Jason Unrau
Northern News Services

Inuvik (Nov 25/05) - The trend-setters down south may have pushed up their second-hand clothing prices, but at Next To New on Berger St., there's still lots of bargains to be had.

One-of-a-kinds, like this novelty item with "my trip to Toronto was so expensive, I could only afford half a coffee mug" on the side is an example of some of the treasures waiting to be found at Next To New. - Jason Unrau/NNSL photo

"I'll definitely be back," said first-time Next To New customer Ernest Bernhardt Monday afternoon before cashing in on a boatload of clothing for a rock-bottom price. "I'm mostly shopping for my brother but there's definitely some good clothes here for winter."

While individual items generally go for 50 cents, bargain hunters can reap the rewards by packing their finds into bags; two bucks for a small bag, five for a garbage bag's worth and $10 for a giant orange garbage bag. Books are free.

It's a pretty good deal when one considers name-brands such as Calvin Klein, Gap and Ralph Lauren can be had.

"This pair of jeans I saw in Ottawa for 89 bucks," said one customer rifling through the selection of pants.

"Oh, everybody comes here," said Inuvik Works manager Veronica MacLeod on the clientele. "Even if you're not in need, sometimes people can find a real bargain."

"We take almost anything, but we don't really need stuff that's dirty because we don't really have the manpower to deal with it," said Glenda McGee of Inuvik Works, who according to MacLeod, "runs the place."

McGee said that an industrial-sized washing machine would be a nice donation to help staff handle the preparation of clothing before it hits the shelves.

"One time somebody called wanting to know if we took animals," added MacLeod. "We don't."

MacLeod says people often bring in canned food and that goes to the Inuvik Food Bank.