Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center

Reviews

• SG

  Super Girl

  Jan 6, 2026
  5.0
  Love how they actually have cheap prices
• LL

  lainey

  Dec 15, 2025
  1.0
  I have shopped at both locations for many years, and my visit today to the Flamingo store was the worst experience I have ever had. The decline of this store over the past couple of years has been dramatic and deeply disappointing. Donations reaching the sales floor have dropped significantly. This location once had six glass display cases; it is now down to one, which was approximately 75% empty during my visit, aside from a few overpriced items that have been sitting for over a week. Over the past several months, I’ve consistently observed employees spending more time cleaning than bringing merchandise to the floor. I was told directly by an employee that management must authorize items before they can be placed out. If customers are present and willing to spend money, making merchandise available should be the top priority. At the same time, prices have increased substantially. Many items are priced the same as—or higher than—their original retail tags. The furniture department is largely made up of incomplete pieces from larger sets. There are damaged items with scratches, tears, holes, and stains priced at $100 or more. Electronics and battery-operated items are final sale, which is extremely frustrating when items turn out to be missing parts or not functioning. I have also witnessed concerning behavior that raises serious questions about store practices. I observed a manager approving items to be brought out specifically for a customer, which appeared to be favoritism. I have seen employees purchasing items that never appeared on the sales floor, This store used to be enjoyable to shop. I routinely left with a basket full of items for my spouse, children, and home. Now, I’m lucky to find one or two items worth purchasing. The store is overwhelmingly filled with broken, damaged, and overpriced merchandise. Corporate leadership needs to take a serious look at what is happening at this location. I have never seen a store decline so severely, and it is clear something is fundamentally wrong with how this store is being managed. This review could have been avoided being posted publicly if there was a way to contact Corporate regarding these grievances unfortunately that is impossible as many attempts were made that turned into a dead end.
• AG

  Alexandra Garcia

  Nov 20, 2025
  1.0
  Today nov 20,2025 I’ve visited the store yes too early I guess!! But there was a lady employee outside and I asked her if I can leave my donation at the donation area she yes just put it there at the sign! So here I go put my bag down and a big container and fast came a tall guy from donation and without asking what happened it grab my stuff and put it back in my car and say come back at 9!! Very upset tone and so rude of him! It was only 8am there was employees inside they all look around and ignored me! Left very confused and upset! So I went and dropped off at goodwill 🤗 8:30 and they also open at nine!
• SM

  SHANE M

  Nov 20, 2025
  5.0
  It's cheaper than goodwill, the staff is very nice and understanding, it doesn't stink like savers thrift stores. I really value all their staff. It's hard times and they're pleasant and kind through our family visits! That makes it easier for me to shop!
• JJ

  Joen

  Nov 15, 2025
  1.0
  Deseret Industries - A Disappointing Shift in Mission ​I am writing this review as a former supporter and frequent donor to Deseret Industries (DI), the thrift store operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. Unfortunately, recent changes in operations, pricing, and overall atmosphere have made the experience deeply disappointing, raising serious questions about where the profits generated from community goodwill are actually going. ​The Problem of Profit and Pricing ​The core appeal of a thrift store affiliated with a charitable organization is the belief that donated goods benefit the community. Yet, it appears DI is generating substantial annual revenue—reportedly in the range of $1.4 million annually—from these donations and other institutional sources. This financial success is juxtaposed against significantly increased pricing on the sales floor. ​As a donor, you hand over items with the intention of making an impact on the lives of others, only to see those items priced higher and higher. This feels like a betrayal of the donor-charity trust. It's difficult to reconcile donating valuable items with the perception that the organization is accruing massive profits, possibly for purposes outside of direct, localized community welfare, such as funding "sparkly clean brand new churches." It leaves donors feeling that the profit is being kept for institutional use rather than fulfilling the presumed charitable mission. ​Deterioration of Store Atmosphere (Flamingo Location) ​The atmosphere at the Flamingo location, which used to be welcoming, has taken a noticeable negative turn. A specific example is the security guard, who once offered smiles and greetings to everyone. He has unfortunately shifted to being unwelcoming and projects an attitude that makes patrons feel uncomfortable, often looking at people as if they are "all trash." ​This negativity permeates the entire shopping experience. When paying for items, there is now a "weird, eerie feeling" that makes the transaction unpleasant. The general sense of camaraderie and community spirit that once defined DI seems to have been replaced by a cold, transactional, and even judgmental environment. ​Disconnect from Community Impact ​The fundamental disappointment lies in the disconnect between the act of donating and the perceived outcome. People donate their time, goods, and resources assuming it will directly benefit those in need. When prices rise, profits soar, and staff morale appears low, the essential charitable spirit of the operation seems lost. If the organization is making such a large profit from items donated for free, the least they could do is ensure the customer experience reflects the charitable, welcoming values they represent. ​The current model feels less like a charitable resource and more like a high-profit retail operation taking advantage of the community's generosity.

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