HIGH POINT – Fluctuating economic conditions put a burden on shoppers this year, but officials at local thrift stores say the economy may actually have boosted their business.

In efforts to save a buck, store managers said more customers came through their stores this holiday season than in recent years, looking for personal items or gifts for others.

“It’s been consistently busier than it has in the past,” said Chris Gorham, director of marketing and communications for Triad Goodwill. “We attribute that to the economy and the enhancement made in our shopping experience.”

Gorham said one of the most noticeable changes this year was that the same people who were donating items also were shopping in the store.

“Our donors were not our shoppers before,” Gorham said. “They were two different groups of people. That isn’t the case anymore.”

This is the second holiday season that Carol Duncan has worked at the Oak Hollow Thrift Shop at 1020 Eastchester Drive, but she can see a noticeable difference in customer traffic from last year.

“I do think this year has been very good traffic wise,” Duncan said about the store, which benefits First Wesleyan Church. “A lot of people will readily tell you they shop here due to job losses or the way the economy is.”

Sales usually increase for the Salvation Army Family Store at 1501 S. Main St. as Christmas approaches, but this year business has seen a slight uptick, according to Capt. Tony Perez.

The store averaged about $875 a day before December, but now brings in about $1,000 a day in transactions, he said.

“Folks that are shopping are looking for second-hand items that are still new,” he said. “They’re needing a break in their budget, so I contribute (the increase) to folks trying to stretch a dollar.”

phaynes@hpe.com | 888-3617