Owners of local consignment and thrift stores say uncertainty about the future of the economy and rising gas prices have been a boon to their businesses.

While government economic stimulus checks would seem to be helping—the Birmingham Business Journal reported that the Alabama Department of Revenue recorded sales tax collections in the state rose by more than 9 percent in April, year-over-year, and the National Retail Federation says retail sales nationwide rose nearly 4 percent—soon the money will be all spent and consumers are looking for ways to save.

“I hate it that the economy is poor and gas is expensive, but it’s been an advantage for us,” said Changes in Athens Consignment Center owner Carolane Logston. “I was just telling someone that people who would have paid $300 for a designer bag gladly come here now and pay $80.”

The designer bags might be from last season and some of the consignment clothing, while clean, is “gently worn.” But Logston said she also carries closeouts from other stores on new merchandise.

“I have a lot of teens who come in here to sell their clothes, but walk out with more clothes than they came in with,” she said.

Logston said the quality of clothing offered for sale through consignment has never been as high as now.

“People are motivated now to clear out their closets,” she said. “They’re bringing things in now to earn money.”

Logston said she had always been a regular retail shopper until about six years ago when she learned about the savings earned through buying consignment.

“I can’t stand to pay $80 for a blouse when I know I can get it for $6,” she said. “People who shop are going to shop and if they can’t afford the mall, then they’ll come here.”

Lori Masonia, owner of Classic Closet, also reports an upsurge in business that might require hiring another employee.

“Once schools are out and proms are over business usually slows down,” said Masonia. “But this year it hasn’t slowed down at all. We’re seeing new faces, people who would normally not shop consignment. Business has increased tremendously. I’m going to have to hire a third person. I will be in business 15 years this November and we’ve never been busier. I’m pretty much a happy camper.”

Athens Flea Market owner and manager Tracy Edwards also reports brisk business.

“Business really dropped after Christmas, but since March we’ve been really business,” said Edwards.

The flea market sells clothing, furniture, appliances, antiques, costume jewelry, dishes and glassware, and home décor items through booth or space rentals.

“More and more people are bringing in things on consignment, looking to make extra income,” she said.

The Goodwill Store manager referred all questions to her regional supervisor in Birmingham, but she said she hasn’t noticed any difference in business one way or another.

Salvation Army employee Deannie White said business is down and she thinks it’s because of the price of gas.

“We had some customers who might come in two or three times a day and now they don’t,” said White. “Of course, we’re always down at the end of the month.”

TNT Thrift Store on North Jefferson Street was closed for the long Fourth of July weekend and managers could not be contacted.