The Detroit News has this report today: It’s boom time for area thrift shops.

A snippet:

The ranks of penny-pinchers have grown so much that Goodwill Industries International Inc., the Salvation Army, the Society of St. Vincent de Paul and other charitable organizations are expanding their thrift stores or opening new ones throughout Metro Detroit.

Much of the growth comes from consumers who aren’t traditional thrift-store shoppers but are changing their buying patterns because of the economic crunch, Farmington Hills retail analyst Ken Dalto said.

I have a sidebar listing thrift shops and second-hand stores in the Monroe area, along with addresses and phone numbers. Depending on what works best for your financial situation, take advantage of the tax deduction slips and the cash on sale offers when you clear out your closet.

Following up on the Detroit headline, yes, Goodwill is expanding its store in Monroe and a new thrift shop recently opened at Monroe Factory Outlet.