Saving With Seth: Shopping second hand

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Sharon Ausban made a switch to second hand stores many years ago. She blames her husband.

"I used to be a great Ayres shopper and practically lived at the mall," she said.

Now Ausban is looking for deals at the West Lafayette Goodwill Store on its 30% off senior day.

"He [Ausban's husband] likes it better, saves him money," she said.

Many people like Ausban turn to secondhand shops, for donated clothing and other items.

"Probably 70% of Christmas," said Goodwill customer Jo Ann Waddle. "Brand new stuff with tags still on it, never opened packages."

Cindy Graham, Goodwill's Vice President of Marketing , said the chain is going strong despite weak retail numbers at other stores.

"The economy has so far been a good thing for us because people realize that there are lots of ways that they can save money," she said.

Graham said with 3,000 new items being stocked every day, Goodwill stores must slash prices to make room for more inventory.

"On the fourth week, if it hasn't sold, it's 50% off," she said.

"I just bough a rotisserie for my grill, our new grill, we just bought and we paid I think $28," said shopper Cecilia Walters pointing to the rotisserie she picked up at Goodwill for less than $3.

Graham said many people don't come to Goodwill with a shopping list. Instead they simply browse the aisles to see what's available.

"You never know what you are going to find," said  Waddle.

Although the search for a good deal can be quite a thrill, people should be careful not to get carried away by impulsive buying.

We suggest setting a limit before you enter a second hand store [or any store for that matter]. Know how much money you have to spend and stick to it. Otherwise, it can be easy to get carried away buying items you simply don't need. 

The Lafayette area has several second hand stores.
We have listed many of those below:

Goodwill Stores
Merry Go Round, 1009 Sagamore Pkwy W. West Lafayette
Once Upon a Child
Plato's Closet
Second Glance, 124A Farabee Dr., Lafayette
Trinity Mission Outlet, 1224 Union St. Lafayette
Twice as Nice, 738 S Earl Ave, Lafayette