By Jennifer Richardson

SPRINGFIELD, Ore. -- More Americans filed for unemployment in the first week of January.

The Labor Department says nationally jobless claims rose to nearly 400,000.

The Oregon Employment Department says the official unemployment numbers don't come out until next week.

It says we should expect an uptick in part because those seasonal jobs are fizzling out.

And with people still in need of jobs, it seems the second-hand stores are finding success.

Erica Ware is one of the many people who recently found herself in need of a job.

"I also got laid off in May, so I needed a career change," Ware said.

That change led her to Second Thoughts Resale.

Her shop opened in November, and now she's helping others ring up some bargains.

"We have customers who have good jobs that have come in and still want to save their money for the basics of food and medical," Ware said.

"I think it is very nice and the things are not expensive and they are very useful," said shopper Zhixia Tong.

At My Little Children in Eugene, customers say over the last couple of years the stigma to buy resale has dropped off because more and more people are finding themselves in less than ideal financial situations.

"I think it let off a little bit --- like oh you have to get assistance. I think it is smart shopping," said shopper Latisha Gillock.

"We get a lot of customers who are thanking us profusely for being here because they wouldn't be able to afford a lot of their children's clothing," said My Little Children owner Alice Harless.

The Oregon Employment Department says more than 145,000 people filed for unemployment benefits last month. That's down from about 174,000 the same time last year.

Total unemployment in Lane County for December sits around 10,000.

"Who knows what's going to happen tomorrow or next week or next month. Jobs are still being lost," Ware said.

And with that uncertainty it seems those running the resales and rummaging through the racks are in good shape.

The Oregon Employment Department says we should expect a higher unemployment rate for the next two months, and that's back to those seasonal jobs expiring.