Goodwill to close 2 Seattle thrift stores over theft, safety concerns

Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is closing two of its Seattle thrift stores.

The nonprofit announced Friday plans to shutter its South Lake Union and University District locations, citing retail theft, public safety concerns and rising rents and operational costs.

“The decision to close these stores was not made lightly,” Senior Vice President Derieontay Sparks said in a news release. “Both locations have experienced a troubling rise in property damage, break-ins, and safety concerns for our employees. These challenges, coupled with rising rent and operational costs, have made it unsustainable to continue operating in these areas.”

Founded in 1923, Evergreen Goodwill operates more than 20 retail stores in King, Snohomish, Skagit, Whatcom and Kitsap counties, with the goal of providing job training and education to those experiencing barriers to economic opportunity.

https://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2024/08/23/goodwill-closes-thrift-stores.html