Savers/Value Village, based in Bellevue, which touts it’s business model as “one of the largest recyclers of used goods in the world, saving more than 600 million pounds of quality merchandise from landfills each year,” may be opening in Issaquah.

A spokesperson for Savers/Value Village would not confirm whether or not they are opening in the old Albertson’s grocery store location on the north east corner of SE 56th and East Lake Sammamish Parkway, at 5530 E. Lake Sammamish Parkway. However, “There has been an interest expressed in that location, but there is no signed contract,” the spokesperson said.

The building, assessed at $5,895,700, has been vacant for four years.

Value Village is a for-profit thrift store.

Merchandise is acquired from local non-profits, and Value Village pays the non-profits based on volume. When you donate at one of their community donation centers your donation finds its way to one of its stores.

The old Albertson’s building is managed by Merlone Geier Partners, a private real estate investment company focused on the acquisition, development and redevelopment of retail and retail-driven mixed-use properties on the West Coast according to its web site. Its main offices are in San Francisco and San Diego.

Jim Alexander, vice-president and partner in Merlone Geier would only say that the company is in lease negotiations with an entity, and he should know in 30 days if a tenant is moving into the 49,516 square-foot building. He said Merlone Geier represents 10 shopping centers in the Puget Sound area.

Value Village only sells in its stores. There is no online shopping since inventory changes everyday depending on what comes in and what goes out. Value Village does not take items on consignment.