The thrift store at Saint Vincent de Paul is closing over declining revenues amid the pandemic, the executive director announced Wednesday.
The charitable organization will continue to provide clothing and essentials to homeless and financially vulnerable people, the organization said.
The thrift store at 3005 First Ave. S., has long been a source of revenue for the organization and allowed it to pursue other programs like rental and utility assistance, sober living scholarships and meals for the homeless, according to a news release.
“Over 40 years ago we were the only game in town for quality used goods. Since then, the rise of retailers like Target, Walmart, dollar stores, and other thrift stores have made it easy for people to buy items at low prices,” Craig Barthel, executive director for the organization, said in the release. “I’ve spent my life in retail and I can say that it is has become increasingly difficult for us to make money. We believe we will serve the poor better, going in this new direction.”
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Donations for the thrift store will not be accepted. However, St. Vincent de Paul plans to mobilize the community for needed items throughout the year, the release states.