(energetic music) - I'm Paris Jackson in the Crosscut KCTS 9 Newsroom.

(soft music) Washington's high court ruling in favor of the largest thrift store chain in the world still has critics calling foul.

In 2017, Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson filed charges against Value Village claiming it deceived thousands of Washington consumers and donors with an aggressive marketing campaign that created the impression that the popular thrift store chain was a nonprofit or charity, a violation of Washington State law.

Advocates fear the court validating the charitable claims of Value Village might give similar for-profit stores a competitive advantage being perceived as a charity, even when they aren't on the same charitable footing.

Meanwhile, the thrift giant calls the court's decision a win for them, their customers, and nonprofit partners and communities across the state of Washington.

I'm Paris Jackson.

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