Deseret Industries
In other parts of the country, people donate their used items to the Salvation Army. We have some Salvation Army stores in Utah, but a much more prominent and influential monopoly has control of the thrift market here in Zion. It’s called Deseret Industries, but the populace calls it The DI for short.
The DI is sponsored by the LDS Church (you know, the Mormons), so it has a stronghold over this area. Plus, it’s so darn easy to donate. There is a DI within walking distance of my house. There was a DI within walking distance of my last house, too. They are everywhere.
Their prices are good, too. It’s not like some thrift stores which mark their items high and then systematically keep marking them lower until they finally get to a price that someone will buy them. If it’s a pair of jeans, it’s going to be six bucks whether they are Calvin Kleins or Wranglers. Shorts are three bucks, no matter what. Just like their new billboards say, they have “Bargains to DI for.” Imagine me yuck-yucking and slapping my knee right now, please.
Growing up Jehovah Witness in this city, there have been so many times when I have felt antagonistic toward the LDS church. The Klingon within me says that I shouldn’t donate my old clothes to The DI because that is aiding the enemy. This Klingon has no problem with me shopping at The DI because I’m just taking advantage of their incredible prices, which makes no sense because in that scenario, I’m actually giving money to “the enemy.” Go figure. The Vulcan inside me reminds me of how convenient it is to donate to The DI. I just swing by the place and drop the stuff off. They even give me a receipt for my taxes if I’m willing to wait for it.
Kathleen Bennett, my friend who lives in San Francisco, always goes DI shopping with me when she comes back to town. She used to live here and it’s one of the few things that Salt Lake City has over San Francisco. We have DI thrift shopping and lots of flavors of Jello in our grocery stores. Last time she was here, she was looking for a pair of Lucky Brand jeans (remember, for only six bucks!). We didn’t find any in her size that time, but we did find some cool things for her, namely a bitchin’ pair of shoes (only six bucks). I’m always excited when Kathleen comes to town because she is one of the few people who have the stamina to DI shop with me.
Since I’ve been losing weight, the DI is a blessing to me. I can get a whole new wardrobe every few months on very little money. I don’t have to swim in my “fat” clothes and I can get rid of those oversized clothes as soon as they start to hang on me. There is no temptation to gain the weight again because those clothes are gone back to The DI from whence they came. When I get to my final goal weight, I’ll buy myself all new clothes, but until then, I’m hitting The DI every couple of months for clothes I can shrink into.
I don’t know why I feel the need to tell you about The DI. This entry is almost like a commercial for them, which is really making the Klingon within me boil. I guess I just wanted to make sure that you knew what the hell I was talking about if I say something like, “I’m going to give that away to the DI” or “Stacey and I are going DI shopping for some skinnier clothes. I’m too small for those size 7 jeans I bought a couple months ago.” That sort of thing.
If you ever find yourself in Salt Lake City, the two best DI’s are the one on 45th and Main and the one in Sandy on 7th East by the Sandy Mall. You are pretty much guaranteed to find really good brands there like Calvin Klein, Old Navy, Gap, Mossimo and I’ve even found the illusive Lucky Brand jeans there before, but they wouldn’t have fit Kathleen. They were way too big.
Great post, and please don’t forget to mention the DI in West Jordan, where I found 2 like new Black Ralph Lauren Crested blazers with golden buttons, original retail about $250.00 each, MY DI PRICE::::drum roll please::::$6.00 and $8.00 each. yipeee, I LOVE DI!!!
Comment by Anonymous — 9/24/2004 @ 6:22 pm
I couldn’t agree more with you. I am a big DI shopper. We recently moved to southern Utah and the St. George’s DI has been great source of good furniture for great prices!!
Comment by Amaya — 11/19/2004 @ 12:43 pm
The DI is the place to shop for furniture as well, if you want to fix it up yourself a little. Take someone’s old brass lamp, a little white spray paint and tada! a treasure. I did want to leave a little FYI, the DI takes the money that it makes and provides Humanitarian Aid all over the world. (Not just Mormon Humanitarian Aid….all those in need qualify!) It’s incredible what they do with the money. Wheelchairs, baby blankets, schools, computers, anything they can do to help. Hope that sheds a little light on the situation. Have a great day!
Jenni
Comment by Jenni — 3/2/2005 @ 3:46 pm
Why is it that people like you cannot BEAR to say anything good about Latter-day saints or their church? You can’t even bear to just make a net page about the thrift shops without backhanding the Latter-day Saints. There are plenty of peo;le here in Australia who think JW’s are just the limit!!!!!!! I’m beginning to think JW’s are on such shaky ground they need to knock everyone.
And I’ll be at the Sandy DI very often all through April, if you want to stand outside with a sign and complain about my church!!!!!
Comment by Piret — 3/15/2005 @ 9:19 pm
There are a couple of things that are obvious about your comment. Firstly, you didn’t read my entry all the way through. You stopped somewhere in the fourth paragraph. Secondly, you’ve never experienced the horrific prejudice that comes with being non-Mormon and growing up in Salt Lake City. I could tell you stories that would make you ashamed for the members of your church.
If you read my weblog regularly, you would know that I am not Jehovah Witness. I was given a choice at age 12 whether I still wanted to attend “meetings” and I walked away from it without regret. Just so you know, I think both religions, when taken to the extreme, can be quite harmful. In some respects, the two are very similar.
I actually gave Deseret Industries a positive review. Whenever I write, I am trying to give the world a window into my life. That includes life in Salt Lake City. That includes life with Mormons. That includes the good and the bad. I’m not going to edit out the bad just because it might offend you. Conversely, I don’t edit out the good either. Go back and read the whole entry. If you want to talk more, I’d be happy to converse with you.
It sounds like you are coming to SLC for a visit. It’s a relaxed and fun place to be and I hope you enjoy it here.
Comment by Laura Moncur — 3/16/2005 @ 9:15 am
Your article cracked me up! I’m from Utah as well. (though have since moved to Florida) And also a non-Mormon, and I love DI! I’m visiting this week and plan on making a trip to my parents local DI store. Thanks for the laugh and the memories!
Comment by becmobile — 4/12/2005 @ 10:04 am
No matter what religion you are the D.I. is your friend. I live by the D.I. in magna and the very windows X.P. I am writing on right now came from there for a total of $20! Ive never seen any other X.P.’s though but once in a while there is a gamecube or X-box. Although the Magna d.i. is not the greatist/biggest there are amazing deals.
Comment by Kayla — 10/9/2005 @ 3:40 pm
Funny that you would write about the DI in Salt Lake just as I was saying to myself how much I wanted to take my Dad there. (He thinks the place is a wonderland) He keeps bringing home the most hidious clocks he can find just see if he can get my Mom to say “What did you get THAT for??? He cracks me up. Anyway – time for confessions from a California Mormon learning to live with the Utah Mormons. First of all I have to tell you – we are all just people – just different opinions. Even among all us Mormons you are sure to find some people that make you smile and wonder what the hell they were thinking. And I have to tell you – the holier than thou ones just offend me beyond belief. Makes you wonder what goes on behind their closed doors. Ok there you go. Don’t get me wrong – I love my religion – I just try to live it with a good dose of reality. Amen
Comment by Michelle — 10/13/2005 @ 1:37 pm
I’m gonna have to agree….. the stereotypical “Utah Mormon” made me want to gag, laugh, cry, and scream all at the same time while I lived in Provo (aka “happy valley”)….. and this is coming from a dyed-in-the-wool Arizona Mormon who grew up with what I think is the perfect mixture of people who believe the same as me, and people who don’t…. Here’s my theory:
Anytime you get a group of people who all believe the same, and you let them sit and all believe the same together for a long time, you will get a good dose of people who aren’t tolerant of other people’s views/beliefs/etc. Be it a community of Mormon, Catholic, Amish, people who drink only Pepsi, people who only wear denim, whatever.
The shame and the reason I get SO steamed at the ones (I call the “Utah Mormons” when they do this here in Arizona, too, sorry those of you who live in Utah)–the ones who look down on others, reject others, or treat others differently because they aren’t LDS, is that we (LDS) are extremely privileged and blessed to have the 1)great church organization, and 2)truth– we should be the MOST tolerant, MOST loving, and I have witnessed (to my shame and utmost infinity of apologizing on behalf of all of us LDS folk to those it has happened to) some of my LDS compatriots being the cruelest, most insensitive, and bigoted folk around.
Just rest assured, those people would be like that, if they were Mormon, Catholic, Jehovah’s Witness, atheist, or whatever. They just happened to be LDS, cuz they were in Utah.
Comment by Leann — 10/29/2005 @ 6:16 am
Hey, I shop at the DI in Chula Vista, California, the only one within more than 100 miles of San Diego. (We’re half way between San Diego and Tijuana.) The current manager is an asshole, and this doesn’t bode well for the store. Oh well, we still shop there.
Comment by Jeff Needle — 12/17/2005 @ 7:40 pm
The DI is the best place ever. Its like a huge garage sale thats open everyday (except Sunday.) Plus theres new stuff everyday, or atleast at the ones in Salt Lake City.I know people who go there everyday. And about the whole judgmental mormon thing, yes many are jugmental. All i can say is that i am LDS and it bugs me when people find that out and automatically start judging me because they have had a bad experience with someone who is mormon. Isn’t that just a bit ironic that they judge me after complaining of being judged by someone who was LDS. I try to like everyone, no matter what their situation is. Also it very much bugs me when people complain about what the LDS church beleives, and then i have to correct all the misconceptions. I’ve lived many other places, and asked many people of other faiths, and never have i encountered a faith that gets so many people who hate it and yet know almost nothing about it. I’ve been to Vatican City, and just for the heck of it i asked a catholic person if non-catholics striotype them and generalize them. Then he asked me where i was from and i said Salt lake. Supprizingly he knew where that was and alot about my church. Basically he said that he had never seen so many people bash a church without knowing much about it, or just because of how one person in that faith had treated them. There may be stupid people in a religion, but that doesn’t make the whole religion stupid.
Comment by Tyler Cheney — 1/10/2006 @ 5:42 pm
In addition to money being given to Humanitarian Aid all over the world D. I. provides jobs for mentally or physically challenged individuals as well as special training programs to further their education. Quilts are made there, hygiene and newborn kits are assembled, as well as school supplies for children just to name a few. These packages are sent all over the world. Local church members are also voluntarily involved with these projects. Items that are not sold within a 2 week period are baled in 1000 lbs cubes and delivered to third world countries. (Your old sneakers may be the only pair of shoes a woman in Peru receives for an entire year). Most D. I. also offers an educational tour of their facilities if you make an appointment. Hence the saying is true “Even Little Donations Bless Many Nations” An LDS person truly seeking to live the gospel will love you and embrace you, no matter who you are.
Comment by Liz — 1/13/2006 @ 12:10 pm
Laura, I just wanted to say that your reviews are great. I found a brand new Motorcycle jacket at the DI in St. George for 8 dollars!!! Oh, and I agree with you on the bit about it being a difficult life in Utah for non-Mormons. I word my tail off in school, but get bad grades. All the teachers started being kind snappy with me when they found out that not only am I not Mormon, but a Wiccan. I dunno, I guess they think I worship Satan or something…lol. Thanks for the great reviews!
Comment by Pete in Hurricane — 1/24/2006 @ 9:09 am
Puh–leese..Utah mormons–everywhere else mormons..we are all the same. I am sorry for those who have been treated unfairly. It is just an example that the church is perfect but the members arent. DI is great. we were having a luau dance and i got shirts for 1.50 a piece and they were all from the Gap.
Comment by Cami — 2/1/2006 @ 3:18 pm
Can we forget the Mormon thing for one minute? :::sigh::: We forget the Salvation Army is a religion too. D.I. kicks major butt. You can get new furniture there for cheap, well-made by people who needed job training. Everyone who works at D.I. needed the job (many, if not most, have disablilites, speak limited English, or have other obstacles to contend with). D.I. employs and teaches peoople to do everything from run the cash register to fix appliances, so it’s plenty worthy if you’re looking for a charity. Outside that, though, I get eco-kudos for buying reused items (and not throwing my old items out), and I save my limited budget by buying at a thrift store. Okay, yes. It’s hard being a No-Mo in the Beehive, but a good idea is a good idea.
Comment by Summer — 3/21/2006 @ 3:09 pm
I did a power-point presentation about the Dezzy-lu(thats what we call the DI). I loved every second of it. I am the type of guy who just loves thrift stores. I enjoyed Goodwill and even Salvation army. But honestly DI is the best by far. One, just being around people that are just like you is fun, diversity is amazing there and you walk away with something worth 30 dollars and you paid 2 dollars. It doesn’t get better than that. Well i did that presentaion in front of a class that i guess didn’t agree with me fully, but I atleast represented the best thrift store so far. Thanks DI for everything!!
Comment by Winslow — 6/5/2006 @ 10:30 pm
I loved your article! I work for DI in Califronia, and I’m going to share this with all my co-workers and family. Tell your friend kathleen that if she is ever in Nor Cal or So Cal, there are five DI in Cali. Big, newly remodeled one in Sacramento, and four south in Calimesa, LA, Chula Vista, and Colton. Sacramento is the biggest DI outside of Utah. I buy a lot of stuff at work and I love seeing all the great product that comes and goes. The best thing about all of it-is that all the DI ship prodcut to each other, because some areas will get more clothing donations while others get more household items. I’m sorry for all my fellow mormons that have treated people badly, but we aren’t all like that. It all comes down to education and knowledge is power. I have always prided myself in learnign about various religions and trying to understand and not judge. i love my world religions courses! I know that as a girl who grew up with the mormon background but whose parents weren’t active members, I was treated badly by my peers growing up for not going to church. Then, I married into the church when I married my husband. It took me about 4 years before I really gave it a chance-and I was overseas. i still struggle sometimes with the people in our church but I try to be an example of Christ-like love and show them that I’m above that and not stoop to their level. It’s a shame that there are so many member so many members of the church that make it look bad by treating people poorly. i apologize for that, but believe me when I say that we are not all like that. Thank you for the article! It is wonderful!
Comment by Pepper27 — 6/25/2006 @ 9:28 pm
Hi, I was just searching for D.I. on google and found this weblog. Could someone please do a comparison of D.I. and Salvation army? There isn’t a D.I. where I live but there are several Salvation army stores… they’re not very well patronized though.
Comment by Christine — 10/12/2006 @ 9:17 am
Hello.
I’ve always thought that its really retarded that different churches consider eachother “enemies”. I’ve grown up LDS, and never one time did I ever hear other churches being called “enemies”. We were always told that we both worship the same being, that the other churches didn’t have the full truth. I shop at the DI very regularly and I agree that it is a great place. I don’t get why the “klingon” in you wouldn’t want to shop there, it’s only helping you and others around you.
Comment by colby — 1/17/2007 @ 1:16 pm
PLEASE READ THE ARTICLE ALL THE WAY THROUGH PEOPLE. DON’T JUST HEAR THE PARTS YOU WANT TO HEAR THEN JUDGE THE AUTHOR… THIS IS A POSITIVE REVIEW OF THE DI AND WHEN YOU BLOG AND SAY NEGATIVE THINGS TO DEFEND WHAT YOU THINK SHE’S SAYING ABOUT MORMONS, YOU JUST LOOK FOOLISH AND YOU PROVE HER POINT ABOUT UTAH MORMONS!! THANK YOU!! GOOD REVIEW LAURA.
Comment by Camille — 4/26/2007 @ 8:09 am
I am such a DI junkie. Seriously how would I afford to GO to college if I couldn’t furnish my apartment there? Okay, now we have Ikea, too, but STILL.
Good article. :O) Sincerely, Kipluck aka: BethAnn <—yeah, pretty much a Utah Mormon. hee hee
Comment by Kipluck — 9/28/2007 @ 11:24 pm
Hey, I ran across this because I was searching for the DI on Google so I could find out how late I can drop off some stuff I’m going to donate.
I’m an ex-JW, too – grew up in Arkansas, though – not many Mormons there. For a long time I was very anti-religion after I left the JWs, and I had a hard time “supporting” the DI, too. Oddly enough, my mom went to a little St. Vincent de Paul thrift store where we lived all the time when I was growing up, and when I moved out and needed help paying a gas bill, she had me go ask the lady who ran the thrift store for help, because she and the JWs wouldn’t help me since I wasn’t “active”.
I’m way past that, now – actually I became Catholic last year. But, it did take a long time to feel ok with shopping or donating to the DI. As much as I don’t agree with the LDS church on religious topics, I’m glad they have the DI, and I think it’s a good thing all around.
Comment by Misty Fowler — 10/9/2007 @ 2:31 pm
I am a California Mormon. I thought I would share what my teenage daughter has been doing for a “Personal Progress” project. It is Christmas time, and she has been collecting new, unwrapped toys to donate to the Colton DI so parents that are having a rough time financially can provide Christmas for their children. In addition to the toys, she collected money donations. We had a ball shopping the after Thanksgiving sales for toys to donate. It was fun to imagine the joy that the toys would bring to the children. =) Thanks for the review of DI. I did not think it was negative. I’m sorry that some mormons have given a bad impression. People are people, no matter what their religion.
Comment by Marleen Connors — 11/30/2007 @ 9:09 am
I also googled DI and picked your link Laura. Very nice article! I am an atheist and have no trouble donating or spending my money at DI. I actually call it “Mecca”. Kind of ironic, don’t ya think? LOL! Anyway, I shop at Goodwill and SA too. But Mecca is the best! I LOVE the way the merchandise is displayed and the ‘lil price/size tag is the best! I also can totally relate to your paragraph on the weight loss. I’ve been doing WW since Feb ’07, lost 55 lbs, need to lose 20 more and do ALL my shopping at thrift stores! AND, I recycle them right back when I drop sizes. From a size 22 to a size 14, so far……..By the way, I went to find the one in LA and it’s gone! GPS’d it, called the phone number (after I arrived at the location) and it was disconnected. A MAJOR bummer! Never been to Salt Lake but will make sure to visit the DI’s when I’m there. Thanks for the info! :)
Comment by Martina — 12/29/2007 @ 9:18 pm
You are so right about DI. I happen to be a Mormon, but I’d shop there even if I weren’t. In New Mexico all we had was Salvation Army and Goodwill. Both decent thrift shops, but I’ve never gotten the treasures I have here in Mesa AZ at the DI here. The prices are great and the stuff is not junk! And they keep the stores clean. Believe me this is thrift store central. There’s one every other block. Don’t forget the Goodwill 50% off Saturdays for great deals too. And BTW, I married a “Utah Mormon” and he’s a prince. People everywhere no matter what religion can be intolerant.
Comment by Paulette — 1/11/2008 @ 6:26 pm
We have some friends who are world travelers, and they have collected several things during their trips. They have been to Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, England, Germany, Italy, Japan, The Phillipines, and several other places. They display lots of fine items in their home, and it is very fun to look around their house guessing where they acquired each of their treasures. One of the coolest things they have is an wall ornament with two gilded Indian elephants. I asked “did you get that on a trip to India?” “No” they responded “We got that at the DI in Provo for 6 bucks.”
Comment by DilaT — 1/12/2008 @ 12:55 pm
I love your blog…it speaks volumes to me because I have lost about 35 pounds in the last year and I’m now in the the last ten pounds zone. I had never heard of DI before, in Los Angeles we have Council Thrift (a Jewish Womens’ Charity), Out of the Closet (funds HIV support systems), Goodwill Industries, and The Salvation Army – I’ve shopped at all of them for the disposal and acquisition of my transitional wardrobe. Except for my forays to Target for undies, I dont even know if I will be able to shop retail ever again! $5 for a DKNY or Rafaella blouse and a mere tenner for a pair of Bruno Magli pumps is now a fact of life of for me – Your comments about getting used to the new size thing rings a bell too…Am I really a 12-14 now, just like I was in High School 40 years ago?!! With Beverly Hills and Malibu as the source of top notch cast-offs, the garment recycling scene here in LA is wonderful. Even though the thought of mall style retail is now repellant, I will probaly hit the upscale consignment shops once I hit my goal weight…that’s where the couture designer gowns and suits for under a hundred are hanging out;)
Comment by elisabeth in la — 1/16/2008 @ 11:12 am
Elisabeth in L.A.,
Here is a link to the D.I.s in California:
http://www.providentliving.org/location/display/1,12568,2026-1-1-49716,00.html
There is one in L.A. just for you!
2720 East 11th St. Los Angeles, CA 90023
Happy shopping!
Laura
Comment by Laura Moncur — 1/16/2008 @ 2:00 pm
I LOVE DI. We only have one in Oregon, and it’s not the best thrift store around, but the prices are great! I got a $200 Red Wool Coat for $6!
Love this comment, “It’s hard being a No-Mo in the Beehive” Probably as hard as it is being a Mo outside the Beehive! ;-)
Comment by Jody — 1/23/2008 @ 3:18 am
DI is fabulous…if for no other reason than because it’s so BIG. I even got a sideboard for my dining room that I absolutely adore. It’s retro so people who come over either love it or hate it…but it’s my baby. Best of all, I got it for $25.
I agree with Jody. I’m sure being a No-Mo in the Beehive is as hard as being a Mo outside the Beehive. Mo or No-Mo, it can be hard to look at another human as a human…and not a type.
Kudos to everyone everywhere who shops at places that help others and eco-friendly. Kudos to everyone everywhere who is nice to people.
Comment by S — 1/24/2008 @ 5:54 pm
Well, it looks like I’ve stepped in it. Honestly, I don’t even remember postng the blog entry that bears my name. Yeah, the manager and I at DI Chula Vista had a bit of a rocky start. But darned if he isn’t about nicest person to deal with these days.
I hereby swallow my pride and admit that my first impressions were not good, and not correct. All is well, my friends. Come to DI Chula Vista without fear.
Comment by Jeffrey Needle — 8/8/2008 @ 9:21 pm
As an Irish LDS, I’m always excited when I visit California and Utah because then I get to shop at DI for great bargains. During international crises, because we don’t have DI in Ireland, the church often encourages us to donate through either the Salvation Army, or SVDP (St.Vincent de Paul). It seems that, while some people may see other religions as ‘the enemy’, the LDS church leaders (and, presumably those from many other religions too) do not. As far as they’re concerned it’s all going to a good cause and they help and support each other in this. Perhaps we all should be listening to what our church leaders actually teach us (love they neighbour . . . , do unto others . . . , etc.) and then there wouldn’t be this prejudice. It upsets me when Mormons are intolerant because this is totally against their religious principles, as it is with any other Christian religions and I’m sure most non-Christian religions too. However, where there are people there will be good and bad, tolerance and intolerance, love and hate. In other words, opposition in all things. We should just enjoy DI, be grateful for the generosity of those who donate, and try to pay it forward when we can.
Comment by Rua — 1/28/2009 @ 2:44 pm
Well…as everybody knows, people are humans, with mistakes and talents. (no matter what religion you are) by the way DI is awesome if you like to shop for brands…cheap, I shop sometimes there and I love it. But my point is any person that projects hate to anything or “fights” for their religion obviously is not religious, I am sorry for those persons that call the enemy to others, there is no enemies!! we are brothers and sisters!! We gotta show love, compasion, thats how He likes it… I dont care if you are or aren’t JW, jewish, mormon ( or Utah mormon, catholic) we are all the same. I am a mormon, I dont feel better than anyone. If you believe in God, or Jehova or heavenly father and respect the values of others I salute you. If you dont…well God bless you anyway. Thank you.
Comment by Cale — 12/19/2009 @ 10:14 pm
OMG Laura, are things, even a major shoe score allowed to be “bitchen” in the J-Dub Kingdom? That’s awesome, as was your post. I’m going to guess the majority of us can relate and appreciate a refreshingly positive (I think?) and some what comical review of DI.
Comment by Dave — 1/26/2010 @ 1:13 pm
“you’ve never experienced the horrific prejudice that comes with being non-Mormon and growing up in Salt Lake City”
If you would, allow me to change your quote slightly.
“you’ve never experienced the horrific prejudice that comes with being MORMON and growing up OUTSIDE of Salt Lake City (or Utah)”.
Religious intolerance is shameful no matter what religion or where you live.
Having said that…”sticks and stones…” Be secure in what you believe and let others say what they may.
Comment by Randall — 10/22/2010 @ 11:37 am
I am a Mormon raised in Idaho but have lived in several states in the South and Midwest but I must say…it’s analogous to working with mulch. If you pile it all up in one place, it usually starts to stink. But if you spread it around, it grows things! I now live in Utah and must admit I am sometimes very ashamed of how some LDS people treat non-Mormons!
Comment by Kelly — 10/25/2010 @ 12:29 pm
Ah, yet another review that praises DI but bashes the religion that runs it. And yes, Laura and Camille, I read all the way through. Consistently good comments about the store, and very negative comments about the church. It’s sad that you consider the Mormons to be the enemy, considering all the good they’ve done in the world. They’ve donated over a BILLION dollars just in the last 25 years alone.
Comment by Ady — 1/8/2011 @ 12:50 am
I grew up in the Jewish faith, became disabled as a result from 9/11 and converted to the the LDS faith. I finally after all these years of disability and unemployment will probably be starting to work for a company out of LEHI for a computer support company as my interview is approaching. DI actually has services that helps people with disabilities, so its a natural fit to shop there. And most of all, i am help someone with a disability learn to work.
Comment by Philip B Kirschner — 4/10/2011 @ 7:42 pm
Oh my heck, if Mormons have donated so much money we are the best, most superior people on the planet! I’m sure (well, I’m not sure because I have no clue about other religions, but neither will I take the time to research the issue) that no other religions ever give money to help people…and even if others do, look how much WE have donated! I’m glad we’re giving ourselves the credit for it, too, we deserve it; one thing I love about Jesus is that He was always getting up in a crowd yelling, “Look how many people I healed today! I am so AWESOME!”
Comment by Kara — 7/31/2011 @ 4:18 pm
I just wanted to say thank you for the great review-I’ll be visiting the Sandy DI you recommended when I head to Utah later this week.
I’m truly sorry that you had hurtful experiences from members of the LDS church.
Comment by Becky — 8/2/2011 @ 10:10 pm
The DI is a great thing for all people. I totally understand-yes-understand your ENTIRE review. I too, a non-mormon came to SLC at the age of 16 in the 70’s. IT WAS THE WORST PART OF MY LIFE. And at the time if you were not LDS you were ostracized. Slowly, over time I have witnessed change. GREAT review Laura-I love the DI.
Comment by discodiva79 — 11/3/2011 @ 7:12 pm
I find rediculous low prices at the DI. It’s like they are in a another price world. And the great stuff I find. Someone(s)donated all that stuff. And out behind the store people are lined up in their cars to donate their collectibles.
Comment by Wayne — 1/10/2013 @ 9:49 pm
DI is not there to earn money for the church. It is a part of the welfare services program. If you have live in an area that has been touched by fires, hurricanes, poverty, etc., you could have benefitted from DI monies. For example, when hurricanes destroyed New Orleans, making resources such as food and clothing a necessity, the church sent trailers filled with basic foods, clothing, bedding, etc. to the area. The items were then distributed to the community by their agent (usually the Red Cross or church leaders in that area). Notice I did not say the members. It is available to everyone. These items are paid for by money earned at the DI. So even Jehovah Witnesses could have benefitted. They have provided basic food for many countries suffering from drought in Africa. And yes, they provide job training for many, enabling people to be productive members of their community and not living off welfare.
Comment by Marilyn Georgeson — 9/23/2013 @ 3:11 am
I know this is an old post, and that it wasn´t the point of the review, but just a reminder- Deseret Industries is a NON PROFIT ORGANIZATION. It might be a little obvious, but that means that whether you love the Mormons or hate them, whether they be friend or foe, THEY DON’T GET MONEY WHEN YOU SHOP AT THE DI. The ´´supporting the enemy´´issue is kind of irrelevant. I´ve heard a lot of ignorant people say they don´t shop at the DI because the money goes straight to Thomas S. Monson´s pocket. But I know you are all a lot more bright than that.
Comment by Einstein — 1/12/2014 @ 7:55 pm