It's another sign of the times. But this time there's some financial relief. This weekend, bargain hunters are getting a fix in Berks County. A unique shopping event is making its debut. And as WFMZ's Melissa Batulis shows us, many people say they're finding new value in saving money.

[ WEBLINK: Just Between Friends of Reading ]

  
>> REPORTER: Angel Baratta of Bethlehem says she's never been one to buy used. But with plans to open up a new day care center in Easton this summer, Angel changed her mind. 

>> BARATTA: I factored in a lot of different things in my business plan, but the more I save now the more I will still have in the bank...just in case because of the economy. 

>> REPORTER: So Angel made the trip to the Greater Reading Expo Center for the first ever Just Between Friends Consignment Sale. 

>> BARATTA: What we just paid, we were like there's no way. We were very excited. 

>> PANASE: We have toys, books, strollers...really, anything that relates to kids we have it. 

>> REPORTER: This is the first time this national consignment sale has been in Pennsylvania. It too, is a new business venture by two Berks County moms. 

>> PANASE: I think we're always looking for ways to save our families money. 

>> REPORTER: Just Between Friends organizer Tracy Panase says 300 people lined up for the pre-sale Wednesday. But it doesn't stop here...the Goodwill Stores in Berks and the Lehigh Valley say their profits have jumped between 7 and 28% over the past year. And just as one person's trash is another's treasure... one business's bad economy seems to be a gold mine for the consignment sector. 

>> PANASE: This is a recession proof business because right now there is a lot of need in our community. 

>> STAND UP: A lot of these price tags are barely in the double digits. Check it out...$3.00, $8.00, $6.00. And if that weren't enough of a savings, tomorrow most of this stuff goes on sale. 

>> PANASE: From 2:00 tomorrow through 3:00 on Sunday any item that does not have a red star will be discounted 50%. 

>> REPORTER: And that's money in the bank for these value-minded shoppers. 

>> BARATTA: There's no comparison!

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