San Diego’s thrift stores teeter

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Father Joe’s Villages “We have employment problems.”

Major nonprofit thrift stores in San Diego have been around for decades. Then Covid came and took its toll.

Two long-time San Diego Rescue Mission thrift stores (North Park and City Heights) have closed. One sentence on the website says: “Our second-hand shops were permanently closed on September 27, 2021.” No statement was made.

Goodwill is not located in Hillcrest.

The North Park area of ​​the rescue mission becomes a split salon rental company called Broadway Salon Studios like the Hive in Hillcrest.

Regular thrifters in Hillcrest are still looking for bargains. Spokeswoman Darlene Cossio said, “While we are facing challenges in filling vacancies, our key employees made it possible … We have seen more than a 20 percent increase (in donations).”

Closed rescue missions become salon rooms.

Joe Scatena is the director of the retail business at Father Joe’s Villages. Their Hillcrest thrift store (1457 University Ave.) was formerly a Baras Foundations thrift store.

Scatena: “We are struggling with employment problems. We use alternative methods of recruiting, such as employment agencies. “

I visited Father Joe’s store on October 11th and a clerk told me they were “staying busy.” However, according to Father’s Joe’s 2020 financial report, only 8 percent of revenue comes from “donated goods and thrift stores.”

Alliance for African Assistance, Safari Seconds Seconds Thrift Store in North Park may be on loan at a time. This shop relies on tiny staff plus volunteers.

A source told me that at some point they will move out as the landlord is likely to sell the building. It is located at 2875 El Cajon Blvd. and is ripe for renovation; A craft beer company will open next door.

The Assistance League of San Diego is located at 108 University Ave. Marketing Chair Mary McBride told me, “We have had problems recruiting as we are all retired women, and we’ve cut our open days from Wednesday to Saturday, 11 am-3pm. However, we have managed to make a profit for our philanthropy. “

Rod Legg, executive director at Aunt Helen’s in North Park, said they are now “working as a super sidewalk sale to protect shoppers, employees and volunteers”. He explained their new service: “Our mission has evolved [from just a laundry service] during the pandemic to provide 1,600 families a week with free food. “

Amvets has a popular outlet at 3441 Sutherland St., just off the Pacific Highway. Mike Bledsoe, Operations Manager, told me that “our business is holding out with all the changes of the past two years”.

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