The Salvation Army thrift store on Jackson Street will close its doors for the final time Thursday, Jan. 17.
The move brings to close a thrift store with more than ten years of operation, according to a Salvation Army news release. Nine part-time employees will be laid off Jan. 17 while the store’s one full time employee will be laid off Jan. 31, according to the release.
“Why do people decide to work here?” asked David Puszczewicz, Director of Operations for Salvation Army’s Northwest division. “Well, usually it is because of what it is that we do. I would say that we are not a great paying job and there are a lot of other opportunities for folks, but those that do come to the Salvation Army really believe in giving back.”
Puszczewicz described the team at Salvation Army as similar to a family. He said the decision to close the thrift store was difficult, citing financial issues.
“The whole purpose of a Salvation Army thrift store is to be able to generate funds to support the programs here in the local community,” Puszczewicz said. “The better the store does, the more money we have and the more services we can provide. Unfortunately, this location has not been able to break even.”
The thrift store on Jackson Street — while positioned in the central part of town — did not have enough room in the back for processing donations or in the front for customer parking, he said. Puszczewicz said potential customers called the store with stories of circling the block multiple times, failing to find a spot and consequently shopping elsewhere.
Salvation Army does not intend to close its doors in Moscow indefinitely. Puszczewicz said the non-profit intends to find a more suitable location to reopen the thrift store. In the meantime, other Salvation Army aid operations will remain in place in Moscow and the Lewiston Salvation Army thrift store will remain open.
According to the Salvation Army press release, 458 people in the Moscow/Pullman area received assistance with utility, rental, groceries, transportation and more. Salvation Army assures that donations from the previous red kettle fundraising season will provide further aid to local families.
Community memebers outisde the Salvation Army on its final open day, Thursday.
Emilie Darney | Argonaut
“In terms of our social service programs, they’re all still here,” Puszczewicz said. “That’s not leaving. The only thing that’s leaving right now is the thrift store. So, as we move forward, hopefully we can locate another space that will enable us to do better and then be able to return and provide more funding for the local programs, because that’s what it’s all about.”
Puszczewicz said Salvation Army is going to miss the local community and all the support that they have provided the organization. He said he hopes that the thrift store can reopen soon and find a better future.
“We appreciate the community so much,” Puszczewicz said. “The college has been extraordinary about sending over volunteers and a lot of people have helped us through — for an hour or two or volunteering on a regular basis — and that has helped us tremendously. It is very much appreciated.”