When asking yourself about something to do near me in Salt Lake City with a group of friends or family, consider
Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center
Why Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center is a fun option when searching for things to do near me with friends and family
Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center stands out as a welcoming and purposeful place to gather with friends while exploring a treasure trove of affordable goods. With multiple convenient locations including Layton, UT and Fontana, CA, this thrift store operates with hours that accommodate varied schedules, opening most days from morning to early evening, and offering dedicated times for donations. The store prides itself on a well-organized layout where shoppers can find a diverse blend of clothing, shoes, household items, books, and specialty goods, all carefully arranged to make browsing enjoyable and efficient. Beyond just a shopping destination, Deseret Industries fosters a community atmosphere supported by the principles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, inviting people from all walks of life to participate. Its mission extends further as a vocational rehabilitation program, helping individuals gain work skills and employment experience, thus adding a strong social impact component. The store offers a unique combination of quality merchandise, affordable pricing, and a meaningful cause, making it an excellent place for meeting up with friends, sharing style finds, or supporting a valuable social mission in a friendly environment.
Here's what people think of Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center
As of recent, Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center holds a 4.1-star rating based on 310 reviews.
Patron and employee reviews of Deseret Industries Thrift Store highlight a generally positive experience grounded in the store’s mission and atmosphere. Customers appreciate the store's clean and organized environment, the variety and quality of merchandise, and the affordable prices, all of which contribute to a satisfying shopping experience. Many reviewers praise the welcoming and supportive work environment, noting the strong company values and positive spirit that extend from staff to customers. The store's unique role as a vocational rehabilitation program is frequently mentioned as a meaningful aspect, providing skills training and helping people transition to better employment. Positive feedback often focuses on the enjoyable thrift store atmosphere, the ability to find unique items, and the fulfillment employees feel from contributing to a community-serving mission. On the other hand, some negative reviews point out occasional limitations such as short break times for staff and areas where management or operational efficiencies could improve. However, these critiques do not overshadow the overall impression of a well-run, socially impactful store that values both customers and associates. In summary, reviews reflect a balanced view with an emphasis on community value, strong organizational culture, and a positive shopping experience that makes Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center a noteworthy place to visit and support.
Highlights from reviewers (Most Relevant)
Christoffer Loderup
Difficult to shop here. I was looking for clothes in the men's section. The items are not organized well at all. I was looking for work and casual shirts. I was looking in the section for my size of shirt, but they were all mixed up. I it's frustrating when I find a shirt that is in the correct section, to get excited about it, to only then realize it's not my size. Please organize your clothing! I get that this is a thrift store. But I've been to other DI stores that have their clothes organized in the correct sections.
Jamin Heath
I've been shopping here for years, but recently the prices of items have doubled and tripled. Savers is half the price for similar items. Whoever is setting prices needs to cut them in half. 75.00 for a used toaster oven? 60 dollars for computer memory worth less than 10. Lamps are all 8 dollars or more, when at goodwill and Savers lamps are 4. Please fix the pricing.
Juan Gomez
Manager of this shows bias towards regulars. I was with my 5 year old and one of the regulars was threatening an other customer because he worked there. The man was very aggressive and was threatening the man who works at this do. The manager kicks out the supposed employee. I do not know either but could tell who the aggressor was. I had to explain to my 5 year old that man is an adult bully. Gentleman don’t act like that. If you are upset handle it an appropriate way not by violence. We Won’t come back
Amanda Keating
Found too many good books and a few cute/comfortable exercise bottoms. I also met two employees who spoke French, which was fun!
Delina Vongsady
Worst experience I've had today. The staff is usually super sweet but ANGELINA on the cashier was super super rude to us. Told us not to put in the pin number and when we were confused she shoved the (very small) text next to the terminal in our faces. VERY rude. We did nothing wrong and had one item in our cart. I've never written a bad review but this interaction had me leaving the store very upset.
How to reach Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center
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Website: None
Why Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center may become Your Favorite Meetup Place for Catching Up, Celebrating or Just Hanging Out
Rallying at Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center with your friends offers a wonderfully unique blend of fun, purpose, and community spirit that makes any meetup memorable and meaningful. Unlike traditional social gatherings, this venue invites you and your group to engage in something positive together—shopping for hidden treasures and donating items to support a great cause. The excitement of browsing through gently used clothes, furniture, and household items can spark conversations and laughter while discovering affordable and one-of-a-kind finds. Moreover, the act of donating collectively cultivates a shared sense of giving back, which strengthens friendships through a common goal of helping others in need. This dual experience of thrift shopping combined with charitable activity makes Deseret Industries more than just a retail space—it becomes a destination where friends create lasting memories, deepen bonds, and contribute positively to the community. With a solid 4.1-star rating from over 300 reviews, the store offers reliable quality and a welcoming atmosphere perfect for groups seeking an inclusive, interactive, and budget-friendly meetup spot that leaves everyone feeling good about their time together.
What activities can you enjoy at Deseret Industries Thrift Store & Donation Center?
Deseret Industries provides a host of engaging activities that make it an ideal venue for group meetups. First and foremost, thrift shopping is the centerpiece experience. You and your friends can explore aisles filled with a diverse range of products—from clothing and shoes to home décor and furniture—all priced affordably. This gives everyone the thrill of the hunt, uncovering unique treasures and vintage gems that can spark lots of fun discussions or style swaps within your group. The store’s organized layout and helpful staff make exploring easy and enjoyable, especially for larger groups who might want to split up and reconvene to share finds. Beyond shopping, the donation drive-thru allows your group to participate in a purposeful activity by bringing in items to donate. This cooperative philanthropic action adds a fulfilling dimension to your gathering, enabling your group to actively support the community in one simple visit. In addition, the store frequently offers seasonal sales or special promotions that provide extra value and excitement. These combined activities make the location engaging and versatile for groups seeking a mix of entertainment, social connection, and altruism.
Why is Deseret Industries perfect for a group meetup?
Deseret Industries stands out as a perfect group meetup spot due to its welcoming environment and versatile offerings suited for friends and family alike. The spacious layout allows multiple people to browse comfortably without feeling crowded, and the store hours—generally from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on most days—provide plenty of flexibility for planning your meetup at a convenient time. Importantly, the store’s mission-driven focus on helping those in need creates a positive social atmosphere where conversations naturally revolve around shared values and community impact. This meaningful context enriches the meetup experience beyond typical shopping. Additionally, the opportunity to donate as a group encourages teamwork and collective generosity, making the event feel purposeful and socially responsible. Logistics-wise, the donation drive-thru streamlines the drop-off process, preventing hassle and making participation accessible even for larger groups. The store’s overall rating, consistently positive reviews, and friendly staff ensure that everyone in your group will feel comfortable and supported throughout the visit. Whether you want to bond over thrifty finds, contribute to a humanitarian cause together, or simply enjoy a relaxed outing, Deseret Industries offers a unique, fulfilling venue for any social gathering.
How can donating together enhance your group experience at Deseret Industries?
Donating together at Deseret Industries elevates your group meetup from a simple social outing to a meaningful team activity that fosters connection and collective goodwill. Bringing donations as a group—whether it’s clothes, household items, or other gently used goods—helps reinforce a shared commitment to making a positive community impact. The donation process is convenient and efficient, featuring a donation drive-thru where employees assist with unloading items, which simplifies participation regardless of group size. Organizing a focused donation effort in advance also turns your meetup into a purposeful event, encouraging friends to sort through belongings and contribute thoughtfully. Receiving a donation receipt adds a formal acknowledgment of your generosity, which can be motivating for those mindful of charitable contributions. Beyond logistics, the emotional reward of knowing your items will be repurposed to support those in need creates a strong sense of group pride and fulfillment. This shared philanthropic experience deepens bonds among participants, making Deseret Industries a space where friendship grows through kindness and service.
What makes shopping at Deseret Industries special for groups?
Shopping at Deseret Industries is uniquely enjoyable for groups because it transforms the usual retail experience into an interactive adventure full of discovery and shared excitement. With a constantly changing inventory, there’s always something new and interesting to find, which sparks friendly competition and enthusiastic exchanges over bargains and hidden gems. The affordable pricing allows group members of varied budgets to participate equally, making it an inclusive outing suitable for family members and friends of all ages. The store layout supports casual socializing as people wander through different departments and compare their finds in real-time. Moreover, the joy of sustainable shopping appeals to environmentally conscious groups, offering an opportunity to make eco-friendly choices by purchasing secondhand items instead of new products. Engaging in this sustainable practice with friends encourages conversations about responsible consumerism and collective impact. Friendly staff and a positive store atmosphere further enrich the experience by making guests feel valued and welcome throughout their visit.
How can you maximize your group visit to Deseret Industries?
To make the most out of your group visit to Deseret Industries, planning and teamwork can greatly enhance the experience. Start by coordinating with your group about what items everyone might want to donate or search for, setting goals for shopping or donation so the day feels purposeful and organized. Arriving earlier in the day or on weekdays can help you avoid crowds and long wait times at donation areas, thus maximizing your group’s time exploring the store. Splitting into smaller sub-groups to cover different sections of the store can speed up shopping while keeping the whole group engaged and excited. Consider making a shared checklist of items to find or thrift shopping challenges to add fun and friendly competition. After shopping, gather together to compare purchases and chat about the stories behind unique items, creating shared memories and deeper connections. Lastly, take advantage of any special sales or promotions which can provide additional savings and incentives for group participation. By preparing and coordinating, your meetup becomes efficient, fun, and more impactful.
What amenities and services support group activities at Deseret Industries?
Deseret Industries offers several amenities and services designed to support and ease group activities, making it a convenient and comfortable meetup location. The donation drive-thru is a key feature, especially beneficial for groups bringing a large volume of contributions—it provides a smooth, no-fuss delivery system with staff assistance. Most locations have extensive parking spaces, which is crucial when attending with multiple vehicles. Friendly, approachable employees are often available to assist with questions and facilitate both shopping and donation processes, ensuring the group’s needs are met promptly. The store hours, typically from morning to early evening six days a week, provide flexibility for groups balancing varied schedules. Although food and dining are not part of the store itself, its proximity to local eateries allows for follow-up meals or snacks before or after the visit, rounding out a fulfilling day. The overall clean, organized, and safe environment further enhances comfort for groups, ensuring guests feel relaxed throughout their visit.
Why is Deseret Industries a meaningful place to host friends and family gatherings?
Deseret Industries is more than a thrift store; it serves as a meaningful gathering place where friends and family can come together to share values of generosity, sustainability, and community support. Hosting your gathering here allows your group to engage in activities that have a lasting positive impact, far beyond typical social meetups. Every donation made supports workforce development and humanitarian programs, giving your visit a purpose that resonates on a deeper level. Shopping secondhand promotes environmental consciousness while supporting local charity efforts, aligning your meetup with social responsibility. The atmosphere encourages conversation about kindness, thriftiness, and community upliftment—important lessons that resonate well across generations and strengthen family bonds. The uplifting experience of proactively helping others, combined with the simple joy of thrifting, creates a unique environment that transforms ordinary social gatherings into memorable occasions full of meaning and shared joy. Choosing Deseret Industries as your meetup spot leaves everyone feeling enriched and inspired by their time together.