Thrift shopping continues to emerge as a growing trend throughout the years. One of the most popular thrift stores in the West is Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center.
Thrift stores, in general, serve many purposes. First, it is a place for consumers to quickly and easily offload the items they no longer want or need.
Plus, these individuals can feel good that they are donating to a purpose. That is because most thrift stores, including Deseret Industries, serve a purpose with their earnings.
Even better, this allows consumers to come to the thrift store and browse, finding hidden gems for a fraction of the retail price. As an extra bonus, this keeps perfectly good items out of the landfill and in circulation.
In this post, we go over what it’s like to shop at Deseret, where you can find the locations closest to you, and so much more!
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Deseret Industries History And Mission
Deseret Industries, also abbreviated as DI, started its humble beginnings in 1938. This store began with its affiliation to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The founder, John Widtsoe, created the company with four main purposes. First, to give opportunity to those that have not. Second, he wanted to reduce the amount of waste and keep items in circulation.
Third, he strived to employ those who were unemployed. Lastly, he wanted a place with quality but affordable goods for all to shop through.
To this day, Deseret offers training in the retail and manufacturing spaces. Plus, they partner with community colleges to offer training courses in valuable areas, including accounting, healthcare, and more.
With the earnings, Deseret performs community outreach, providing grants and humanitarian aid to those in need.
Next, we’ll go over the shopping experience at Deseret Industries.
Shopping At Deseret
Shopping at Deseret Thrift Store is a lot like shopping at a Salvation Army or Goodwill (but NOT like the Goodwill Outlet). When you walk in, you will see racks of clothes and other items along with shelves of shoes and other miscelaneous items.
Most stores operate from the hours between 9 or 10 am to 6 or 7 pm. Donation hours, at some stores, are limited to either 9 or 10 am to 4 pm. Be sure to call your specific store to check their specific hours before you venture out.
All stores are closed on Sunday, so make sure you plan a time to go on a Monday through Saturday.
What Will You Find?
When it comes to the types of items that you can find, expect to see clothing items, shoes, toys, games, books, antiques, collectibles, furniture, and other housewares. Plus, Deseret Thrift Stores have stock of a variety of brand-new items, too.
Deseret has its own manufacturing plant where they produce solid wood dressers, tables, chairs, cribs, and bunk beds. This store also stocks brand-new mattresses, mattress pads, bed frames, and pillows.
Pricing
Deseret Industries advertises affordable prices for all of its items. When customers donate items, employees evaluate them for their condition.
From there, items are placed into a category of good, better, best, or exceptional. Prices are then based according to the condition of the item.
The emphasis on quality is what sets this thrift store apart from the rest. The store inspects and cleans all items before they reach the sales floor. This upholds Deseret's reputation as a reliable place to thrift shop.
Donating To Deseret
Deseret accepts donations of gently used items. See below for the lists of items that are accepted, followed by items that are not.
Accepted Items:
- Antiques
- Baskets
- Bedding
- Blankets
- Books
- Clothes
- Computers
- Cookware
- Drapes
- DVDs
- Games
- Glassware
- Home furnishings
- Jewelry
- Kitchen goods
- Radios
- Seasonal decorations
- Shoes
- Small appliances
- Sports equipment
- TVs
- Tools
- Towels
- Toys
- Wall art
Items that are NOT accepted:
- Food
- Medications
- Wet items
- Items with mildew
- Large appliances (stoves, refrigerators, dishwashers)
- Weapons
- Mattresses and box springs
- Items prohibited by federal, state, or local laws (ex, chemicals, flammables)
Other Tips For Donating To Deseret
You do not need an appointment to donate. Just show up to your nearest location during their regular donation hours. However, it’s important to note that some stores close their donation centers early depending on donation volume for that day.
If the donation center is closed, do not leave your items. This is actually illegal. Consider donating on a weekday or a morning as opposed to a weekend, which is generally a busier time.
If you do drop off some items, be sure to get a receipt because you may be able to claim your donation on your yearly taxes as a deduction.
Find A Deseret Industries Thrift Store Location
In order to find a list of Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center locations, visit their website to use their location finder.
Currently Deseret Industries Thrift Store and Donation Center has 46 stores. Consumers can find stores in Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Nevada, California, Oregon, and Washington.
In conclusion, Deseret Industries Thrift Store offers more than just quality and affordable goods. It provides consumers the ability to support a worthy cause while enjoying the thrill of the hunt.
If you are on the lookout for a thrifting experience that combines quality, sustainability, and purpose, be sure to pay a visit to your local Deseret Industries store.
I’m sure you’ll walk away with some fantastic finds and feel a sense of satisfaction knowing that you’ve supported your community.
Happy thrifting!
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