Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington has announced the closure of its South Lake Union and University District stores in Seattle, citing increasing theft, safety concerns, and rising rents as unsustainable challenges. The nonprofit thrift stores, which have served their communities for over a decade, will close on September 22.
According to Derieontay Sparks, Senior Vice President of Customer Experience at Evergreen Goodwill, the decision to close the stores was driven by a significant increase in property damage, break-ins, and threats to employee safety. “These challenges, coupled with rising rent and operational costs, have made it unsustainable to continue operating in these areas,” Sparks said.
This closure is part of a growing trend in Seattle, where several major retailers have recently shuttered their doors due to similar concerns. Starbucks, Nike, and Lululemon have all closed locations in the city, citing safety issues and high costs. The city’s rising crime rates, particularly in retail theft and violent crime, have created a challenging environment for businesses.
The closures of these Goodwill stores are particularly significant, as proceeds from sales have funded job training and education programs that have helped over 57,000 individuals in the past decade. Employees from the closing stores will be offered positions at other Goodwill locations in Capitol Hill and Ballard.
Washington State has been ranked the most dangerous state to live in for 2024, with Seattle facing severe challenges in law enforcement staffing and crime prevention. As businesses continue to close, the future of retail in the city remains uncertain.
