Thrifty Business

Business is booming at secondhand shops. Here’s how to snag the best stuff: Donations are often local, so head for thrift stores in wealthier neighborhoods. Find stores at www.thethriftshopper.com, which has 9,000 listings. Shop early in the week—many donations come in over the weekend. Watch for hidden bargains: Thrift stores often set prices by category, say, $3 per shirt no matter what the brand. Consignment shops, which pass on a percentage of the merchandise price to the owner, may be more upscale. Find shops at www.consignmentshops.com.

Sid Kirchheimer writes about consumer and health issues.