Thrift stores thrive in down economy

Until Saturday, Harry and Janie Warren had visited thrift stores only to donate clothing or other things they no longer needed. Now, the Warrens, of North Richland Hills, can count themselves among the growing number of shoppers looking for steep discounts at thrift and resale stores across Tarrant Country. "I never really thought of going to one before; this is actually my first time going in," Janie Warren said as she browsed the clothing aisle at the Goodwill Industries store in Hurst, near North East Mall. "But it’s nice and clean, and there are some really good prices." Thrift store owners and managers say customers have flocked to their stores in recent weeks as consumers tighten their budgets amid worries about a slowdown in the economy. Many are first-time visitors who, like the Warrens, had considered thrift stores... [read full story]