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Social distancing is a team effort, so how are thrift stores and consignment shops responding to the coronavirus? Are they accepting donations still or closing their doors altogether?
Here’s how the top 9 brick-and-mortar thrift store chains and consignment shops are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic.
1. Goodwill is accepting donations during operating hours.
Goodwill is still accepting donations during their operating hours, which vary by location. To see what items they accept and how you can donate, read Goodwill’s donation guidelines, and call your local Goodwill store to inquire about store hours.
You can still shop at Goodwill online anytime, but you may experience delivery delays depending on local closures.
2. Salvation Army is accepting in-kind gifts and money donations.
Salvation Army stores will remain open and continue to work “in close partnership with area government and health experts.”
The organization is currently supporting local communities in the greater Chicagoland area with services like emergency assistance , food pantries and more.
If you want to help, you can send a money donation via their website, or in-kind gifts to your local Salvation Army, including:
- Non-perishable food
- Baby supplies
- Hygiene products
- Cleaning and sanitizing items
- Paper products
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3. America’s Thrift Stores shortened their store hours.
As of March 19, America’s Thrift Stores shortened their store hours to the hours below:
- 12 – 8 p.m., Monday – Saturday
- 12 – 6 p.m., Sunday
You can drop off donations at their Store Donation Centers or at your local store. They will also schedule free at-home pickups for local residents.
4. Plato’s Closet is still open for shoppers.
Plato’s Closet’s COVID-19 response varies from store to store. In Maryland, for instance, they aren’t accepting donations but are still open for shoppers.
Check your local Plato’s Closet to see their store policy.
5. Habitat for Humanity ReStores have adjusted business hours.
Although policies may vary by location, Habitat for Humanity ReStores have enacted some (or all) of the following measures:
- Adjusted business hours (9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Monday-Sunday; 12 – 6 p.m. Sunday)
- Monitoring in-store foot traffic
- Debit/credit purchases only (no cash)
- Free donation pickup
- In-store donations between 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. and 12 – 5 p.m. on Sunday
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6. All Deseret Industries Thrift Stores are closed until further notice.
All Deseret Industries Thrift Stores are closed to the public as of March 17.
However, low-risk employees “may be transferred to bishops’ storehouses and food processing operations” to alleviate high-risk employees.
7. Savers/Value Village Thrift Stores are starting to reopen.
Some Savers/Value Village thrift stores are starting to reopen based on local guidelines. Stores that will reopen will have changed operating hours from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Check with your local Savers store for the most updated donation information.
8. St. Vincent de Paul stores will remain open.
The Society of St. Vincent de Paul made an official statement, announcing that local stores will remain open and enforce typical protocols to prevent the spread of coronavirus.
However, it seems this policy may vary by location. For example, one location in Fort Wayne, IN notified customers on its Facebook page that their doors will be shut at least through April 13.
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9. Buffalo Exchange is closed but still offering their online donations service.
Buffalo Exchange announced on Feb. 16 that they would temporarily close all locations (no mention as to how long), but you can still donate via their Sell By Mail program. To get started, just Request a Bag.
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