Downtown Langley Business Association calls for moratorium on thrift shops

How many thrift shops is too many?

It's a question the Downtown Langley Business Association has been pondering as of late. 

"In the postage stamp that we call the downtown, which is two square blocks, there's 18," said Teri James, Downtown Langley Business Association executive director. "That's a lot."

James said the number of second-hand stores has doubled in the past two years, which is why the DLBA is calling for a moratorium on thrifts shops in the downtown area.

It's asking city council to look into putting a cap on the number of business licenses it issues to the stores.

James says the DLBA isn't concerned with any one business in particular.

"It's not that they're not welcome, but it's just that we think we're saturated," he said.

But thrift store owners say they're filling a need.

"I think nowadays, with the economy, that's what people are looking for — the better deal. Because it's too expensive these days to buy the newer stuff," said Adrianna Berben, manager of Second Beginnings, a Langley thrift store. 

The DLBA is also hoping to curb the number of donation bins in the area, which James said are frequently used as trash cans. 

Berben agrees the bins are a magnet for unwanted refuse. 

"Garbage. A lot of garbage. A lot of people just leave me garbage," she said. "I've had used diapers a couple of times." 

CBC News contacted Langley staff and council about the suggested moratorium. No one was available for comment. 

With files from Jesse Johnston