Aug. 10--Jennice King just doesn't see the point in shopping at the "big stores."

When she wants something, she usually checks out the American Cancer Society thrift store in Tacoma's Proctor District. Why pay more, she asks.

And as the economy continues to slow, more shoppers are following her lead and looking to thrift stores before heading to the mall.

"Almost everything I am buying at the grocery store is more expensive now. And that's not just affecting me, it's affecting everyone," King said as she browsed women's dress shirts. "So this just makes sense."

As a result of the influx of customers, thrift stores across Tacoma and the nation are reporting a large increase in business. Business at the Cancer Society store is up about $1,000 per month, not bad for the tiny shop that's completely volunteer-run, said store chairwoman Peggy Trout.

"We seem to do quite well," she said.

The National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops surveyed its members in April, and found that about 75 percent of the respondents said they saw an average 30 percent increase in sales from the year before.

Tacoma Goodwill, which oversees 20 stores in 15 counties in Western Washington, saw a 9 percent jump to more than $32 million in sales from 2006 to 2007. The company hasn't posted month-to-month sales numbers for this year, but expects even greater growth.

Stores big and small say more customers have come through their doors. Nationally, Goodwill Industries has seen a 6 percent increase in business across the first four months of 2008, and the Junior League of Tacoma Thrift Shop on Pacific Avenue has seen a 5 percent increase over the last month.

"Most people are looking for a bargain right now," said Steven Grant, manager of the Junior League shop.

The bargain hunt is what brought Tami Johnson of University Place to Goodwill's store on South 38th Street in Tacoma last week. She's hosting a family reunion and had to find sheets for about a dozen beds. She thought of going to Costco, which would have some of the lowest prices if she were buying new, but decided to go second-hand for a better deal.

And this time she brought her daughters along. While she was looking for linens, one daughter found a pair of Heelys -- shoes with wheels in the sole to act as roller skates -- in her size for $5, dramatically less than the $50 they were at another store.

"My kids love the hunt. ... That's the fun for them," she said.

But the ailing economy has done more than spur a rise in business at the stores, Tacoma Goodwill spokesman Matthew Erlich said. They've also seen an increase in people seeking training through the nonprofit. Retail proceeds allow Goodwill to train those who need work.

"Not only are you going to get a good deal, you get to change someone's life," Erlich said.

Goodwill takes donations from trailers placed around the area, which are taken to the stores. The items aren't washed or repaired, so they can go out on the floor as soon as possible, Erlich said. New items come out every day.

Goodwill's biggest sellers are clothing and books. And all departments have seen growth.

Rhonda Rhodes, the manager of Goodwill's 38th Street store, said she expects to see more business as back-to-school season comes around. The store sets aside areas for local school uniforms, and opened a junior section for school-aged kids.

She said Goodwill has also seen an increase in donations. In a time when many businesses are struggling due to a faltering economy, Goodwill and other thrift stores are doing well by helping others save.

It's a secret that shopper King has known for years -- she comes to the Cancer Society store every Tuesday. She goes to the "big stores" if she has to, for gifts or if she can't find anything at her favorite thrift store.

"I'm a real regular," she said.

Brian Everstine: 253-597-8374

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