Recycle Ann Arbor’s ReUse Center on South Industrial Hwy. shut its doors on March 17, after Gov. Gretchen Whitmer announced Covid-19 restrictions. In June, RAA said it was working to reopen the 20,000-square-foot center, which sold everything from toys to toothbrushes, coffee mugs to clothes, and books to building materials. But in September, it announced that the closure would be permanent.

“We did not make this decision lightly; the ReUse Center–its mission, staff, and customers are dear to us,” the nonprofit said in a statement on its website.

“However, in light of the Covid-19 pandemic and the challenges of implementing sufficient health and safety protocols at a thrift store along with an inability to negotiate fair and sustainable rent terms with our landlord, it is not feasible for us to reopen.”

Recycle Ann Arbor said the move did not mark an end to its retail efforts but was “merely a pause, while we re-envision what our future reuse efforts will involve.”

The organization encouraged customers to shop at other area thrift stores. “We hope that you will continue to reuse, repair, refurbish, and donate usable goods to the many local thrift stores,” it said.

Recycle Ann Arbor continues to provide recycling and waste services at the Drop-Off Station (2950 E. Ellsworth) and the Recovery Yard (7891 Jackson). It also was recently awarded a contract to reopen the city’s Materials Recovery Facility.

Jos. A. Bank, the men’s clothier in Arborland, has closed. Tailored Brands, which owns Jos. A. Bank and Men’s Wearhouse, announced plans to close up to 500 stores in July and filed for bankruptcy in August.

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