Deseret Industries Begins Phased Reopening

Deseret Industries, a nonprofit work training business owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, will begin reopening some of its stores the week of June 1, 2020. These and additional reopenings in the coming weeks will strictly follow local government safety guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Customers should visit deseretindustries.org/reopen for the status of each location

Stores will have reduced hours to allow for restocking and sanitization. In general, most stores will be open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

What to Expect When Donating Used Items

Deseret Industries stores are well-known for accepting donated items, which are then sold in the stores at low prices. Those preparing to donate should consider the following information:

• Stores will accept donations by appointment only. Visit deseretindustries.org/reopen to schedule a time.
• Donations of mattresses and box springs are no longer accepted. See a full list of prohibited items at deseretindustries.org/donate.
• Deseret Industries will quarantine donations. This will limit the number of items that can be accepted during the initial reopening period.
• Donation drop-off operations may close early because of increased demand and the time required to quarantine each donation.
• Donors are asked to wait in their vehicle until it is their turn to donate. Once they have reached the drop-off area, donors can remove items from their car and place them in the designated bins or carts.
• Donors are encouraged to wear masks.
   

“We expect an influx of donations into our stores,” said Brent Palmer, Deseret Industries manager of operations. “We are so grateful for everyone who has waited to donate, and we want to accept as many donations as possible. Donated items allow us to help the associates in our job-training program.”

In-Store Safety Measures

• The number of people in each store will be limited to allow for proper social distancing.
• All associates and staff will wear gloves and masks. Shoppers are encouraged to wear masks.
• Carts will be sanitized between customers.
• Stores will be cleaned more frequently.
• Signage and floor stickers will help customers and staff follow social distancing guidelines.
• Fitting rooms, restrooms, and drinking fountains will be temporarily closed.
• The sales floor will be restocked only while the store is closed.
• Customers should avoid sitting on furniture or loitering.

All Deseret Industries locations closed on March 17, 2020. Although closed to the public, the stores have continued to provide goods and commodities for bishops’ orders and community grants. Deseret Industries provides employment and job training for individuals in the community. All Deseret Industries staff and associates have continued to be paid during the pandemic. Some staff members and a few associates have been able to work at bishops’ storehouse locations and at Deseret Manufacturing. Job coaches and development counselors reached out to associates to help them make progress on their goals. Additionally, some locations in Utah have been involved in Project Protect, the initiative to provide 5 million masks to health care workers.

“We’re looking forward to reopening our stores so we can better serve our communities,” Palmer said. “We have missed seeing our stores filled with shoppers and donors, and we’ve missed being able to work side by side with our associates.”