With the U-S in the midst of its worst financial crisis in decades, there?s one area of the economy that?s doing quite well. Thrift stores.

In northern Wisconsin, store owners say they?ve seen a change in their clientele. They are also noticing an increase in donations, which goes against the national trend.

The Salvation Army says sales are up as much as 20 percent in some areas of the country. Store owners say that makes sense because people are looking for bargains.

Many stores donate proceeds to charity, which means the recent increase in sales has a double benefit. It helps the shoppers and those in need.