WINSTON-SALEM, N.C.-- Right now might be the best time to snag deals at thrift stores like Goodwill. A new Netflix series has folks flocking to donate the items that no longer spark joy in their lives, and Goodwill is benefiting.
- Some stores are seeing a 30-percent increase right now compared to usual
- Viewers across the country are letting go of items that no longer "spark joy"
- Clothes, shoes, books, games, toys and household goods are pouring in
Since Marie Kondo's Netflix special "Tidying Up" started streaming January 1, viewers across the country are getting items that no longer "spark joy," and donating them to thrift shops. Goodwill stores across Northwest North Carolina might be reaping the benefits.
"We usually see a drop-off in donations after the holidays, but that hasn't happened this year,” said Sara Butner with Goodwill Industries of Northwest North Carolina. “Our donations are up far more than we would normally see for the middle of January. Some of our donation centers are seeing as much as 10 to 15 percent above their average in donations right now."
Goodwill tells Spectrum News some stores are even seeing a 30-percent increase right now compared to usual. In 31 counties in North Carolina, Goodwill employees are making room on shelves for all of the extra donations. From clothes, shoes, books, games, toys and household goods, quality items are pouring in.
"We are seeing more things that are newer,” Butner said.
In the back, employees are working on overdrive to sort all of the items, with donation bins overflowing.
Goodwill says it cannot be certain that the increase is solely from the Netflix special, but the types of items they are getting in seem to indicate a trend.
“That does make us feel like people are doing more de-cluttering than they would normally be doing this time of year,” Butner explained.
Allen was just watching "Tidying Up" right before she came in to Goodwill in Winston-Salem.
"Yes, literally five minutes ago!" Allen said.
Allen says the show got her thinking the shopping might be prime this month, and about her own place.
"I want to tidy up my whole house now,” Allen said. “I don't know, I thought it was cool how she thanked her clothes that she gave away, and if it sparked you with joy. I would never think of that! Or even her just thanking her house, that was awesome."
Goodwill says there are a lot of items that might spark joy in you, you just have to look.
They say employees usually try to get donations out on the floor within 20 minutes, but with the sudden increase, employees are able to hold many items in the back to place out in the coming weeks and maybe months.
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