A study released in December 2013, by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce suggested that Kentucky cities are recovering more slowly than expected from the economic recession that began in 2008. Changes in the economy have forced many individuals to reduce spending in order to manage their finances. Buying and selling used materials is one strategy for earning money, while purchasing gently used items at reduced costs allows consumers to spend less. The National Association of Resale and Thrift Shops reports that resale stores in the U.S. are a multi-billion dollar a year industry.

Buying used items at local resale shops also helps maintain a healthy local economy. To increase consumer ability and confidence in buying and selling items through yard sales and consignment shops, the Hopkins County Extension Office hosted Savvy Sellers and Bargain Hunters financial workshop for the April Homemaker Leader lesson in all 9 counties in the Pennyrile Area. Educational emphasis was placed on: 

• understanding the difference between yard sales, consignment shops and thrift stores
• identifying whether participants have personal items that could be sold 
• determining the appropriate outlet in which to sell them- both traditional and online markets
• learning helpful steps in planning a yard sale, and selling items online  

Over 90 consumers participated in the workshops. Participants were surveyed following the class and 100% percent indicated they learned the difference between various types of resale shops; 98% learned how to identify items for resale; 98% percent learned how to determine the appropriate outlets in which to sell these items; and 100% percent learned how to plan a yard sale. Seventy-two participants indicated they planned to visit local resale shops and 90 planned to list used personal items for resale through consignment or resale shops, either in-person or on-line.