FALMOUTH (WGME) -- Inflation is still surging, even as gas prices are going down.
In July, the cost of pretty much everything was up 8.5 percent over July last year.
The ongoing rise in prices is leading to a rise in people shopping at thrift stores.
"We're up maybe 30 percent over last year and last year was a pretty good year," Lots for Tots Founder Scott Freedman said.
Freedman founded Lots for Tots 33 years ago.
It's a consignment store where people can drop off unwanted baby or toddler items and get money in return.
"This is the one that goes for $150, I don't know exactly because they don't make this anymore, it's a couple years old, ones that are very similar that they are selling now are almost $500," Freedman said.
As the price of everything goes up, so does how much he'll pay for used items.
"We have a formula that if it sells for $100 new, we price it at $50,” Freedman said. “If that same product now is going for $120 new, we price it at $60."
Customers at Lots for Tots aren't the only ones who seem to have more interest in thrifting.
Right next door at The Fashion Gods, the owner says she's seen a change to her customer base as well.
"Since COVID, we actually got busier than what we were together, and with inflation, we got busier as well just because people don't want to go to the mall and spend you know, $100 on a pair of jeans," The Fashion Gods Co-Owner Vanessa Mooers said.
The Fashion Gods is a consignment store that sells and buys secondhand clothing.
"How could you go wrong getting triple what you get at the mall?" Mooers said.
Mooers says this month she sees a bigger crowd in particular.
"This time of year is really busy for us with back to school, just because they're like, ‘Oh, we're going to stop here first and see what you have before spending retail price,’" Mooers said.
Through moments of uncertainty, both owners are grateful to see a positive outcome to the pandemic.
"I certainly hope it's an emerging trend in that regard," Freedman said.