Why Have Arizona Thrift Store Prices Seen an Unexpected Rise?

Thrift stores take donations, which they resell to raise funds for various causes. The St. Vincent de Paul Society, which operates thrift stores across Arizona, has a mission of "...service to people in need."

Goodwill's mission is to..."provide jobs and training for people to gain skills and achieve independence." These thrift stores accept donations, which they resell to support their missions.

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Arizona's Thrift Stores: Operational Costs on the Rise

If you're a budget-conscious shopper or just enjoy the thrill of discovering unique finds, thrift stores can be a fun experience. Shoppers have seen a noticeable rise in prices over the past few years.

Shortly after the pandemic, thrift stores saw a surge in demand. The economy was changing, and many shoppers sought bargains to stretch their paychecks. To keep pace with demand, some thrift stores began pricing their goods higher.

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Increased demand wasn't the only factor driving prices up. Operational costs have been rising, and thrift stores, like other retailers, are taking the hit. Rents have increased, employee wages have jumped, and other operational expenses like utilities are rising.

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Auction Reselling Increases Demand

If you've been in a thrift store lately, you may have noticed how much busier it seems. The folks combing through the shelves are no longer just casual browsers; they seem to be on a mission.

It's not your imagination. These folks are known as eBay Shoppers and they are a big reason why prices are skyrocketing at thrift stores.

eBay Shoppers scour thrift store shelves looking for valuable items that they resell at higher prices on auction sites. The practice known as thrift flipping has led to increased competition for quality items, and it's driving prices up.

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Will the average person still be able to pick up a lightly used pair of blue jeans for $4? Can you stock your kid's college apartment with kitchenware on the cheap? Probably not.

Unless your environmentally conscious urge to reuse goods and support a good cause wins out over your need to save money, you're probably better off looking for savings on new goods at bargain retailers.

[ Sources: St. Vincent de Paul Society | Money Crashers | Goodwill of Southern Arizona | Charlotte B Closet | Key to Fashion ]