Crystal Thrift Store Sees Surge in Secondhand Shoppers
A thrift store in Crystal says business has been steady since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Business has picked up even more as the price of groceries and gas has surged over the past year.
Shoppers at the Bibles For Missions Thrift Center in Crystal tell CCX News they are used to pinching pennies.
“We’ve always kind of gone to thrift stores a lot, but we do it a lot more now because we’ve always found the value in thrift stores anyway,” said customer David Rudquist.
Some customers say the economy has shifted how they shop.
“It’s changed drastically because you can get good quality stuff for lower prices at a thrift store,” said customer Samuel Liggions. “I’ve gotten $385 suits here for $5.99 with the tags still on them.”
The Bibles For Missions Thrift Center was busy Wednesday morning with customers looking for deals.
Bibles for Missions Thrift Center has been in business for 25 years. It had built a loyal customer base before the pandemic. But donations and revenue at the store jumped post-COVID.
“So, basically 50 percent in two years. Between COVID and the economy and everything that’s going on, it’s been very much of an increase,” said Ronn Kreps with Bibles for Missions Thrift Center.
About 300 people come through the doors each day. Many of them are first-time customers.
Volunteers run the shop. Store officials say they don’t have enough people to extend store hours. So, for the time being, they will try to keep up with the demand.
“Something about thrifting post COVID really caught on,” said Kreps.
