Did you get a Goodwill flier announcing the opening of a new location at 6125 SE 52ND Avenue? Did you notice the drawing for $100 spending sprees? Do you love rummaging through stuff people give away in search of unexpected gems? I answered “yes!” to all of these questions, so I headed down to the store yesterday afternoon, assuming I’d find a fairly empty store. Boy, I shouldn’t make assumptions like that! (After all, when you make assumptions, you make an “ass” out of “u” and “umption”…) I found crowds of eager shoppers digging through shoes, books, clothes, and home goods.
I was pleasantly surprised to find the store well-organized, clean, and well-staffed. One friendly staffer, Assistant Manager Natalie, answered a few of my questions as thriftistas flowed around us. She reported that when they opened the store at 7:00 yesterday morning, 150 people were already waiting to get in! “Why do you think people are so excited about this store?” I asked.
“It’s in a great residential area…. And now Target and Walmart are too expensive for many people.”
Too true. But don’t let the economic downturn get you down… just think of all of the great reasons to shop at thrift stores like Goodwill:
- Be green– Reuse, refurbish, and relove what your neighbors throw away.
- Get Rewards– Goodwill offers Club Goodwill for frequent shoppers. Club Goodwill members earn 1 point for each dollar they spend. When you’ve earned 200 points, Goodwill sends you a gift certificate for $10! (It’s like Fred Meyer, but without that darn time limit!) Plus Goodwill members get discounts on purchases larger than $15 and 25% off on their birthday!
- Do Good– Goodwill is a great organization that helps people in need. Buy gifts at Goodwill and give twice!
I filled a shopping basket to the brim with cheap office supplies, craft materials, books, and a lovely jewelry case. So, head on down to your newest neighborhood Goodwill and check it out!
