The owner of a local Bridgeport thrift store says high gas prices and expensive groceries are changing the way people shop.

Penny Womack of "Penny's Closet" in Bridgeport says her sales have doubled in recent months as people look to save money.

"People can come here and get a good bargain. They go to one store, and then they will come here because it's cheaper. Oh, I feel good about that -- I like to help." Womack stated.

Womack says other secondhand store owners are seeing the same trend.

The owner says shoppers are trading the mall for secondhand stores to stretch their budget further as the cost of living remains high.