Layaway And Consignment Big Hits

The economic meltdown isn't affecting business at the Second Boutique in Fairhope. Owner Gary Fuller says sales are up at his consignment shop.

"In fact, we just opened another store in Daphne to handle the increase in consignments coming in," says Fuller.

Consignment shops offer sellers a way to market their goods. The seller gets half of the purchase price...the consignment shops gets the other half of the sale.

"They can buy high-end items at discount prices," says Fuller. "They bring in their own items, we market them and they get half of the selling price."

Fuller says families are watching every penny...he expects business to pick up even more during the Christmas shopping season.

Another way to save money this holiday season and still find that perfect gift is layaway. Many retail giants discounted layaway years ago, but the money-saving program is making a comeback.

"Shoppers can make a purchase without having to max out their credit card," says Dale Perry who manages the Radio Shack in Fairhope. "We offer layaway here and it's a good way for people to save a little money. With layaway, all it takes is a small down-payment and it's all interest-free."