Second-hand stores thrive

The recession has taken its toll on many large US retailers, but smaller ones catering to the second-hand market are flourishing as the cash-strapped seek better bargains.

The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops, which claims to be the world's largest resale trade association, recently reported that a survey of its members about second quarter sales in 2009 (compared to the same period in 2008) showed increasing turnover in the second-hand sector.

"Of the 263 stores that responded, 64.1 percent said sales increased (with an average increase of approximately 31 percent), 11.5 percent said sales were about the same and 24.4 percent had a decrease in sales," the association reported.