Goodwill Outlet Store: Affordable Finds and Unexpected Treasures
If you enjoy bargain hunting, treasure digging, and sustainable shopping, then the Goodwill Outlet Store is your perfect destination. Often referred to as “the bins,” this type of store is vastly different from your average thrift shop. With deep discounts, massive inventory turnover, and a unique pricing system, the Goodwill Outlet offers an experience that’s both exciting and budget-friendly.
What Is a Goodwill Outlet Store?
A Goodwill Outlet is where items that didn't sell at regular Goodwill retail stores are sent before they’re removed from the system. Rather than displaying items on racks or shelves, the outlet stores place them in large rolling bins. These bins are full of unsorted goods—everything from clothes and books to shoes, electronics, and toys. The twist? Most items are sold by the pound, not by the piece.
This pricing model makes the Goodwill Outlet one of the most affordable places to shop. In many locations, the cost per pound can be as low as $1.29 or even less if you buy in bulk. This allows shoppers to walk out with bags full of items for just a few dollars. Some larger or specialty items like furniture, electronics, or bicycles may be priced individually but still cost far less than in regular retail or thrift stores.
What You Can Find
You can find almost anything at a Goodwill Outlet, but it’s all about the hunt. Common finds include:
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Clothing: From everyday wear to high-end fashion pieces and vintage clothing.
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Books & Media: Novels, children’s books, cookbooks, DVDs, CDs, and sometimes vinyl records.
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Household Items: Kitchenware, decor, tools, and miscellaneous small appliances.
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Toys and Games: Board games, dolls, puzzles, and electronics.
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Shoes and Accessories: Including belts, hats, scarves, and handbags.
The thrill lies in the unpredictability. On one visit, you might find a designer jacket. On another, you might score a collectible item or a nearly new kitchen appliance. It’s all about being in the right place at the right time—and being willing to dig.
Who Shops at Goodwill Outlets?
Goodwill Outlet stores attract a wide variety of shoppers. You’ll find:
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Resellers looking for profitable inventory to sell on eBay, Poshmark, or Facebook Marketplace.
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Families on a budget seeking affordable clothing, toys, and books.
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Students and young professionals furnishing their homes with secondhand goods.
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DIYers and artists searching for materials to repurpose or upcycle.
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Collectors hunting for rare or vintage items.
No matter the reason, shoppers share one thing in common: the thrill of finding valuable items at rock-bottom prices.
Tips for First-Time Visitors
Shopping at a Goodwill Outlet is different from a typical retail experience. Here are a few tips to help you navigate:
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Wear gloves – Items are unsorted and may be dusty or sharp.
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Bring reusable bags or carts – You’ll need something to carry your finds.
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Arrive early – The best finds often go quickly when new bins are rolled out.
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Be patient and polite – Bins get crowded, so sharing space respectfully is important.
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Weigh before you pay – Most stores have scales available for estimating cost.
Why It Matters
Shopping at a Goodwill Outlet Store isn’t just good for your wallet—it’s good for the planet and the community. Buying secondhand helps reduce waste, keeping tons of items out of landfills. Plus, proceeds from Goodwill stores help fund job training programs, employment services, and community initiatives that support people in need.
Final Thoughts
The Goodwill Outlet Store is more than a place to shop—it’s a place to explore, save, and support a good cause. Whether you’re looking for great deals, rare finds, or simply a fun way to spend an afternoon, visiting “the bins” is always an adventure. With a bit of time, patience, and curiosity, you might just walk away with a treasure in your bag.
