GULFPORT, Miss. (WLOX) — As prices continue to rise on everyday necessities, people are looking for more ways to save.

Crystal Lett is just one of those people choosing thrift stores over traditional retail to find everyday items for less.

“With the gas prices and the economy going on right now, girl, this is the place to be,” Lett said.

Thrift stores stock everything from clothes and furniture to books and kitchen items, all without the brand new price.

Hunter Daniels said budgeting has become difficult even with support.

“I’m in a really good place where I have the support that I need. But even with that, trying to budget the small part-time income that I make, it’s really hard. So I’ve been trying to save as much as I can,” Daniels said.

The median household income in Mississippi is $56,447, according to the U.S. Census Bureau, making the pinch of inflation hit harder.

The Salvation Army and Youth for Christ run thrift storefronts, turning donated goods into funding for their missions.

Major Paul Egan of the Salvation Army said those in need can receive vouchers for free clothing.

“If somebody is in need and they need to stop by our social service office and they can’t even afford to pay for their clothing, they can come get a voucher from us and then come over to the store and shop using that voucher as opposed to money,” Egan said.

Instead of ending up in a landfill, donated goods find new owners, and those who run thrift stores say that’s a win for wallets and the environment.

Brad Holt of Youth for Christ said the model extends the life of usable items.

“It recycles things. You know, there’s too many things going in the landfill that still have life left. And people, you know, are grateful to get it at a much cheaper price than some of the big name stores are selling them at. And it, you know, it keeps items out of the landfill, gives them an extended life, and helps people in the community,” Holt said.

As prices stay high, operators say the secondhand economy keeps growing.

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