Over the past 60 years, the Deseret Industries store in Blackfoot, Idaho, has become a significant part of the tight-knit community. The store is a place for people to give service, gain a fresh start, and create better lives for themselves.  

What makes a thrift store such a meaningful part of a community? It is how the people of Blackfoot have turned it into a place where people find belonging.

The History of the Blackfoot Store 

The Deseret Industries in Blackfoot, Idaho, opened in 1964.  "It's the most charming DI store I have ever been in. It matches the charm of the community,” says one avid thrifter. 

Volunteers from the local community came to set up shelves and displays for the opening. Since that day, many people from the town have come to donate, shop, and find work.  

"I feel good about working here,” says one Blackfoot store employee. “It has been very positive and put me on a good work schedule. My colleagues and bosses have been great to work with. Most importantly, it has given me new goals, and I am a better person for working on them,” says one store associate. 

Job Training for Those Seeking Marketable Skills 

The Blackfoot store is one of 46 Deseret Industries locations that not only offers quality goods at an affordable price but also provides employment and job training. Every year, thousands of DI associates learn important workplace behaviors and skills through the DI job training program. 

Deseret Industries creates an environment where individuals can overcome barriers to employment. As associates gain work experience and improve their skills and behaviors, they become valuable candidates for better jobs. This is accomplished by efforts such as: 

• Providing associates with supervisors who coach and support with goal setting and professional development.  

• Teaching and modeling the program’s Ready for Work behaviors, including teamwork, dependability, and professionalism. 

• Giving associates opportunities to develop and become certified in specialized skills.  

"This is my first job, so at first I was scared and nervous,” says one store associate, “The other workers have been friendly. My supervisor takes the time to understand me. I am more confident, and I really like working here.” 

The Impact Deseret Industries Has on the Community 

People who are facing serious health challenges or are ex-offenders find help overcoming those barriers to employment by enrolling the program. 

"DI is an escape,” says an associate enrolled in the job training program “[It is] a place where we can go to work and interact with people we trust—a place to help us through life’s challenges.” 

The store also provides opportunities for high school students who are looking to gain work experience and make connections with others. Many high school students can be found working on the retail floor, in the donation drive-thru, at the cash registers, and in other areas of the store—especially on Fridays when school is not in session. 

The sense of community support and belonging found in this store not only allows the location to flourish but also captures the essence of how it got its start. 

The Legacy of the Blackfoot Store 

Even though the Blackfoot location has been open for many years, customers and employees continue to come daily to contribute to and support the thrift store’s success.  

Customers come to shop and reconnect with the friendly staff. DI associates come to gain work experience and get a fresh start. Donors come to drop off gently used items that can help others in need. The community treasures the Blackfoot store and all that it has offered over the past 60 years. 

Curious to know how DI got its start in 1938? Learn more about the history of Deseret Industries and how it has helped the community near you.