Secondhand and some discount retail stores are doing fine even though the economy is not.

Associate economics professor Stephen Karlson said thrift stores have been doing well because of the economy.

“Thrift stores are doing good with people buying secondhand pieces of furniture to save money,” Karlson said.

Karlson said, in general, any business selling used or secondhand things are doing better than other businesses.

Karlson also said Wal-Mart is another business doing well.

“People who have not been previously seen there are shopping now for the cheaper prices to save money,” he said.

Wal-Mart has been doing so well that they have been able to give employee bonuses.

“Wal-Mart has been making serious money and are giving out bonuses to their employees,” Karlson said.

According to The Associated Press, Wal-Mart gave $934 billion in bonuses with an average of about $666 going to each worker.

Another thing Karlson noticed is that more people are going to auto repair shops to get their cars fixed opposed to getting a new car.

Some students have been making financial changes as a result of the economy’s current situation.

Senior English major Marlin Schrieder is one of these people who have been making cuts.

“When I go grocery shopping, I tend to buy generic brands over others to save money,” Schrieder. “Overall, I’ve been cutting back on spending.”

Marko Bajic, junior physical therapy major, said he has been making a list of things he spends his money on.

“I’ve been writing down everything I spend to keep track of where my money is going,” Bajic said.