Digital Thrifting Helps Fund Rehab

The Salvation Army has long been a popular place to donate gently used items, find one-of-a-kind treasures, and purchase items at bargain prices.??It still is, but since 2020, The Salvation Army shoppers can shop and buy online at the digital thrift store?shopthesalvationarmy.com.

The online store offers the same shopping thrill as the brick-and-mortar stores with a specially curated selection. You will find multiple categories of merchandise including Art & Antiques, Jewelry, Handbags, Shoes, Clothing, and Electronics. Items on the site are sourced from donations throughout the Western Territory and there truly is something for everyone.?

?After registering on the site, buyers can shop all categories, or search for specific items or brands.?An auction format is used, so buyers can see the current bid for each item and the time remaining to bid. Buyers can purchase via Pay Pal, credit, or debit card. And the site enables buyers to connect with sellers for any questions related to the listing, or if -after winning the bid- there are further questions. Bidding on all Items starts at $9.99, and auctions run for 7 days. Winning bidders are notified by email.

Julie Dover, Director of E-Commerce,, Western Territory recalls there was considerable angst about the $9.99 across the board listing price when it was introduced in November 2020, but it has proven to be very popular with bidders

?“Buyers come to our site looking for value and instead of us pre-determining that value, customers determine the ultimate price through the bidding process.?We believe this is the best way to engage the online bidding community, be good stewards of the generous donations from our local communities and fund our mission While?shopthesalvationarmy.com?serves the Western US, Dover notes that

?“While our highest sales come from California, bidders in New York, Florida, Michigan, and Texas are also very active on the site.” In fact, she notes buyers from every state in the US have been actively bidding on the site.

Like the Thrift Stores, the proceeds of online sales are used to support the services of The Adult Rehabilitation Centers’ mission of serving those fighting drug and alcohol dependence.