ANTIQUES, art, furniture, branded wear and more, all at a fraction of their original prices.

While some families may cut down on cash donations to charities during the current downturn, they appear to be more generous when it comes to parting with their unwanted belongings.

The Salvation Army's Family Thrift Stores have seen an increase in such donations and this, in turn, has resulted in an increase of up to 15 per cent in sales.

Open seven days a week, the crowd usually comes in on Fridays and weekends at the five outlets here.

With stocks at all stores being replenished daily, it is no wonder business is still booming, despite the economic downturn.

An added incentive for most shoppers is that there is a charity element - the income generated from sales supports the Salvation Army's social and community programmes.

Mr Paul Chay, 51, retail manager at Red Shield Industries which runs the stores, said: 'In recent months, donations in kind have increased, especially from those who are downsizing.

'Our stores are also doing well, with a growing group of young people looking for vintage and antique furniture, as well as other decorative items.'

Donations in kind are sorted by staff of Red Shield Industries into various categories. Only those that are top grade are put in stores, while the rest are exported.

Mr Chay said: 'Awareness of our stores has spread, through forums and our website. We were also awarded Best Vintage Store by Smitten Magazine last year.

'Young people know that our store has value for money. Even those who are just curious buyers find themselves returning to our stores. Instant discounts for members also give them an incentive to shop with us.'

At the Salvation Army Family Thrift Store in Upper Bukit Timah, students Jaclyn Chow and Maricar Chan, both 20, were spotted browsing through the clothing section.

Said Jaclyn: 'We heard from friends about the stores having good vintage clothes. With the proceeds going to charity, it makes shopping here more meaningful too.'

Others have made the store a regular stop. Madam Surani, 44, said: 'I was here three weeks ago to buy a stroller for my grandson.'

Madam Surani's friend, Ms Vicky Nunez, 47, a domestic helper, said: 'Prices are good, even the second-hand branded goods are of high quality. So we come here when we're both free.'

Other shoppers like Yamada Kei, 23, a student, and her family made donations to the donation bins before shopping at the thrift store.

'It's much cheaper'

'We had a lot of stuff at home that we didn't want to throw away, so we decided to donate them instead,' Miss Kei said.

'I come here often because it's much cheaper, and you can get quality things. I've bought $20 Nine West shoes and unworn Topshop shoes for $30 before,' she added.

Clothes and accessories aside, the store also has an entire floor devoted to furniture, ranging from Little Nyonya-esque wooden furniture with mother of pearl inlay to modern forms with lustrous fabrics.

With business booming, the Salvation Army also hopes to help those who have been affected by the economic downturn.

Said Mr Chay: 'As our stores are doing well despite the downturn, we hope to help as many people as we can by providing employment in our thrift stores.

'We welcome people from all walks of life.'

To find out where the stores are and how you can make donations in kind, go to www.salvationarmy.org.sg/singapore

- Han Su-Ying, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper on Feb 28, 2009.