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HIGH POINT — So thrift stores may not be your thing because you prefer new clothes.

News flash: Many thrift stores -- at least the ones I've seen and I've been to plenty in the Triad -- carry new apparel.

Take the pair of rose-colored, Doncaster lady's pants inside West End Ministries' thrift store in High Point as one example.

Still has the original price tag of $235.

Yours for $10, although it might have been part of an ensemble.

"They could have had it for $5 at our half-price sale," said Mary Lane, who runs the Edna Howell Thrift Store with Brenda Hare.

Clothes and accessories for guys, too, including a new pair of suspenders for $3.

Not bad.

That's also how you can describe business at the thrift store, which has seen a steady rise in sales as bargain-conscious consumers including those just barely scraping by look to save big bucks on clothes, furniture, appliances and housewares by patronizing resale shops.

Nearly 80 percent of thrift stores saw an increase in new customers, according to a recent survey by the National Association of Resale & Thrift Shops.

The Edna Howell Thrift Store saw $6,000 more in sales, or $45,000, during the fiscal year ending in December compared with 2007.

"We're already ahead of budget this year," said Judy Mendenhall, West End Ministries' executive director.

She offers a couple of reasons why:

"Our prices are very reasonable. We don't charge an arm and a leg for anything. And we have good, quality merchandise."

The business' bread and butter are the thrift store's bag sales. That's where customers can load a grocery bag full of items for $5.

"Who knows what it would come to if they bought it off the racks at Dillard's or something," said Lane, who used to teach at High Point Central and Andrews high schools. "That's the best deal in town."

The thrift store has done so well over the years that it's running out of space.

West End Ministries plans to relocate the store from the West End Community Center, where it's spread out in several rooms on two floors, into a new, freestanding building within 12 months.

Money from the thrift store is used to help fund programs including Leslie's House, a shelter for homeless women, the Boys & Girls Club of Greater High Point, free computer classes, emergency aid to help people pay utility bills and a food pantry.

The store is at 903 English Road in High Point and is open Fridays from 3 to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 to noon.

Those interested in volunteering or donating items can call the thrift store at 884-1105. You can also arrange to have your items picked up.

Also check out a slide show of the store.

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Teachers will be able to save some green at this year's Wyndham Championship in Greensboro.

They can get two free tickets for the third round, which is on Saturday, and the final round on Sunday.

Technology Concepts and Design Inc., a Greensboro-based company, is sponsoring the free admission.

Those eligible include kindergarten through high school teachers at all Piedmont Triad public and private schools.

Teachers need to show a current school identification card in the public parking lot to receive the tickets.

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The YWCA of High Point is holding its semi-annual "Career Closet" sale until the end of August.

Prices on women's clothes including brand names such as Casual Corner, Express and Jones New York are 50 percent off.

If you bought those at a department store, you're easily spending $200 to $300. The YWCA is selling them for $12-$20.

Dana Hester, the YWCA director of women's services, said the sale started several years ago to help low-income women get back in the workforce.

Money raised helps the YWCA's women's resource center.

The center's goal is to empower women by helping them look for jobs and get online schooling. The center also has two computer labs to help them with their research.

The YWCA of High Point is at 112 Gatewood Ave. just off South Main Street.

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The Hayes-Taylor Memorial YMCA in Greensboro is hosting a fall yard sale.

Highlights include new and slightly used household and personal items, baked goods, toys and books.

It will be held Sept. 12 from 8 to noon at 1101 E. Market Street.

The number is 272-2131.

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A Greensboro church is having a children's and maternity consignment sale.

The Guilford College United Methodist Youth Fellowship sale is Friday 9 to 7 p.m. and Saturday 9 to 1 p.m. Some items will be 50 percent off on Saturday.

It's at 1205 Fleming Road.

The number is 292-5833.

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The Hospice League of Alamance-Caswell is running a clearance store in Burlington until Aug. 29.

Hundreds of adult and teen clothes will sell for $2 each. Children's clothing will be 50 cents each.

Other items for sale include shoes, hats, pocketbooks and more.

The store is at 2308 Corporation Parkway at the Burlington Outlet Village.

The number is 532-0197.

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Contact Mike Fuchs at 373-3465 or michael.fuchs@news-record.com