Savers and Value Village are the same company, operating under two brand names

Savers and Value Village are both owned and operated by Savers Value Village, Inc., a publicly traded company. The stores use different names in different regions — you'll see "Savers" in most of the United States and "Value Village" primarily in Canada and the Pacific Northwest. They follow the same business model, pricing structure, and donation process, so the experience is nearly identical regardless of which name appears on the storefront.

Both chains operate as for-profit thrift retailers, meaning they buy used goods in bulk, sort and price them, and resell them to the public. Unlike nonprofit thrift stores run by charities, Savers and Value Village keep the revenue from sales. However, they do partner with nonprofit organizations — those nonprofits receive payment when you donate items, which is how the donation model works.

Key Takeaways

  • Savers and Value Village are the same company operating under two regional brand names, with identical pricing and donation processes.
  • When you donate items, a nonprofit partner receives payment per pound or per item, not Savers or Value Village directly.
  • Prices are typically 50 to 80 percent lower than retail, with weekly sales rotating by department to keep prices competitive.
  • You can donate by dropping items at the store, scheduling a pickup for large quantities, or using their online donation portal to find a nonprofit partner.
  • Both stores accept most clothing, household goods, and media, but reject items that are stained, broken, or unsafe.

How the donation process works and who receives the money

When you donate clothing or household goods to Savers or Value Village, you are not donating directly to the store. Instead, the store partners with local nonprofit organizations — food banks, homeless services, job training programs, and similar groups. The nonprofit receives payment from Savers or Value Village based on the weight or volume of what you donate, typically measured in pounds.

You choose which nonprofit receives the payment at the time of donation. Most stores have a list of partner organizations posted at the donation counter, or you can ask staff which nonprofits they work with. Some stores allow you to select your nonprofit online before you arrive. The nonprofit then uses that payment for their programs and services. This arrangement means your donation supports a cause you care about while Savers and Value Village acquire inventory to resell.

If you donate a large quantity — typically a carload or more — you can schedule a free pickup instead of dropping items at the store. Call the store directly or use their website to request a pickup appointment. A truck will come to your home, collect the items, and the nonprofit still receives payment based on weight.

Pricing and how weekly sales work

Savers and Value Village price items significantly below retail — most clothing costs $2 to $8, and household goods range from $1 to $15 depending on condition and demand. Prices vary by location and by item condition, so the same shirt might cost $3.99 at one store and $4.99 at another. Both stores use color-coded tags or stickers to mark prices, and staff can tell you the current price of any item.

Both chains run rotating weekly sales by department. One week clothing might be 50 percent off, the next week it's furniture or books. The sale schedule is posted in-store and on their websites, so you can plan visits around the departments you need. Some stores also offer a loyalty program or digital coupons that stack with weekly sales, though these vary by location.

Seasonal pricing also shifts — winter coats are cheaper in spring, and summer items drop in price in fall. Damaged or heavily worn items are marked down further or moved to a clearance section. The goal is to move inventory, so prices adjust based on what's not selling.

What items Savers and Value Village accept and reject

Both stores accept most clothing in any size, shoes, belts, and accessories. They take household goods including dishes, cookware, furniture, lamps, and decorative items. Books, DVDs, CDs, vinyl records, and video games are accepted if they play or read correctly. Small appliances like toasters, blenders, and coffee makers are welcome if they work. Toys, sports equipment, and tools are typically accepted.

Items must be clean and in working condition. Savers and Value Village reject clothing with stains, tears, or odors that won't wash out. Furniture with broken frames, missing cushions, or severe damage is refused. Electronics must power on and function — a TV with a cracked screen or a laptop that won't start will not be accepted. Anything with recalls, missing parts, or safety hazards is turned away. Items that are moldy, wet, or infested are never accepted.

Some locations have restrictions on large furniture or appliances due to storage space. Call ahead if you're donating a couch, dresser, or refrigerator to confirm they can take it. Hazardous materials — paint, chemicals, propane tanks — are never accepted at any location.

Finding your nearest Savers or Value Village location

Both stores maintain store locators on their websites. Visit savers.com or valuevillage.com, enter your zip code or city, and the site will show all nearby locations with hours and phone numbers. Some locations are open seven days a week; others close on Sundays or Mondays. Hours vary widely, so check before you visit.

You can also call a store directly to ask about donations, current sales, or whether they have specific items in stock. Staff can tell you which nonprofits they partner with, whether they offer pickups, and what the current weekly sale is. Many stores have social media pages that post sale announcements and new inventory highlights.

Differences between Savers and Value Village locations

While both operate under the same parent company, individual stores vary in size, selection, and pricing. Urban locations tend to be larger with more inventory and more frequent restocking. Rural or smaller stores may have less selection and different price points. Some Savers locations are in strip malls; others are standalone buildings. Value Village stores in Canada often have different nonprofit partners than U.S. locations.

The nonprofit partners also differ by location. A Savers in one city might partner with a food bank, while another partners with a job training program. When you visit, ask which nonprofits are available so you can choose the one that aligns with your values. If you have a specific nonprofit in mind, call ahead to confirm they're a partner at that location.

Tax deductions for donations

If you itemize deductions on your tax return, you may be able to deduct the fair market value of items you donate to Savers or Value Village. The key requirement is that the nonprofit partner — not the store — must be a may have access to charitable organization recognized by the IRS. Most nonprofit partners are may have access to, but you should confirm before donating.

To claim a deduction, keep a record of what you donated and estimate its fair market value. For clothing and household goods, fair market value is typically what a similar used item would sell for at a thrift store or online — not the original retail price. The IRS provides guidelines for valuing donations. If you donate more than $500 of items in a single year, you'll need to file Form 8283 with your tax return. For donations under $500, you can straightforward list them on your Schedule A.

Keep receipts or a written list of items and estimated values. If you donate regularly, photograph items before dropping them off as backup documentation. The nonprofit will not provide a receipt with values — that's your responsibility to track.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I donate items that are slightly stained or have small tears?

Most stores will reject items with visible stains or tears, even small ones. The standard is that items must be in condition a customer would want to buy them. If you're unsure, ask staff at the donation counter — they can tell you whether a specific item will be accepted before you leave it.

Do Savers and Value Village accept furniture donations?

Yes, both accept furniture in good condition — chairs, tables, dressers, bookshelves, and couches. Broken frames, missing legs, stains, or torn upholstery will be rejected. Call your local store first if you're donating large pieces, because some locations have limited storage space and may not accept everything at once.

How much do I get paid for donations?

You don't receive payment directly. The nonprofit partner receives payment from the store based on the weight or volume of your donation. You benefit by supporting a cause you choose and potentially claiming a tax deduction if you itemize. The nonprofit uses the payment for their programs.

Can I return items I bought if I change my mind?

Return policies vary by location. Most Savers and Value Village stores accept returns within 7 to 14 days with a receipt and tags attached. Call your local store to confirm their specific policy, as some locations have different rules for clothing versus household goods.

What's the difference between Savers and Value Village pricing?

There is no systematic difference — both use the same pricing model. Individual stores may price items differently based on local demand and inventory levels. A shirt might be $3.99 at one location and $4.99 at another, but this happens within both Savers and Value Village stores, not between the two brands.