Salt & Light — Local services in Urbana

ADDITION: I read the response from the owner and I'm adding a bit more. I'm sorry but this doesn't sit well with me and I'm disappointed. Although employees can buy "whatever they want" in your store, the concept of store credit ultimately restricts those that earn it (they are restricted to buying in one place and your selection of groceries is not only limited but far more expensive than any surrounding grocery chain, with the exception of Harvest Market). Store credit is also not regulated in the same way that minimum wage is/does not carry the same protections that a wage earning job does and the employees that do earn store credit have no labor protection with respect to their "store credit wages" (are they making minimum wage or more in store credit per hour? or are they making $7 an hour in store credit (or some other amount that is below minimum wage) mandated by your mission?). Even if they make 25 dollars an hour in store credit, they still do not have the same protections as wage earning workers do. So no, they cannot buy "whatever they want" and they do not technically earn a wage/salary.

Also, can you be more specific about what your missions ultimately fund so that buyers know exactly what they are putting their money towards? Are they anti-LGBTQIA+?

Thank you

ORIGINAL REVIEW

While I think that the clothing selection is nice, I think that the furniture is insanely overpriced for a thrift store in a college town ... especially for a store that claims that it is helping "people struggling with poverty." Which poor people are you helping? Thrift stores are usually designed for lower-income individuals and students in the community.

When I went several weeks ago, there was half of a desk (the top half was missing and it was obvious) and they wanted several hundred dollars for just the bottom half of a desk. This left a really bad taste in my mouth, especially since it appears that they hire people to work as unpaid volunteers in the thrift store. It just felt greedy and like Ebenezer Scrooge was behind the operation. It was also blatantly obvious that the volunteers thought that price...

It's a mix.

The staff / volunteers, can be exceptionally helpful, or nowhere to be found. Food prices are high in comparison to grocery stores, but can find some unique items not found elsewhere but limited in supply The food quality is also a mix.

The re-store part is very clean and mostly priced well.

There is strict mask wearing and carts are cleaned. Sanitizer available.

Cashiers are pleasant and are always available. There is no self checkout. Forms of payment has been credit /debit unsure about cash or checks.

They do monitor the store by video.

Other options, such as child care, and other community services have been restricted either due to Covid, the few times of being in the store, the hours I have shopped, and have no knowledge of how they work or their quality.

Children are not normally seen when I shop. Multiple languages can be heard being spoken among shoppers. Sales, like any other store vary,

There is a rewards program, that you have to ask to join, it requires either a cell phone or email to join. Nowhere is this made obvious for sign up.

No politics or religion have been "pushed" or required for the shopping portion. Parking is free, with handicap marked spots, but have seen no provisions for shoppers who may need assistance, other than what you bring in yourself.

The non grocery side changes to promote whatever is seasonal.

Will go back, when in the area, for the unique find, and possible...

Used to feel a fair thrifting operation until today. Since April 4, 2025 I have spent $3694.28 on collectibles and vintage clothing. Hoping to score some deals and turn a profit. The people are super friendly. I enjoyed my experience. Until today.

A business person in vintage clothing, Salt and Light was hinting at a pop up for clothing they accumulated, valued, and set aside for this special event and I anticipated and was told it was a secret and everyone would have a fair shot at purchase. The pop up came and I waited in line early morning to be first in line. I purchased over $1000 in product.

Today I find out the owner of Catch My Thrift, Meg, was in there the night before and purchased several items during set up! This info direct from Meg! Thus. not everyone had a fair shot, probably insider deal as I was there that night before and no set up taking place. Thus, just feel used, unfair business practice and have lost faith in getting any reasonable and fair opportunity at their thrifting product. In fact, it's insulting. What use is a "pop up" if you are selling to someone prior to the actual event? Dirty.

Safe to say, my dollars, support, and positive recommendation to Salt and Light will cease immediately. The pursuit of dollars was more powerful then fair business, honesty,...