Goodwill has announced the closure of two of its Seattle locations, citing increasing theft, safety concerns, and escalating rents as the primary reasons. The nonprofit thrift stores in South Lake Union and the University District will close their doors on September 22, marking the latest in a series of retail exits from the city due to worsening conditions.
Derieontay Sparks, Senior Vice President at Evergreen Goodwill, emphasized that the decision was not taken lightly. “Both locations have experienced a troubling rise in property damage, break-ins, and safety concerns for our employees,” he stated. The rising operational costs, combined with these challenges, made it unsustainable to keep the stores open.
The closures are part of a broader trend in Seattle, where major retailers like Starbucks, Nike, and Lululemon have also shuttered stores due to rampant crime and high costs. The city has seen a significant increase in violent crime and property crime, leading some to worry that Seattle could follow in the footsteps of San Francisco, which has faced similar challenges.
The South Lake Union Goodwill, which opened in 2012, and the University District store, which began operating in 2008, have been community staples. Proceeds from the sale of donated items at these locations have funded job training, education, and placement programs across the region. Employees affected by the closures will be offered positions at other Goodwill stores in Seattle.
The rising crime rates in Washington have made it the most dangerous state to live in for 2024, according to a recent study. The Seattle Police Department continues to struggle with staffing shortages, exacerbating the challenges faced by businesses and residents alike.
