The Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Yakima will permanently close its doors on Nov. 15, ending its longtime presence in the community. According to Lisa Sargent, officer of the Salvation Army's Yakima Corps, the decision comes after a period of financial difficulty that makes continued operations untenable.

“We had been struggling financially for some time and it just didn’t make sense to continue,” Sargent said. She added that the closure will also impact workers, leaving many unemployed.

For years, the thrift store has been an important destination for Yakima residents, offering affordable clothing and household items while supporting local programs. The store was a destination for community members looking for bargains and for some, it was an important place to access essential goods.

Sargent said the closure was a difficult decision, citing the store's importance to both customers and employees. “Locally, we will do everything we can to support and care for them,” she said. “As far as the thrift store goes, I know a lot of people loved that store and I think it will always have an impact.”

While the store's closure marks the end of an era for many regular customers, Sargent emphasized that the Salvation Army remains committed to supporting the community. The organization is supporting employees through the transition and will continue its mission of helping those in need.

“If we lose something, it has a big impact. That doesn't mean that keeping it is the right thing for us or not, but it's definitely a hard decision and sometimes a decision that we have to accept and move forward knowing that something bigger is coming,” added Sargent added.

As the closure date approaches, The Salvation Army is focused on ensuring that both its employees and the community have the support they need during this transition.

For more information about the closure or to access Salvation Army resources, individuals are asked to contact their local Salvation Army offices.

The last day of operation at the Salvation Army Thrift Store in downtown Yakima is November 15th.