How to Shop at Goodwill
the holy land
Most of my upcycling projects begin at Goodwill. I’ve been to my fair share across the country, and here are some suggestions based on my personal experience.
BEFORE YOU GO:
Know how your local franchise offers discounts. Some offer discounts on certain color tags each day. Some offer days with discounts on the entire store. Others just have discounts for members. Knowing this about the one you plan on going to can help you save lots of cash!
Bring your reusable bag. Most Goodwills only have plastic shopping bags, which cannot be recycled with your curbside recycling.
Keep a running list of household items that you need- drying racks, tables, curtains, etc. Goodwill has it all, and it’s so much better to buy them secondhand than to buy something brand new that will most likely come wrapped in a bunch of plastic or worsen the environmental problems at hand.
If you want the store more to yourself and to avoid crowds as much as possible, don’t go on the weekends or go early.
AS YOU SHOP:
Become a member. This will also help you save a lot, even for a one-off shopping experience. The membership (typically $15 - $25 per year) can easily pay for itself in a single shopping trip. The membership I have in southern Florida gives me 25% off of everything plus $10 off every time I spend $100.
Check the pajamas/lingerie section. I have found some of the most beautiful silk gowns this way, as well as some really amazing pants that I definitely use as day wear.
I love to check the men’s button-up section for unisex-feeling linen button-ups
Try the little wallets/purses section. No need to try them on :]
Shop outside of your size. Items that are too big can be taken in at your local tailor!
Really consider each item’s full potential. Don’t disregard an item just because of a hole or stain. Maybe you can do an upcycling project of your own! Or take it to your local tailor to repair.
WHEN YOU CHECK OUT:
Give the cashier your phone number to get the benefits of your membership
Help the cashier by removing the clothing items from the hanger
Don’t forget to put your items inside the reusable bag you brought!
Welcome to
The rescue collection
The Rescue Collection dresses your inner activist- the part of you that’s ready for a change- in clothes that actively divert waste from landfills and lend momentum to the sustainability movement.