TOLEDO, Ohio – With rising costs and looming economic uncertainty, more consumers in Toledo are turning to thrift shops in search of affordable alternatives. Secondary retailers, especially thrift stores, are reporting an uptick in foot traffic as shoppers look to stretch their budgets amid concerns about rising prices, potentially exacerbated by President Donald Trump’s tariff plan.
At Church Women United Thrift Shop in Holland, Ohio, a 50-year-old non-profit organization, manager Karen Greulich has observed a significant shift. Traditionally, springtime tends to be slower for the shop, but this year has been different. “We’ve been pretty busy lately,” Greulich said. “I’ve been here 33 years, and this time of year has usually been our slower time.”
The influx of customers, Greulich noted, seems to be partly driven by the broader economic climate. “We have a lot of regular customers, and lately we’ve been getting a lot of new ones,” she said. “We’ve seen that uptick in people coming in, so yes, it’s helping drive people in here.”
This trend is not isolated to Church Women United. Across the Toledo area, thrift stores are experiencing similar surges in business. Many attribute the increase in shoppers to the rising costs of goods and services, which have left consumers searching for budget-friendly options. Thrift stores, with their reasonably priced secondhand goods, offer a convenient solution.
“We try to keep our prices reasonable, so that people can afford to purchase,” Greulich explained. As more consumers look for ways to cut back on spending, discount retailers and thrift shops are becoming vital resources for those trying to manage the impact of rising costs on their daily lives.
For many shoppers, the appeal of thrift stores lies not only in the lower prices but also in the opportunity to find unique and vintage items. However, the primary draw remains affordability. “They’re just saying that it’s more affordable. They can’t afford to buy new,” Greulich said, emphasizing that more people are turning to secondhand goods as a practical solution to their financial concerns.
Church Women United Thrift Shop, open Tuesday through Friday and some Saturdays, serves as a valuable option for those in need of both affordable and quality items. As economic pressures continue to rise, it’s clear that secondhand shopping is not only becoming more popular but may also thrive in the coming months, offering consumers a way to navigate uncertain times without sacrificing value or style.