A familiar discount retail chain is preparing to close another location, adding to a growing list of stores that have disappeared from communities across North America.
The latest shutdown is only days away, but the reason behind it goes beyond the usual challenges facing brick-and-mortar retailers.
Founded in 1865 in London, England, The Salvation Army is an international Christian church and charitable organization that provides programs and services to people facing poverty, disaster, addiction, and other crises.
The Salvation Army’s thrift stores were launched in 1897, originally as the “Salvation Brigade.” These stores sell donated secondhand goods at affordable prices, with proceeds helping sponsor programs and services operated by the organization.
The Salvation Army currently has 877 thrift stores across the U.S., which partially fund 78 rehabilitation centers, according to the organization’s website.
The Salvation Army is closing another thrift store
The Salvation Army is closing a thrift store at 1889 Oro Dam Boulevard in Oroville, California, on August 31, 2026. The shutdown will affect six employees.
The organization said the decision followed a review of the store’s performance and long-term financial viability. According to The Salvation Army, the Oroville location has not generated enough revenue to support its Adult Rehabilitation Program, making continued operation financially unsustainable.
Revenue from The Salvation Army stores helps fund Adult Rehabilitation Centers, which provide recovery services for people dealing with substance use disorders and other challenges. The organization says the rehabilitation program is made possible by donated goods sold through its thrift stores.
“The decision to close this store was not made lightly,” The Salvation Army officer with the Chico Adult Rehabilitation Center, Lt. Joshua Dulay, said in a news release reported by ActionNewsNow.
“Our thrift stores play a vital role in funding rehabilitation services that help thousands of people rebuild their lives each year.”
What this means for the future of The Salvation Army
Despite the closure, The Salvation Army said it will continue providing services in the Oroville community.
The organization’s programs and services, including food pantries, shelters, spiritual services, youth activities, seasonal events, financial assistance, and others, will not be affected by the store’s shutdown, according to a Facebook post from The Salvation Army.
Here’s some of my previous coverage of store closures:
- Discount grocery chain closes 12 stores after expanding too fast
- Fashion giant keeps closing stores
- Clothing retailer returns to brick-and-mortar stores after 7 years
The Salvation Army also plans to launch a donation truck pickup service in the Oroville area, allowing residents to continue donating gently used goods without having to travel outside the community.
Recent The Salvation Army store closures
The Oroville closure follows several other reported Salvation Army thrift-store shutdowns across the U.S. and Canada during the past year.
Recent U.S. closures include:
- West Lebanon, New Hampshire: Closed at 7 Martin Drive in June 2026, Valley News reported.
- St. Johnsbury, Vermont: Closed at 250 Railroad Street in June 2026, VermontBiz.
- Erie, Pennsylvania: Closed at 1209 Sassafras Street in June 2026, YourErie reported.
- North Bethesda, Maryland: Closed at 11550 Rockville Pike in February 2026, Fox Homes Team reported.
- Kenmore, New York: Closed at 1080 Military Road in December 2025, WICB reported.
- North Tonawanda, New York: Closed at 895 Payne Avenue in October 2025, WKBW reported.
The Salvation Army has also closed or announced closures at several locations in Ontario, Canada, including:
- Dryden, Canada: Scheduled to close at 34 Whyte Avenue in October 2026, Northwest Ontario News reported.
- Bracebridge, Canada: Closed at 185 Manitoba Street in June 2026, Muskoka411 reported.
- Kenora, Canada: Closed at 133 Main Street in March 2026, The Salvation Army reported.
While The Salvation Army’s thrift store footprint is changing in some communities, the organization has emphasized that store closures do not necessarily mean an end to its broader local services.
Related: Discount grocery chain closes 12 stores after expanding too fast
