Savers faces scrutiny in Australia for its for-profit model

The US-based thrift store chain Savers is facing scrutiny in Australia amid a cost-of-living crisis, sparking debate over its for-profit model and relationships with nonprofit partners. Savers, which has expanded rapidly in Australia, pays charities for donated goods, raising questions about transparency and the rates paid, especially given past controversies in the US. The company reported $30.7 million in sales in the March quarter, up almost 12% from the previous year. While some shoppers prefer traditional charity-run thrift stores, others see Savers as a more sustainable alternative to fast fashion, acknowledging its role in the growing secondhand market.