Community · Southwest Las Vegas
Southwest Las Vegas thrift store manager says shoppers are spending less as the midterm elections approach
KTNV reported that a Good Samaritan Thrift Store manager says customer traffic is steady but spending fell in September and October, while a UNLV economist points to a split between higher- and lower-income households.
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What happened
Customers are still shopping at Good Samaritan Thrift Store in southwest Las Vegas, but they are not spending as much, KTNV reported. Store manager Maria Sears told the station the business had been growing steadily before sales dropped noticeably in September and October.
Steady traffic, smaller purchases
Sears said the number of people coming through the doors has stayed relatively steady. The change, she said, is in the amount those shoppers are spending, which has declined. That pattern points to customers who are still visiting but buying less once they are inside.
Why the manager points to election season
Sears believes election season could be one factor shaping how people shop, according to KTNV. She said some customers appear to be focusing more on necessities and less on discretionary purchases. KTNV presented the election as one possible influence, not the only explanation for the drop.
The slowdown at the store comes as the midterms approach. Readers following the vote can find more in our elections coverage and our look at Nevada early turnout before Election Day.
What the national numbers show
Spending rose, but not after inflation
KTNV cited figures from the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis showing that consumer spending increased by $113.1 billion, or 0.5%, in September compared with August. After adjusting for inflation, however, the bureau's figures showed spending was essentially flat.
A split between households
UNLV economics professor Stephen Miller told KTNV that consumer spending continues to support economic growth. "Consumers are still supporting the growth in the economy," Miller said. He added that households are not all experiencing the economy the same way.
Miller said higher-income households are helping keep spending up, while lower-income consumers are facing more financial strain. "High-income people are supporting the consumer spending and low-income people are having a hard time because of inflation," he told KTNV.
How the store is responding
Keeping prices within reach for the holidays
Sears said her goal is to keep the store affordable, especially with the holiday season approaching. She told KTNV the store regularly runs sales so customers can find what they need without stretching their budgets.
When the store is open
According to KTNV, Good Samaritan Thrift Store is open Mondays, Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. More stories about local businesses and neighbors are in our community section.
What to watch next
- The approaching midterm elections, which Sears believes could be one factor in how customers are spending.
- The holiday season, when Sears said she aims to keep the store affordable for shoppers.
- Continued sales at the store, which Sears said are offered regularly to help customers stay within their budgets.
