AUGUSTA, Ga. () – Local thrift stores prepare for their Masters Tournament sales months in advance.

Consignment stores like Second Time Around collect golf and Masters gear well in advance to make sure they have enough items for the influx of patrons coming to the area.

The owner, Karen Cole, said customers come in looking for all kinds of Masters-themed merchandise, but they’re also looking to get their homes ready for the big week.

“We try to get the front looking good, put some signs outside that say ‘golf memorabilia sold here’ and display some of the nicer furniture pieces that we have. We have a big warehouse in the back that has a lot more furniture back there, so we try to make sure we have the select pieces out onto the floor.” said Cole.

With the tournament bringing thousands to Augusta, Cole says people are buying Masters gear year-round, but right now is the busiest time for them.

“They really start a month before The Masters and it even goes to when The Masters is over, we’ll still have some people that are lingering in town, and they’ll see if they can buy something that maybe they didn’t get out on the course.” Cole said.

She says with many people coming into town, the workers always look forward to meeting those from all over the world.

Cole said, “We love to see the tourists come in, it’s so fun to talk to people especially when they have an accent from Scotland and other places like that but even the locals, they get so excited about this time of the year, it’s just a whole different vibe.” 

Many thrift stores are putting their memorabilia out this week, so if you are wanting any items, now is the time to go before they run out.