great increase in traffic and sales,” said Luecke. “Many more people are using the shop — more children’s clothing is going out.”

The shop on Griswold Road in Elyria benefits the nonprofit agency, which assists pregnant women and others in need.

Irene Hollo, the store’s manager, said she expects traffic to increase even more as the holidays approach.

“We see people from the top strata of society looking for a bargain, and we also see those in great need coming to shop,” Hollo said. “Often they’ll have stories, and we encourage them or give them referrals.”

An increasing number of women appear to be shopping for work clothes for their husbands, she said.

“Men’s shirts sell for $2.75 and they’re in excellent condition — we have Arrow and Tommy Hilfiger,” she said. “A quality tie is $2 and at the store they might spend $25 for an average tie.”

Infants’ clothing sells for $1.25, and the store carries Carter and other top brands.

“We also have assorted furniture — an example would be an adult mahogany desk for $45,” she said.

The Goodwill on Abbe Road in Elyria also has seen plenty of foot traffic.

Michael Hearn, an Elyria factory worker, was cramming two $15 end tables into his Camaro one evening. He said bargain buying helps his budget stretch a little further.

Also shopping at Goodwill was Phyllis Holtz of Avon, who said she finds all kinds of bargains.

“Why pay full price?” Holtz said. “A couple months ago, I was here and found two Ralph Lauren shirts — it’s like hunting and it makes you feel so good.”

Robert Rees, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of Lorain County, said he didn’t have firm figures on any increases, but the sales volume appears to be going up.

Not only are people finding bargains, but Goodwill employees are getting great experience working in the shop, he said. It’s a victory for the entire organization when employees eventually find jobs in the community, Rees said.

A whopping 591 people showed up for a Goodwill-sponsored job fair earlier this month featuring seven companies that were hiring, said caseworker Sherwin Goldberg. He said a number of people left with jobs.

Concerns about the economy also are drawing big crowds to flea markets, according to Lorna Balmert, general manager of Jamie’s Flea Market in South Amherst.

An estimated 8,000 turned out on recent Saturdays when there was good weather, and all 400 outside spaces for vendors were filled, she said. Wednesdays at the market are less crowded.

Since 2007, most of the 200 indoor vendors want their space year-round, she said.

Vegetable seller Frankie Betti, a familiar face at Jamie’s for the past 36 years, said there’s more competition in other venues for food, so sellers have to offer good deals.

“People used to come to the flea market pretty regularly for food, but there’s more supply than demand out there,” Betti said. On a recent Saturday, he was selling big garlic heads four-for-a-dollar and huge sweet onions were 50 cents each.

Another vendor had seedless baby watermelons and cantaloupe for $1.50 each and five home-grown tomatoes for $1.

Finding a bargain helps the budget, and it’s just plain fun, said Sherry Hunt, who was shopping with her father. Hunt got a pearl and gold ring for $45.

“In a store, it might cost $100,” she said.

The camaraderie of bargain shopping often pulls family and friends together, including senior citizens Pat “Lulu” Phinney and her friend Charlotte Blazer, who drove to the flea market from Berea.

“I bought six James Patterson novels for $5,” Phinney said. “I’ll start reading them at 7 at night and I’m still up at 3 a.m.”

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

 

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