In a time of failing businesses and economic uncertainty, thrift stores are thriving.

The newest trend is shopping for old ones. Instead of going to malls and department stores for the latest fashions, more consumers are turning to thrift stores for their clothing needs in this economic recession.

The Salvation Army owns over 1,300 charity shops whose profits go toward running adult rehabilitation centers. Over the last few months, sales have gone up 15 percent at its stores nationwide. Goodwill Industries International is a non profit organization, which operates over 2,000 thrifts. They have seen sales rise 10 percent over the last year in the U.S.

Christi Smith is a cashier for the Thrift World at 5115 S. 36th St. Over the past seven months she has noticed a climb in thrifters.

“I have seen a lot more people come through the door and spend, especially with the blue-tag clothing deals,” she said.

Smith also noticed that customers at Thrift World are now spanning every income category. She observed many more upper and middle class customers this year as well.

The popularity of thrift stores has increased so much that Salvation Army stores nationwide have been experiencing lower stock levels. Donations are down 5 to 10 percent.

Financial doubt is a main concern for shoppers. Many consumers are trying to find the best deals possible. Creighton Arts & Sciences senior Jim Kult shops at the Salvation Army at 2551 Dodge St. on Wednesdays, mainly for the 1/2 price family day.

“Thrift America has some excellent deals,” Kult said. “Goodwill is a little pricey for me. I try to live within my means.”

Kult thinks it’s not only important to save money using thrift stores. He finds that thrifts are significant in saving the environment.

“People always say recycle, I say reuse and recycle. What was one person’s ‘junk’ is usually still perfectly good clothing,” Kult said. “I try not to let my clothes define who I am as a person. So if I need clothes, those clothes fit and they are comfortable, who cares if someone else wore them before me?” he said.

Business sophomore Itsel Gamez frequents Plato’s Closet at 3406 S. 144th St., a thrift store specializing in “gently used brand-name clothing.” She prefers the store to hunt for designer clothing at a low cost.

“I suppose like most girls, I want the great clothes without having to shop at today’s prices,” Gamez said. “I usually go to Plato’s Closet once a week for two reasons. First, I love shopping and I need winter gear. Second, they sell brand-name clothing at half the cost and it’s affordable.”

She encourages students to use thrift stores to keep cash flow going to help the economy.

“I believe it’s important to find ways to shop and still save money during this economic downturn,” Gamez said.