Greensboro, N.C. - In today's economy, buying new seems old fashioned to more and more people. Until recently, used clothing, book and music stores carried a certain stigma.
"It's not that way anymore. Look at me, I'm on television, 'Hey world, I'm in a consignment store and I love it,'" Plato's Closet customer Jacquelyn Osborne said.
Osborne loves a great deal.
"Clothes are very expensive. Me being a single mom...I have to cut corners wherever I can," she said.
Shopping at a store like Plato's Closet allows her to save money without compromising quality.
Manager Zarah Washington said, "People are trying to save money now with how everything is going with the economy. I think people just want to save money and get good quality clothes."
The store recently doubled in size. The stigma of buying used has gotten the boot.
Not too far away, parents shop at "Kid Tested" to save money on used children's clothes and toys.
"Everybody from people who may not earn as much money, the lower class, all the way up to people who live in places like Adam's Farm," manager Alex Ferrari said.
When money's tight and kids' attention spans are short, parents can find something kids will love that doesn't come with an outrageous price tag.
"It's wonderful when people come in and they're looking for presents for their kids, their kids get to play with the toys and see if they like it," Ferrari said.
There are at least a half-dozen consignment shops in Greensboro on Battleground Avenue alone.
Most sell items 40 to 70 percent off what you'd find at a retail shop. Plus, they typically will buy items from you as well.
WFMY News 2