Shop at Goodwill
The temperatures are on the rise, and we'll bet you're headed outside for some warm weather fun! Whether you’re off to the beach, playing at the park or poolside, stop at Goodwill first to check out our new summer items. We’ve got bathing suits, towels, sunglasses, hats, children’s summer wear, as well as shorts and tops to keep you cool! Many of Goodwill’s stores also have brand new store surplus including wading pools, squirt guns, goggles, flip flops, games, and lots more!
Here’s a preview of how the staff in Deland have decked out their store for the summer:
Although Goodwill’s regular prices are unbeatable, you’ll save even more with our "Color of the Week” specials, and seniors ages 55+ as well as students with a valid FL ID receive an additional 10% discount.
Your purchases help us provide vocational services for people right here in our community. Goodwill Industries of Central Florida ranks in the top 12 Goodwill organizations in the world regarding how efficiently we operate and the amount of money we put back into the community through our rehabilitation programs.
Come visit Goodwill today! You can find the location of the store nearest you through the county locator above or you may contact us at (407) 857-0659. We look forward to serving you.
Shop Goodwill From Your Computer
It's easy to shop from home, too. Just check out Goodwill's online auction site - goodwillcfl.org/shop. You never know what will be up for auction next -- a designer pair of shoes, that missing piece from your collection you thought you could never replace, maybe even an authentic autographed painting! Bidding starts out low, at just $6.00 per item, then goes up as the auction date gets closer. Goodwill's online success is attributed to the team's approach of posting an average of 70 items per day, so there's always a variety of fresh merchandise to choose from.
It's free to register, and the site is friendly, secure, and easy to use. All major credit cards are accepted. So next time you are looking for that one of a kind item, visit the goodwillcfl.org/shop website - you'll probably find it listed there!
Goodwill Fashion Sense
Thrifting is the in thing. As the value of a dollar shrinks, everyone is looking for a way to get more for their money, without giving up quality or style. At the same time, Goodwill is doing its best to help the environment by recycling items that are donated to us. We've been "green” since the day we opened our doors.
Savvy thrifty shoppers know that they can not only help the environment, but they can also save money on quality, designer products and support their community all by shopping at local thrift stores like Goodwill! They also know the secrets of thrift store shopping and how to find the best deals for the lowest price. For the inexperienced thrifter, shopping at a second-hand store might feel a little like trying to find a needle in a haystack. It may be a little intimidating at first, but after the first few times, you'll have no problems finding that treasure, and you, too, will walk out with bags full of bargains!
Here are a few tips to help you become an expert in the world of thrift store shopping:
1. Shop often.
Merchandise, especially good merchandise, moves quickly at a thrift store. You might see it on the shelf one minute, but turn your back for a second, and it's gone. Since all the products for sale come from donations, all items are sold on a first come, first served basis. Unfortunately, there is usually not another one of the same style in the back, so you have a better chance at the good stuff if you shop frequently.
2. Use your imagination.
While most donors give clean, ready-to-wear clothing, and wipe down their household goods before donating, not all do. And while Goodwill does give most items a quick dusting before putting them on the shelves for sale, we do not launder garments. So, while perusing the racks and shelves, look at clothing and other items for their potential and not their current state. How would that dresser look with a fresh coat of paint? That cute little denim skirt - wouldn't it look great just an inch or two shorter, and maybe with a fashionable belt? By adding a few buttons, or just a good polishing or dusting, you can revamp an attractive piece to add to your collection.
3. Buy inexpensive, not cheap.
Goodwill’s racks are full of designer labels - you just have to look for them. And just because a blouse has an Ann Taylor or Liz Claiborne tag doesn’t mean it will cost any more than the other blouses in our stores. Unless it’s otherwise marked, all Goodwill blouses are just $3.69 every day (unless it happens to have a "Color of the Week” tag, in which case you would get it for just $1.85!) That’s the beauty of shopping thrift! Look for quality fabrics and materials in the products you select.
4. Try before you buy.
Although Goodwill cheerfully allows returns within 30 days of purchase with a receipt, it is much easier to leave the store knowing that your product works or fits well. All of Goodwill’s stores have dressing rooms, so take a minute to try on clothing to make sure it fits properly. Goodwill’s wares shelves have easy access to electrical outlets, so plug in that mixer or the radio before you bag it up and take it home. Either way, you’ll get peace of mind and the next time you visit the store you can bypass the return line and go straight to shopping!
Goodwill Prices Stable in Midst of Rising Prices Elsewhere
As we struggle to cope with gas, grocery and department store prices that are escalating on a daily basis, here's a refreshing fact. Goodwill has not increased prices on its items in over four years. You can still get the same blouse at the same price, and the jacket that you paid $5.99 for in 2004 is still $5.99.
Goodwill Industries exists solely to serve individuals with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions in Central Florida. It is our commitment to offer good items at reasonable prices, and not burden our customers with paying the "extra costs of doing business.” Even though Goodwill's expenses have increased just like everyone else’s, we stand faithful to our customers.
So, come to Goodwill! Bring your donations, and shop in our stores. You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the high quality items we offer at reasonable prices, and best of all, you’ll help us help those who need it most.
Goodwill Industries IS Green!
You've heard all the hype of everybody "going green” to save the environment, haven't you? Well, did you know that Goodwill Industries is Green? And we have been ever since we opened our doors in 1959. Goodwill is one of the world’s largest recyclers. Our recycling process is unique:
- Goodwill accepts donations of clothing, household items, and furniture, keeping these items from going to our landfills.
- The donated articles are then sold in Goodwill stores, giving new life to the donations and giving someone else the opportunity to get the most out of the recycled items. Additionally, we recycle approximately 18 million pounds of unusable donated items, and transfer these funds directly to programs and services for people who need them.
- Goodwill uses the money earned from the sale of the donations to pay for vocational programs and services for persons with disabilities and disadvantaging conditions in our own neighborhoods.
With a helping hand from Goodwill, special people are finding good jobs right here in Central Florida, becoming self-sufficient taxpayers who contribute to our community’s economy. Although the way we work is simple, it touches the lives of others who might not otherwise have the chance to change their lives.
So, think GREEN! Bring your unwanted items to Goodwill - it’s a great way to recycle and help your environment, and it changes lives, too!
