Thrift stores in and around Tempe are reporting an increase in student shoppers looking to stretch their dollar in a down economy.
Courtney Nelson, director of marketing and communications for Goodwill of Central Arizona, said Goodwill is doing more business with everyone but an increase in students is prevalent too.
“We are seeing more and more college students and younger shoppers come into our stores because they are recognizing the value and trend of thrift shopping,” Nelson said.
Nelson said the peak periods for student shopping are around the beginning of the semester when students are looking for furniture to move into their apartments and dorms and during the weeks leading up to Halloween.
“Halloween is our Christmas,” Nelson said.
Jeff Brosman, director of Gracie’s Ministries and Gracie’s Thrift Store near East Apache and South Butte avenues, said the store usually sees a jump in student interest around the same times as Goodwill.
“We do see (more interest) for a very short period of time at the beginning of each semester,” Brosman said.
Brosman said the 31-year-old store’s business has dropped since its peak in 2006, but said he sees an influx of international students who are looking for furniture and other items at the beginning of the semester.
Sophomore anthropology major Adrien Orlowski said he occasionally shops at thrift stores.
“It’s great,” Orlowski said. “(You can) save a buck on a jacket or something, there are really cheap things there.”
Chris Rockwell, co-owner of Ivy Boutique near East Warner road and South McClintock drive, said the store often gets recently graduated shoppers looking for deals on upscale resale clothing.
“It lets people afford things,” Rockwell said. “College students can still afford some fashionable outfits and still stay under budget.”
Rockwell said business models such as the Boutique’s are usually safe from economic swings because they offer deals when times are tough.
“It’s a recession proof kind of business if you understand it and understand your customers,” Rockwell said.
Reach the reporter at brennan.j.smith@asu.edu
