City Mission shop in Rostraver to close

A company spokesperson declined to address shutdown rumors involving the Uniontown and Monongahela locations.

For years, shoppers stopping into the City Mission Thrift Store in Rostraver Township could count on finding a winter coat for a few dollars, a used dresser that only needed polish or a stack of baby clothes someone else’s child had outgrown.

By the end of the week, that steady stream of bargains and donated goods will come to a stop.

Last week the organization announced that the store at 370 Tri-County Lane will close Saturday.

City Mission posted a reminder on its Facebook page over the weekend.

“Just a friendly reminder that our Belle Vernon store will be closing permanently on Nov. 22nd. You still have plenty of time to visit and find amazing deals while supporting City Mission,” the post said. “Come by and shop our fantastic selection before we close our doors for good. Every purchase makes a difference.”

On Monday, the organization launched a final clearance effort, telling customers that everything in the store would be 50% off from Monday through the store’s last day.

“Get ready for incredible savings that support a great cause… This is your chance to grab those musthave items and contribute to City Mission’s vital work,” the announcement said.

The discount applies only to the Rostraver Township location.

City Mission operates a network of thrift stores throughout Southwestern Pennsylvania to help fund its shelter, recovery and outreach programs. Its current locations include Rostraver Township, Monongahela, Uniontown, Waynesburg, Washington and two sites in Canonsburg — the established North Strabane location on Washington Road and the newer downtown store on East Pike Street, which held its grand opening July 8. These stores support the mission’s work through the sale of donated items.

The Rostraver Township closure removes a convenient dropoff location and low-cost shopping option for families who rely on thrift stores for clothing, furniture and everyday household needs.

Questions sent Monday to the organization asked whether the decision is tied to staffing or financial issues, or if it reflects a broader restructuring of the thrift network.

The inquiry also sought information on the status of employees, donation procedures after the shutdown and whether stores in Monongahela or Uniontown, both rumored to also be closing later this year, might be affected.

In an email response, Melissa Marion, City Mission’s director of development, said the organization was not able to answer the full list of questions on the current timeline and larger impact within the provided deadline.

“Although we value the importance of your questions below, the given timeframe does not allow us to provide the thorough responses that they require,” she said.

City Mission’s thrift operations are managed under SMCo Thrift, a consulting firm that oversees retail operations for nonprofit thrift systems nationwide.

To provide further context, SMCo’s marketing team issued a statement Monday in response to questions.

“After a thorough evaluation of City Mission Thrift Stores’ financial support for City Mission, it has been determined that some restructuring is necessary to provide the maximum benefit to City Mission to help fund the amazing work being done in our community,” the statement said.

“Our top priority remains to be good stewards of the resources we have been given to make the largest impact possible on all who seek assistance at City Mission.”

The organization also addressed community concerns about additional closures.

Marion told the Mon Valley Independent no other stores are confirmed to be closed at this time. However on Monday an employee said they had been told their location in Monongahela would close at the end of the year.

SMCo also declined to confirm any other pending closures.

“While we can confirm that our store in Belle Vernon will be closing on Nov. 22, final decisions have not been made for the remaining locations,” the statement said. “We understand that this period of transition generates many questions, including those regarding other locations, affected employees and physical storefronts.

“However, we are still actively working through the details of this broader restructuring plan, as there are many factors to consider. While we are still in the process of finalizing the specific operational and logistical details, we are not able to publicly comment on any other specific locations at this time.”

Marion emphasized City Mission’s purpose.

“City Mission exists to share Christ, to shelter, to heal, and to restore the homeless to independent living — without discrimination,” Marion said. “City Mission Thrift operates to support that mission.

“Unfortunately, if a thrift store is no longer able to provide consistent, long-term support for our Mission, we must evaluate the future operation of that store.”

SMCo said it remains optimistic about the long-term direction of the thrift system.

“We know that these changes will present opportunities for growth to make City Mission Thrift Stores a powerful and consistent funding source for City Mission to continue providing meals, shelter, career training, medical care and more,” the statement said. “We appreciate the community’s support and patience as we work through this process, and we will share concrete updates as soon as the final plans are established and ready to be made public.”

City Mission advised residents to check its website or call 724222-8530 for updated donation guidance.