I Think I Know Why....

[pollypurebred39]

Our local Goodwill has been raising their prices. The price jumps have been enormous, in fact a lot of things you could get a better price new during store sales. I could not imagine why they were doing this because the Goodwill is packed with shoppers, so sales are proably good. Business has been booming for them around here, lots of people with job loss or losing hours.

Well, I was killing time waiting for my son to get done his PSSA testing so I could go pick him up and decided to spend my time looking around GoodWill. They had hired a huge amount of employees. There were workers in EVERY isle putting merchandise on shelves/racks. Since this store opened I've never seen so many workers.

I think they've raised prices so they can employee more people. At least at my GoodWill.

[piney]

I think here it is because so many people are buying and reseling the things.

[frugal is fun]

I wish they would hire more people at my Goodwill. The store is a mess!

[jas]

The store nearest me is neat and clean. All of the Goodwill stores here have things all color separated. Is that the way they all do? Goodwill that is. I know there are some that are sooooooo nasty. Just saw a few workers not so many that it was odd.

[porembam]

I think it's not fair they are raising prices because more people are shoppping there. This is when people need the deals that they offer.

[pollypurebred39]

Jas, Yes, very neat and clean. Everything is color cordinated. They have special displays for proms, weddings, sports, travel, a men's club display of things like valets, golf clubs, duck pictures, men's knick-knacks and wares. They set ours up as if you were shopping in a department store of sorts.

[pollypurebred39]

porembam,

It does seem strange that the prices would rise so much when clearly they are making money. I really think it had to do with employment for our store, but I'm betting that people putting things out for resale, like Piney said has a lot to do with it too.

[Ali Lee]

Jeans are $7 here.!!! Plus tshirts are 5$. New tshirts @ Walmart are 6$. Might as well buy a new one. I try to go to Salvation Army on the Saturdays when all clothing-$1.

[frugalfriend]

I wonder where they are getting all the donations during tough times?

[valerian]

Whether or not people resell the items should be a mute point...they should just be happy someone shops there!

[ncarr]

I've noticed that they have built two really large nice Goodwill store buildings in our area this year. One moved from an old strip mall near walmart to it's own fancy building. Maybe they are trying to finance the new construction?

[shoiji]

There are two thrift stores within walking distance to me. One has lower prices and what seems like a better deal on sales. But the more expensive one is closer and has a much better selection.

[craftypam]

I've been feeling like that for awhile Polly. Prices are so high I can buy them new at a discount store down the street; AJ Wright.

[pollypurebred39]

frugalfriend, My guess is foreclosures in this area, or people trying to get a tax break by donations.

Val, I agree. I suppose they are going to try and cash in on the trend. Anything that looks like it might be something is priced ridculously high, too high. I'll be spending more at yard sales this Summer then I will at GoodWill, that's for sure.

I'm amazed at how high things are priced. Even yucky why would anyone buy that kind of things. They are pricing pictures at $20-$40+ unless they are seriously dated. If they have a nice frame whoa~Look out! They are pricing drinking glasses at $2+. I mean really, I can purchase brand new drinking glasses for under a dollar. The prices on shoes are crazy too. If the shoes are very well worn they are $7, if only slightly worn or new $20-$30. I'm thinking that's nuts because I can buy $100 shoes on clearance with a coupon code for those prices, sometimes less. I bought a $100 pair of sandals, super supportive~leather~and oh so cute on clearance for $12.95 online after season. The handbags are priced $6.97 and up, really up, I've seen them for as much as $25-$30 depending on if it's leather or has a popular name. Crazy, Boscovs has a yearly sale where their handbags priced $50-$200 go on sale for $5. They clear out stock that way. Why in the world would I buy a used handbag at GoodWill when I can can one of far greater quality for $5 at Boscovs if I just wait it out?

That said, every once in awhile I'll find a real deal. So I just keep going and looking, hoping that I'll luck out.

[imagine]

The store nearest me is neat and clean. All of the Goodwill stores here have things all color separated. Is that the way they all do? Goodwill that is. I know there are some that are sooooooo nasty. Just saw a few workers not so many that it was odd.

My Goodwill doesn't separate by color they separate by size and function ( dress then by size) short sleeves shirts then by size, long sleeve shirts then by size. etc