Savers Agrees to Changes After Attorney General Lawsuit

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The Savers thrift store chain has agreed to improve transparency and compensate charities for non-clothing donations as part of a settlement with Minnesota Attorney General Lori Swanson.

Swanson sued Savers last month, alleging it was misleading people who donate clothing and household items about how much their donations benefit charities.

Swanson says the agreement requires enhanced transparency about the amount of money that goes to charity. Savers will also credit all donations to the charity intended by the donor, and charities will be paid for both clothing and non-clothing donations.

Savers president and chief executive Ken Alterman says the company disagrees with the allegations, but is satisfied that Swanson "has resolved her differences with us." Alterman says Savers paid more than $7.5 million to Minnesota charities last year.