In Recession, Swapping Is The New Shopping

Bright Spots: How Clothing Swaps And Consignment Stores Are Delivering High Fashion At Low Prices

(CBS)  High style at low prices - it sounds like a nice combination, especially in this economy. And it may be possible for smart shoppers, many of whom are finding the best deals at their neighbors' houses, reports CBS News correspondent Kelly Cobiella.

It's Thursday evening and a posh Miami Beach home has been turned into a bargain basement - where swapping is the new shopping.

Fifteen shopaholics clean out their closets, and trade gently-worn Gucci for someone else's Chanel.

"Yeah, not taking out your wallet is fun and getting something new is fun," said Trudy Corey, one of the Miami Beach "shoppers."

"I think the idea of the barter has been something going on for a long time. I think it's just starting to catch fire now," said Lana Bernstein, the organizer of the swap. "Because of the recession."

These days, it's hip to pay less for more - a lot more. Michelle Lanese bought a whole new wardrobe at Goodwill.

"There must be 25 to 30 pieces for [a total of] $48 dollars," she said.

In the first four months of this year, Goodwill sales are up $71 million to $750 million, a 10 percent increase over last year.

"You are just as likely to see a woman come in a brand new Mercedes in a Goodwill as you are on a bike," said Cal Miller, V.P. of marketing for Gulfstream Goodwill.

Lynn Tella found brand-name jeans for her daughter for only $2.

"Some people turn their nose up at shopping at Goodwill but for me - it's it's a game, it's a hunt, it's entertainment but it just makes good economic sense," Tella said.

That's why consignment stores like Madeleine C's in Miami are seeing sales rise this year. The store is on track to beat last year's sales by $150,000 (from $1.1 million in 2008 to a projected $1.25 million this year).

Owner Madeleine Kirsh sets the price for clothes and, when they sell, the former owner gets half.

"Knowing I can bring it here and make money off of that is totally a relief," customer Natalya Palencia said.

It's all about recycling. You don't need designer labels to sell or swap - only friends who share the same size and taste.

But let the swapper beware: No returns allowed.

[u-r-right]

These gals need to leave the thrift stores alone. There are people who need them to survive. Better yet, they need to contribute items to these stores more often, not take items away from them.

[debinok1]

"Some people turn their nose up at shopping at Goodwill but for me - it's it's a game, it's a hunt, it's entertainment but it just makes good economic sense," Tella said.

A game? Those clothes would be heaven to a true family in need. And regular everyday families use those stores even more now. It is no GAME to them, it is survival.

[democracy1]

Swapping Gucci for Chanel? Oh, puleeeeze!

My heart just bleeds for these poor little rich girls who probably think that it's trendy to suddenly "cry poor mouth"! They probably think that they're "cool" while they pretend to be "slumming".

They should try to live for a month or two in the REAL world where the rest of us hard-working citizens live. They wouldn't be serving wine and hors d'ouvres during their "poor me" little swaps.

Half of these dimbos only married into inherited wealth. If they had to go out on their own to actually EARN a living, they'd be clueless. Probably homeless as well, until Mommy and Daddy picked up the check.

No sympathies for them from me.