Trinity Thrift Store in Lehighton has been busier than usual over the last six months, according to store volunteer Kay Patterson.

“We have seen a big increase in the number of people who come and also the quantity they buy,” she said.

But it comes as no surprise. Patterson believes folks are trying to save money at a time when the price of everything seems to be rising.

“When I see the price of groceries, I get sticker shock,” Patterson said.

The store has been part of Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church for 40-plus years. Other thrift store workers in the region agree that more people are bargain shopping.

People stop by the 175 S. Third St. store for deals on clothing for women, men, children and babies, along with housewares, games, books and more.

The items are donated by the community - and sale proceeds benefit the church’s busy food pantry and other community outreach programs.

Patterson said the pantry hasn’t had to rely on the thrift store as much since the COVID-19 pandemic struck. For around two years now, the pantry - like most others - is seeing federal and state help.

But when COVID-related funds get cut in May, Patterson is hopeful that the thrift store will still be operating with the supportive customer base it has now.

“The number of people who use the pantry has gone up dramatically and I don’t see that changing,” Patterson said.

Thankful Thrift Store

When November and December roll around, the Thankful Thrift Store in Lansford typically takes on more customers.

“Where business slides is in the months of January and February, probably because of the weather,” said Len Sniscak, a volunteer at the 24 W Ridge St, store.

That’s not happening this year. Sniscak said January has been busier than usual.

“I’m sure that’s because of the economy,” he said. “People come here to get stuff at good prices. It’s used but it’s way more affordable than going to a Walmart.”

Thankful Thrift opened a decade ago, and sells just about everything - from furniture and toys to clothing and housewares. Antiques and collectibles also find their way onto the shelves.

It’s run by volunteers like Sniscak, and items are donated by the community. All proceeds benefit Grace Community Church of Lansford, which owns the building that houses the store.

“I just read about the 10 best things to buy second hand, and we have nine of them. The only thing we don’t sell here is cars,” Sniscak said.

Another volunteer at Thankful Thrift, Terry Deubler, rang up customers’ purchases.

“My grandkids have been dressed from here,” she said. “A lot of this community gets dressed from here.”

Palmerton thrift store

Jordan Knappenberger opened the Treasure Hunt Thrift Store and More at 584 Delaware Ave. in Palmerton in June 2021.

“I have seen a lot of new faces in the store. It is a lot of people’s first time in,” he said of recent business at the store, and its two booths at the Slatington Marketplace.

He sells pre-owned clothing, toys, games and shoes - like most thrift stores do. And he also has vintage and collectible items, including beer signs, glassware, sports cards and vintage clothing.

“We have been selling more and more cheap items,” he said.

The store isn’t very large, so Knappenberger only places about a quarter of the merchandise on shelves. The rest is in storage until he finds a bigger space, he said.

“I haven’t seen many people trying to get deals but most of our thrift items are not too expensive,” he said. “T-shirts, leggings, shorts and hats are all under $5, and jackets are usually under $10.”

Collectibles run a little higher in price.

“I always take note to what people are looking for though, as I am always out and about looking for new treasures,” Knappenberger said.