While some communities in Alberta are seeing a huge rise in thrift store donations, the opposite is happening at one locally-owned store.

Rebecca Powers owns the Community Thrift Store on 1 Ave. in Airdrie.

She said that since the pandemic began, donations to the store have dropped significantly, along with sales.

Powers said she doesn't understand why people are not supporting her business.

"Maybe people are hanging on their stuff to have a garage sale because there's not a lot of money out there right now because of the pandemic and then even with the customers, it's really slowed down and of course we just got more restrictions which is going to make it even worse for us."

Powers added other factors include the opening of the Value Village and the constant road construction that has closed parts of Main Street and 1 Ave. the past couple of years.

At least one thrift store in the Town of Okotoks said it has been inundated with donations of books, to the point where excess items are being put in recycling.

The thrift store has been a huge supporter of several local charities including Airdrie POWER, where they are allowing their clients to shop for free, for items they may need including clothing, household items and home decor.

The Community Thrift Store will remain open as the latest round of restrictions come into effect, but with reduced hours.

Powers is still worried she will not get the customers she needs as Premier Kenney advised Albertans to only go out for essential reasons, which retailers are not.

The new rules are leaving her with a lot of uncertainty for the future.

"I'm trying to make some choices for the business. Do I lower my hours, do I reduce staff, do I reduce days. I just don't know what the answer is."

Powers continues to encourage people to consider local business before choosing to go to big stores, adding corporations are doing well, but many Airdrie companies are not.

 

READ MORE: 

Airdrie POWER has a new partner for your donations 

Struggling Main Street businesses asking City Council for help

To open or not to open. Local businesses weigh their options

 

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