SUMMER 2009 EDITION
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Resale stores remain profitable despite economic slowdown
Valerie Mosley/STAFF
Jeniva Miller shops at Maude Vintage on July 15. Miller hasn't changed her shopping habits much during the recession. "I'm a teacher," she said. "So I'm feeling the same pinch I've always felt."
COLUMBIA — Sabrina Braden, owner of Maude Vintage Clothing & Costumes in downtown Columbia, appears to be a high-spirited person. She smiles and keeps an upbeat energy. Her store, a resale and costume rental shop, is profitable despite an economic slowdown.
According to a February survey the Pew Research Center for the People and the Press conducted, 79 percent of Americans say they have cut back on unnecessary spending. Despite these statistics, the store's sales are increasing.
Although retail shops are struggling to keep their heads above water, resale businesses, thrift stores and consignment shops in Columbia seem to be staying afloat.
"(This) store is recession-proof because of the different things sold at good prices," Braden said. "T-shirts cost $10."
Although her store is doing well, Braden said she does not think the slump in the economy will end soon.
"Good measures are being taken, but it will take years of leveling off before a spike in the economy," Braden said.
Maude Vintage is not the only store in Columbia where people can find low prices on clothes. The Wardrobe on Park Avenue is a nonprofit store that resells clothing and gives it away.
There are several ways to find bargains on clothes. Some people receive clothing vouchers or referrals to qualify for free merchandise.
Every Tuesday at The Wardrobe is referral day, when people can go to The Wardrobe and take anything they want if they have a referral on an official letterhead from a government, civic or religious agency. On other business days, customers may make purchases at prices ranging from 10 cents to $2 for children's apparel and 10 cents to $5 for adult apparel.
"All prices are set. ... All children's shirts are the same price, all men's pants are the same price and so on," said Artie Miller, a volunteer for The Wardrobe for 22 years.
The Wardrobe returns its revenues to the community by buying new children's shoes during the back-to-school season. As for clothing donations, the numbers have not gone down.
The Salvation Army gives consumers another option. According to its 2008 annual report, 4,538 people received clothing vouchers last year.
People can receive vouchers once every three months by applying at the agency's family services office. The vouchers are to be used only on Wednesdays at one of the two local thrift stores. Customers can also buy clothing at low prices by going to one of the other thrift stores if they do not have a voucher.
Sales at the Salvation Army thrift store have recently gone up, leading some to think that the economy might change soon.
"Thrift store sales are going up. ... I am beginning to see a change in the trend for the better," said Maj. K. Kendall Mathews, the regional coordinator for the Salvation Army in Columbia and Jefferson City.