GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. (KKCO) - Whether it's a new pair of shoes or clothes for the little ones, tough economic times have many in the Grand Valley looking for deals. This recent boom in bargain shopping has some local businesses reaping big benefits.

For many in the Grand Valley, money is tight, but not tight enough to stop the urge to shop. "There's been a lot more people shopping second hand looking for good deals," says Larkin Beaman of Uptown Again.

Uptown Again is a consignment shop, that's seen a pickup in business. "We have seen a lot more people just stopping by and checking out what the store is about," she says.

People like Sean Boesch, who is now a frequent customer. "I just redecorated my house and most of it came from here," says Boesch.

He's not alone. "I find them affordable, the selection is unique and I also like that it's small," says shopper Marsha Kosteva.

This trend is picking up all over town. "We have seen an increase in foot traffic, especially during the holiday season, we've progressed well for the year," says Kathy Martin, regional manager of Heirlooms for Hospice.

The Heirlooms for Hospice store raises funds for Hospice & Palliative Care of Western Colorado. Due to their increased popularity, the store has been able to expand.

The Habitat for Humanity ReStore is seeing the same success. "Even in a down economy our sales are holding strong, when other businesses are dipping we're going strong," says Habitat Executive Director Amy Rogers.

Habitat and Heirlooms both run off donations and even in hard times people are still digging deep in their pockets to give back. "We see our sales stay strong and our donations are even stronger," says Rogers. An added benefit, items donated to non–profits like Habitat for Humanity or Heirlooms for Hospice are tax deductible.

Some people need the extra cash and are finding that consignment is the way to go. "I can bring things in that I don't need anymore and get credit for it," says Boesch. "Just clothes that you are tired of and don't fit anymore," says Kosteva. And it doesn't take long to get a return. "It usually doesn't take much more than a month, so by the time I come back in I have credit," says Boesch.