Local thrift store expands with second Hattiesburg location
People in the Pine Belt have plenty of options to choose from when it comes thrift shopping. From major outlets such as the Salvation Army to more local ones like Southern Pines’ Second Chance Thrift Shop, these stores help people save money on retail goods.
And now, the thrifting scene in the Hattiesburg area is expanding.
Southern Pines’ Second Chance Thrift Shop has been in business for more than 12 years, benefitting the Southern Pines Animal Shelter. Store director Rebecca Brown said the place was built after the board of directors decided they wanted to open a thrift store to help supplement income and create a nest egg for the organization.
“The number one reason I think people shop with Southern Pines Second Chance Thrift is to support our amazing organization and help give second chances to pets in need in our community,” Brown said.
With prices on everyday items rising, people turn to thrift stores for clothes and other items.
“Times especially lately have been hard on everyone, and it seems like the prices on everything goes up, so I know that for a lot of people, especially those with kids, it’s really beneficial to them,” said assistant manager Elizabeth Shows.
Earlier this summer, Southern Pines and 360 Thrift Store in Oak Grove opened new locations in west and east Hattiesburg respectively. The new locations not only represent a sign of growth for both businesses, but they give customers new places to shop.
“It really didn’t take us long to get the west Hattiesburg location up and running. It took several months to lock down a location, after that it took about two weeks to get set up for opening,” Brown explained.
The thrift store industry has become increasingly profitable. A report published by IBISWorld states industry revenue grew to $14.2 billion by 2018 and has kept increasing since.
“I think a lot of people simply can’t afford to buy name brand products anyplace else, and there’s a lot to be said for thrift stores because it really helps a lot of people,” said Lamar County resident David Broome.
William Lowery is a Hattiesburg-based freelance writer.
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Hattiesburg thrift store opens second location to fund animal shelter
