In tough times, yard sales provide shopping options

By Joycelynn Granderson
Hazelwood Central High School

The people of Clifton Heights participate in the annual neighborhood yard sale for the enjoyment but some of the shoppers come out of necessity due to the current state of the economy.

For the past five years, the residents have organized the event, which includes several residents hosting yard sales at the same time.

"Neighborhood yard sales are great," said Patrick Cerutti, one of the sellers. "They create a sense of togetherness."

Many Clifton Heights residents say they believe having multiple yard sales at the same time brings in more customers as opposed to having one.

Grace, who provided only her first name, is a frequent yard sale shopper who has been going for three years, three times a month.

"I am what you would consider poor," She said. "I lost my home and now live in a one-room apartment and I work part time. I come because I cannot afford to buy new." 
 
While many Americans are simply cutting back, she is supporting herself through yard sales like the one in Clifton Heights.

"You can find great things at yard sales," Grace said. "I mostly look for kitchen items and clothing but people surprisingly have a lot of things that they like to get rid of. Most of it's new things that they don't use and it's a great deal." 

There are many reasons for having a yard sale. “I just do this to get rid of old stuff,” Cerruti said.

Yard sales may feel like getting rid of something deemed unusable, but to a shopper it is the same as stepping into the nearest department store and buying the latest design. In this economy, yard sales are a great option. For people like Grace, it is the easiest way to relieve the financial burden that the economy has placed on them.