Goodwill Stores Close Down Amid Rising Costs

August 31, 2024

The closure of two Seattle Goodwill stores due to theft and high rent costs is threatening essential community services.

At a Glance

Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington closes two Seattle thrift stores due to theft and rising rent.
The affected locations are South Lake Union and University District, with the closure date set for September 22.
Safety concerns, including property damage and break-ins, play a significant role in these closures.
Store closures impact critical community services like job training and affordable goods for underserved populations.

Rising Theft and Rent Costs

Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington is shutting down two of its Seattle thrift stores, citing escalating theft and rising rent as the primary reasons. This decision affects the South Lake Union and University District locations, which will officially close their doors on September 22. Derieontay Sparks, senior vice president at Evergreen Goodwill, highlighted “a troubling rise in property damage, break-ins, and safety concerns for our employees” as significant factors in the decision.

These closures follow similar actions by other major retailers like Nike, Starbucks, and Lululemon, who have also cited crime as a reason for leaving Seattle. The growing trend of retail closures illuminates a broader issue of unchecked crime and ineffective policies within the city, impacting businesses and the community alike. According to a Seattle City Auditor report, in 2022 alone, Seattle police received 13,103 calls from the city’s top 100 retail outlets, costing officers 18,615 hours.

Impact on Community Services

The closure of these stores raises concerns about the nonprofit’s ability to continue funding essential community services. Goodwill stores generate proceeds that fund free job training, education, and job placement programs. With over 57,000 individuals benefiting from these programs in the past decade, the closure of these pivotal locations represents a significant loss for the community. Sparks pointed out the need “to maintain a secure and sustainable environment for both employees and shoppers.”

The Broader Context

The closures highlight broader issues plaguing Seattle. Critics argue that the city’s leadership has failed to address root causes effectively. Policies perceived as “soft on crime” have contributed to out-of-control theft and safety problems, leading to a less vibrant and increasingly shuttered retail landscape. Employees from the South Lake Union and University District locations will be offered positions at other stores, but the loss of these locations marks a significant setback.

Sales from the affected stores, along with revenue from 23 other regional Goodwill locations, fund critical social programs. Shoppers and donors are encouraged to redirect their support to nearby Goodwill stores in Capitol Hill and Ballard to help maintain the nonprofit’s community impact. A massive residential project in downtown Seattle also remains on indefinite pause, further contributing to the city’s issues.

Seeking Solutions

Contending with escalating theft and property damage, the closure of these Goodwill stores underscores the urgent need for comprehensive solutions. The nonprofit urges city leaders to take significant actions to rectify the current state of affairs. The continuing departure of key retail outlets could lead to more boarded-up windows and deteriorating community vibrancy, emphasizing the gravity of these complex issues and their broad impacts.

Goodwill remains committed to serving the community by redirecting resources and seeking new ways to maintain their essential services. However, without significant changes in policy and enforcement, further economic and social decline appears likely. The situation serves as a critical reminder for local leaders to address these mounting challenges effectively.