Savers is a large thrift store chain with hundreds of locations across the United States and Canada. However, some people may be wondering – is Savers truly a nationwide company, or are they more regional in scope? Let’s take a closer look at the facts.
Savers’ Store Count and Locations
As of 2023, Savers has over 300 thrift stores across the United States and Canada. Their stores can be found in 25 U.S. states, as well as British Columbia and Ontario in Canada.
Some of the states with the most Savers locations include:
- California – 63 stores
- Washington – 35 stores
- Oregon – 34 stores
- Arizona – 26 stores
- Colorado – 21 stores
Savers tends to have a strong presence in the Western United States, likely due to the company’s roots in the Seattle area. However, they have expanded to many other regions over the years. For example, you can find Savers stores in Midwest states like Illinois, Ohio, and Michigan.
On the East Coast, Savers has a smaller but growing presence. They currently operate stores in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and North Carolina.
In Canada, the majority of Savers locations are in British Columbia and Ontario. They have over 50 stores combined in those two provinces.
History of Savers’ Growth
Savers opened their first thrift store in San Francisco in 1954. For over 60 years, the company gradually expanded across the western U.S. before venturing farther east and into Canada.
Here is a quick history of how Savers grew over the decades:
- 1954 – First Savers opens in San Francisco
- 1970s – Savers expands within California, opens stores in Portland and Seattle
- 1980s -AddEntry to stores in Oregon, Idaho, Utah, Colorado and Arizona
- 1990s – Continues growth in western U.S. and opens some stores in Midwest
- 2000s – Expansion to more Midwest states, some eastern states, and Canada
- 2010s & 2020s – Additional growth in eastern U.S. and Canada to current 300+ stores
It took many years for Savers to establish stores beyond the West Coast. Their growth in the Midwest and East Coast has accelerated in the past 10-20 years as they transformed into a national brand.
Savers’ Branding
Along with their steady geographic expansion, Savers has cultivated a consistent brand identity and customer experience nationwide.
Walk into any Savers location and you’ll find a similar store layout and merchandise presentation. They aim to provide their signature treasure hunt shopping experience for thrifty fashionistas across North America.
Savers is also well-known for their colorful weekly coupon mailers and newspaper inserts. These coupons can be used at any location, showing they have an integrated marketing approach across all stores.
The company’s tagline “Where Thrifty Fashionista Go To Save!” is prominently featured in their advertising. This messaging speaks to savvy bargain shoppers everywhere, not limited to certain regions.
Savers’ Charity Model
One other factor that makes Savers stores consistent nationwide is their charity-funding model.
Every Savers location supports nonprofit organizations in its local community. Nationwide, the Savers family of thrift stores has given over $1.5 billion to charities over the years.
This unique nonprofit model provides funding for vital community programs across North America. Savers’ community-minded approach has helped fuel their expansion from a local chain to national retailer.
Conclusion
When looking at Savers’ sizable and growing store count, history of steady expansion, consistent branding, and community-driven charter, it is clear they have transformed into a nationwide thrift retail chain.
Savers stores may have started out concentrated in the western U.S., but today you can shop their distinctive thrift stores in states across the country. From California to New York and beyond, Savers brings their treasure hunt shopping environment to communities nationwide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are Savers stores located?
Savers has over 300 thrift store locations in 25 U.S. states, primarily concentrated along the West Coast, Midwest, and eastern seaboard. They also have 50+ stores in Canada’s British Columbia and Ontario provinces.
Does Savers have thrift stores in all 50 states?
No, Savers does not currently operate in all 50 U.S. states. They are still expanding their geographic reach, but so far have stores in about half of the states.
What regions have the most Savers locations?
The western U.S., especially Washington, Oregon, and California, has the highest concentration of Savers stores. They also have a strong presence in the Midwest and are growing on the East Coast.
Where did Savers start?
The first Savers thrift store opened in San Francisco in 1954. The company slowly expanded within California and to other western states in its early decades.
How many Savers are in Canada?
Savers has over 50 thrift store locations combined in the Canadian provinces of British Columbia and Ontario as of 2023.
Does Savers have a consistent brand nationwide?
Yes, Savers has maintained a uniform brand identity and store model across its national locations. Shoppers can expect the same treasure hunt shopping experience regardless of the state.
Is Savers still expanding to more locations?
Savers continues to gradually expand its store count each year. They are likely to keep growing into new markets nationwide in pursuit of their thrift retail mission.
Savers Locations by State
| State | Number of Locations |
|---|---|
| Alabama | 3 |
| Arizona | 26 |
| California | 63 |
| Colorado | 21 |
| Connecticut | 5 |
| Florida | 7 |
| Georgia | 8 |
| Idaho | 6 |
| Illinois | 14 |
| Indiana | 6 |
| Iowa | 3 |
| Kansas | 3 |
| Kentucky | 2 |
| Maryland | 6 |
| Massachusetts | 8 |
| Michigan | 12 |
| Minnesota | 8 |
| Missouri | 5 |
| New Jersey | 8 |
| New York | 14 |
| North Carolina | 9 |
| Ohio | 15 |
| Oregon | 34 |
| Pennsylvania | 18 |
| South Carolina | 2 |
| Tennessee | 7 |
| Texas | 10 |
| Utah | 12 |
| Virginia | 10 |
| Washington | 35 |
| Wisconsin | 11 |
This table shows the number of Savers thrift store locations in each U.S. state where they currently operate. It illustrates their broad nationwide footprint, with a presence across the West, Midwest, South, and Eastern seaboard regions.
Revenue and Growth
As Savers expanded from a local chain to national retailer, their revenue has steadily increased over the years. While Savers is privately owned and does not disclose detailed financials, some key revenue benchmarks include:
- Early 2000s – $100 million annual revenue
- 2006 – $500 million annual revenue
- 2016 – $1 billion annual revenue
Industry analysts estimate Savers to currently generate between $1.5 to $2 billion in total annual revenue across its national operations.
Savers has achieved this revenue growth through a mix of same-store sales gains at established locations and new store openings in underserved markets. They likely need to operate on a national scale to find enough viable new thrift store locations to fuel expansion.
Moving from regional player to nationwide operator has allowed Savers thrift stores to find growth opportunities that strengthen the entire company’s financial footprint.
Projected Future Growth
Looking ahead, Savers appears poised for continued nationwide growth in the coming years.
Some analysts project they could reach 500 U.S. store locations and 75 Canadian stores in the next 5-10 years. This would represent a 50-70% increase over their current store count.
Savers future growth will likely focus both on existing markets where they can add more stores, as well as expanding into new states and regions. Some areas Savers may target include:
- Southeastern U.S. – States like Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama
- Southwest U.S. – Markets like Oklahoma City, Albuquerque
- Central U.S. – Cities like Memphis, Omaha, Tulsa
- Additional Canadian Provinces – Manitoba, Alberta
Moving into these new markets would help solidify Savers status as a true nationwide thrift retail chain.
With thrift and resale shopping gaining popularity, Savers national footprint across the U.S. and Canada gives them a strategic advantage to keep growing in the coming years.
How Savers Differs from Goodwill
When discussing large national thrift chains, Goodwill is the other major player along with Savers. While these two brands have some similarities, there are also key differences between their models:
Store Count and Locations
Goodwill has approximately 3,300 thrift stores across the U.S. and Canada compared to Savers’ 300+ locations. Goodwill has a much wider national presence across North America.
Ownership Structure
Savers is a for-profit private company while Goodwill stores are run by a network of independent regional nonprofits. Goodwill’s model relies on community-based ownership.
Shopping Experience
Savers stores typically offer a more curated, higher-end thrift shopping vibe focusing on clothing and housewares. Goodwill has a wider assortment including furniture and electronics.
Price Points
Savers tends to focus on a slightly higher price point versus Goodwill’s “bargain basement” image. But both offer affordability.
Charitable Mission
Both brands channel proceeds towards community programs. But Goodwill’s regional nonprofits have a more deeply rooted charitable approach versus Savers’ for-profit orientation.
While Goodwill is the larger thrift retailer overall, Savers differentiates itself through its savvy retail marketing and shopping experience. There is room for both brands to thrive nationwide.
Conclusion
Savers originated on the West Coast in the 1950s but has strategically grown into a thrift store chain with locations across North America. Their 300+ stores in 25 states and counting shows they have successfully expanded from a regional company to national retailer.
A few key factors that make Savers a nationwide brand today include:
- Hundreds of store locations spread across the U.S. and Canada
- Steady growth from its early western U.S. roots to new markets
- Consistent store model, branding, and messaging coast to coast
- Ongoing growth and healthy revenue as a national operator
- Focus on new market expansion to further nationwide reach
For thrifty shoppers looking for secondhand deals, Savers provides a recognizable thrift shopping experience throughout North America. The company’s strategic evolution from local chain to nationwide leader has allowed the Savers name to become synonymous with thrifting from coast to coast.
