Salvation Army thrift stores, or “Sally Ann’s” if you’ve been around the block, are kind of ye old faithful of secondhand shopping in Canada. They’re everywhere! The prices are somewhat decent! Aaaaaand the mission behind them is somewhat charitable! Not for-profit! The bar is low with big thrift chains these days.
On the flip side, the selection can be hit-or-miss, the store layouts aren’t always the easiest to navigate, and depending on the location, things can feel a bit… chaotic. But hey that’s why we love thrifting, right?
Disclaimer: My understanding of the Salvation Army Thrift Stores in Canada is that a lot of them (especially the ones in ‘big’ cities) seem to fall under the umbrella of their organization policies and branding. HOWEVER there are MANY locations that do not abide by these same policies. These policies include but are not limited to: exchanges being accepted, gift card usage and whether you receive a coupon for donating or not. Use their store locator to find out which ones participate.
Soooooort of. The Salvation Army is an international Christian organization, but there is a distinct Canadian arm of it. The thrift stores here are operated by The Salvation Army National Recycling Operations, which is headquartered in Toronto.
Salvation Army thrift stores in Canada are owned and operated by The Salvation Army National Recycling Operations (NRO). It is part of the larger Salvation Army organization, which is a registered charity. There is no private owner or corporation behind it. The stores exist to support the Salvation Army’s community programs.
Yes. The Salvation Army is a Christian organization. Its roots are in the church, and its values are faith-based. That said, the services they offer are available to anyone, regardless of religion.
The Salvation Army has faced criticism in the past over its stance on LGBTQ+ issues, especially in how some of its policies and statements have been interpreted. While the organization has made efforts to clarify its position and promote inclusivity, the reputation still sticks for some. It’s one of those things you’ll want to be aware of so you can make your own call about supporting them.
Yes. Proceeds from Salvation Army Thrift Stores support the Salvation Army’s programs across Canada (things like food banks, shelters, rehab programs, and emergency relief).
So yeah, your secondhand sweater might actually fund real services in your community! Unlike others ahem, Value Village.
There are over 100 stores across the country, and they’re not just in big cities. Smaller towns often have one too, which makes them a more accessible option than some of the bigger chains. And by smaller towns, I don’t meant the *really* small ones (sorry guys).
They try to resell, recycle, or responsibly dispose of them. They don’t toss everything straight into the trash, but what happens to the stuff that doesn’t sell depends a lot on each location.
Nope. Just like most thrift stores, they don’t clean donations before putting them on the rack. You’ll want to give everything a wash once you get it home.
You can drop off donations at most store locations. They accept new and gently used items in a bunch of categories:
Some locations offer a 20% off coupon when you donate, but not all. Check the store locator to see if your local chain does.
What they don’t take:
No furniture, carpets, hazardous stuff (like paint or propane tanks), baby gear (like car seats or strollers), barbecues, tires, or auto parts. And no, they don’t do donation pick-ups.
Better to check your local store’s rules if you’re unsure.
It depends on the store. Most of them don’t. You’ll want to call ahead or prepare to shop based on your best guesses. And by prepare I mean wear your best fitted outfit to try items on top without getting naked.
Side rant: I’ve been in a Salvation Army Thrift Store in Canada (won’t name the city) that had signs saying “do not use mirrors to try clothes on.” No change rooms. No exchanges. Can’t use the mirrors. Cool cool cool, love a blind purchase.
At participating locations, you can exchange clothing, footwear, bedding, and linens within 30 days as long as you have the receipt and the tags are still attached.
You can also ask for store credit instead of an exchange. They’ll give it to you in the form of a gift card, which is way more useful than a same-day exchange policy (*Value Village*).
Everything else, including Featured Finds, is final sale. Policies may vary by location, so check with your local store to be sure.
They sometimes run weekly tag colour sales. For example, 50% off all red tags. These rotate and are usually posted in-store (depending on the individual store).
They also occasionally run seasonal sales or category-specific markdowns (nationwide). I have also personally experience bag sales at the Salvation Army, which is where the real magic happens. They are few and far between however so keep your eyes peeled.
That said, the Salvation Army has a complicated and not-great history when it comes to LGBTQ2S+ rights. Some shoppers choose to avoid it because of that. Others shop there for the affordability or accessibility, especially in smaller towns where options are limited. It’s a personal call and something to be aware of.
