New Goodwill store in Des Plaines is 25th in the suburbs
Yet, more than 100 eager shoppers lined up for the 8 a.m. Friday opening of a Goodwill Store Donation Center at 1521 Lee St. in Des Plaines. Nearly 500 people had come through the store within the first two hours, officials said.
As the economy continues to sputter along, Goodwill stores are popping up across the suburban landscape.
Goodwill Industries, started in the 1920s, today has 45 retail stores operating in Wisconsin and Illinois, of which 25 are in Chicago suburbs, including Arlington Heights, Bartlett, Batavia, Bolingbrook, Carol Stream, Carpentersville, Elmhurst, Glendale Heights, Lake Zurich, Mundelein, Naperville, Round Lake Beach, South Elgin, St. Charles and Willowbrook.
#8220;We really are looking to grow in the Illinois communities,#8221; said Laura Sanders, director of marketing for Goodwill. #8220;Goodwill has become more front-of-mind in these economic times because you can get quality merchandise at great value.#8221;
First-time Goodwill shopper Carolynn Baumhart of Des Plaines said she dropped off her kids at school and #8220;went to town#8221; at the Des Plaines store, adding she was impressed with the store's selection and prices.
#8220;We did very well, and we found beautiful items, brand new,#8221; she said while pushing a cart brimming with children's toys.
A majority of the new and gently used items sold at Goodwill stores are donated by individuals, while some merchandise comes from national retailers. The success of these stores can be attributed to a frequent turnover in inventory, Sanders said.
Also, the atmosphere and appearance of these stores is unlike the secondhand stores of previous generations. Rather it resembles a typical discount retail outlet, with aisles and aisles of bargain goods.
#8220;We've got a great selection,#8221; Sanders said. #8220;(Customers) love that our stores are bright and open. People love the thrill of shopping here. Every day, every hour can be different in terms of what's out on the floor.#8221;
Goodwill also offers a free loyalty program, Club Goodwill, for customers seeking additional discounts and coupons. #8220;It kind of stretches people's dollars,#8221; Sanders said.
Many of Goodwill's frequent customers are also regular donors who embrace an environmentally conscious philosophy, she said.
Des Plaines resident and Goodwill donor Rena Ancona said she started shopping at the Arlington Heights Goodwill store two years ago and has been going back ever since she became unemployed about a year ago.
#8220;I was really happy when I saw it open up (in Des Plaines),#8221; Ancona said while browsing the women's clothing racks at the new location. #8220;They have great deals. My daughter is piling up the kids clothes. I love it.#8221;
Ancona said she had heard some negative comments about the Des Plaines store opening from residents who didn't want it to attract poor people to the area. Yet the reality is more people are joining the ranks of the poor every day.
#8220;You have to cut corners where you can, and this is a great way of doing it, and I love that it's going to Goodwill,#8221; Ancona said.
While Goodwill offers the same goods one would find at any retailer #8212; women's and men's clothing, shoes, household items and furniture, books, toys, videos and collectibles #8212; what sets it apart is its nonprofit mission, Sanders said.
The company's sales revenues fund programs to help the disadvantaged and people with disabilities develop work and life skills and programs to help with job placement.
The Des Plaines store will have activities, giveaways and prize drawings all weekend to celebrate its opening.
Prizes will be raffled off between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. today. Customers can enjoy free Starbucks coffee and receive a free reusable shopping bag with every purchase today and Sunday.