Local thrift stores are seizing the opportunity to provide more affordable clothing in an effort to counter the toll that inflation is taking on consumers.

His Hands Clothing Closet owner Christine Zimmer envisions her shop as a place where anyone, regardless of class, can shop. 

“I wanted to reach everyone, even blue-collar workers whose pride might get in the way of getting free clothes,” she said.

Thrift shops across the nation are reporting increased traffic as customers seek price breaks, a trend that is playing out in Eudora as well.

Sustainability is hard for families right now who don’t have enough disposable income, especially with kids returning back to school, Zimmer said. The cost of apparel was up 5.1% in August compared to last year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Consumer Price Index.  

His Hands offers customers a chance to receive free clothes by scheduling appointments. The free clothes are a way of giving back to families in need, but Zimmer also finds joy in having people spend $20 as opposed to spending $100 at other retailers.

Her husband and part-time store helper, Paul, said he’s noticed more demand in the store.

“We had a lot of them that stopped coming in for a while, but lately they have been coming back,” he said. “I think it got to the point where everything else is getting too expensive between food and gas that they’ve decided to come back.”

Hours for the store have been a top priority concern for the owner. His Hands is only officially open one day out of the week, 12-4 p.m. Saturdays, due to lack of help.

“It’s hard to be open because she doesn’t have any help here other than herself,” Paul Zimmer said. “There is a good chance we can remain open two days in the week and hopefully three, but we have to see where we can go with it.”

Christine Zimmer trusts that her devotion to her faith and giving to the community will keep His Hands doors open, praying every day she can continue her service.

“I always say, I don’t know what today holds, but I do know who holds it,” she said.

Eudora Thrift Store is also experiencing a steady flow of customers browsing the clothing section of the store, owner Andrea Starr said.

Starr works to keep the store fresh every week with new sales for clothes, furniture and decor.

“We work hard at what we do and try to help the community the best we can,” Starr said.

Bill Finley volunteers at the store to help Starr with managing duties. Finley is confident Eudora Thrift Store will continue to thrive due to a loyal customer base and as prices for retail items increase.

Starr and Finley rely on regulars coming through the doors as it helps gather information on what to keep on the racks, keeping the store stable when the economy becomes unpredictable.

Customer LaVonne Shawley from Linwood said she can’t drive by the store without dropping by to look or say hello. While Shawley is always on the hunt for vintage items on store shelves, she keeps a close eye on a bargain for tops.

Over at His Hands, frequent customer Sheila Bost said she loves visiting secondhand stores as it is a way to give more than to receive. 

“Right now, people don’t have a lot of money to spend,” Bost said.

This story has corrected the day of the week that His Hands is open.

Reach reporter William Crow at [email protected]. 

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