The National Retail Federation reports March sales dipped compared to last year, but the resale and consignment business is bucking that trend.
The National Association of Resale and Thrift shops reports the industry is growing at 5-percent a year.
One central Arkansas store gets about 10 new customers a day, as more and more customers flock to stores to save some cash and bolster their income.
Katelinn Long and her mom Joanna Patterson are frequent shoppers at Key Elements Resale.
"Shes can get a lot of nice brand name clothes that are almost new. If you watch the sales, sometimes you can catch half price," Patterson said.
Long thinks shes found the perfect prom dress.
"I like poofy dresses," she said.
Makayla Farrows big day is still months away, but shes already looking for her wedding dress.
"I just stood there staring at myself in the mirror for 20 minutes, turning and looking and turning and looking again and shaking," Farrow said.
She found a brand new, budget-friendly dress for a fraction of the regular cost.
"The ones I looked at in the magazine where anywhere from 5- to 800 dollars and I dont have that kind of cash. The dress I have on is about $200, thats a big savings," farrow said.
More people are shopping here to save money but even more people are selling here to make some money as well.
"Right now, more people people are calling and asking for their money and saying, hey im gonna go put it in the gas tank. I think we all have so much we dont know what to do with it and this is a way to make some money back," store manager Tracey Brown said.
Long boosted her bank account by selling back clothes she already bought.
"Shes been trying to raise money to buy a prom dress and she had a couple of part time jobs, but she knew it wasnt going to be enough for what she wanted," Patterson said.
And armed with some extra cash, sellers can buy the clothes they want, but still have some green left for the things they need.
To get the best bang for your buck in resale, make sure your clothes are in good condition.
Be sure to wash them or have them cleaned beforehand.
And stores are seasonal, so make sure your sales are too.
