Bargains Overboard: Edmonton Value Village Shutters due to Flooding
By Sara Sheydwasser on November 19, 2024
Canada’s favourite budget thrift store, Value Village, has shut their 118 Avenue location this week due to flooding.
The discount retailer has been tight-lipped about the source of the flooding, but according to a local Reddit user, the culprit could be the water main. User “Xiosanyo” states in their post that they were denied entry as the building had flooded. The user continues, stating “Epcor came … to turn off [the] buildings power.”
After speaking to employees at neighboring stores, it could up to a year until the public can fish for deals once again. Although, the stores Google page indicates they could be closed permanently.
NAIT NewsWatch asked security on site for comment, but little information was given. The security guard claimed he just “showed up” and was “told nothing.” We attempted to call the store for further comment, but we were sent to voicemail.
The beloved store will likely struggle to recuperate costs for damaged goods. Value Village is under threat of competition from the Bissel Thrift Shop down the avenue, with Reddit users claiming the competitor is “definitely cheaper.”
The Bissel Centre runs the shop, and many feel it’s the more ethical choice, as the non-profit has been active in the community for years.
Community members feel they’ve been left underwater with the lack of communication from their local thrift store. Will the Park Plaza Value Village rise from the flood, or will it be dubbed Edmonton’s Atlantis?