In the fall of 2011, Goodwill opened a new location only one mile away from the TJ campus, at Hampden and Monaco.
TJ students frequently visit the Goodwill at Hampden and Monaco. Photo by Kiera Classen
After Staples failed in the shopping center at Hampden and Monaco, Goodwill Inc. (a non-profit retail store) announced on May 25, 2011 they would be buying the space and place a Goodwill store there.
The opening day of the Goodwill was Saturday, October 29, 2011 and brought many costumers to the store. “It was so busy,” said TJ Junior and neighborhood resident Aviva Getschel. “My parents couldn’t even get into the store and shop.” The store brought in more customers to that location at one time than the neighborhood has ever seen. At one point cars lined the street with families eagerly awaiting their shopping experience, along with the families that had their shopping done and were carrying back bags upon bags of clothing and other retail items.
Goodwill figured to be the perfect fit in the shopping mall because of the broad audience to which it appeals. TJ parent and neighbor of the Goodwill, Melissa Balay said, “With all the diverse economic backgrounds, it can draw a lot more business to the community.” Goodwill offers a large variety of gently used clothing and accessories for a very low price. Goodwill is also a non-profit organization, that “inspires hope and self-confidence,” and is known for “giving employment to those who have disabilities, lack education or job experience, or face employment challenges,” according to their company website.
This as their mission statement, it has opened up opportunities for those in the TJ student body who are looking for a first job, or to learn the ins and outs of a business. “I would be very happy for my kid if they got a job there,” said Balay. “It would be a great first job at a very reputable company.”
A sample of just some of the clothing at Goodwill. Photo by Kiera Classen
Students also look forward to the clothes and accessories that arrive at Goodwill. TJ Junior, and frequent Goodwill shopper, Tyler Moehlman said, “I am always excited to go to the Goodwill. I have a friend on the inside that lets me know when all these great clothes go onto the shelf, and I make sure to get up there as quickly as possible to make sure I get the clothes. It’s a great place.” Moehlman lives by the Goodwill, and also noted the convenience of shopping there. “With it being so close by, it doesn’t take much to hop in my car and go take a browse at the store. It’s great,” said Moehlman.
There are also the satirical aspects to Goodwill for some students. “When shopping up there, I find the funniest things like old exercise videos from the 80’s; they’re good gag gifts to give to my friends,” said TJ funny man Ben Smiley, who says he sometimes goes to Goodwill just to find the next great joke with his friends.
Some backlash occurred, as was expected, in the Holly Ridge Neighborhood (the neighborhood around the Goodwill location.) From HollyRidgeWatch.org, the official neighborhood website said: “This announcement sparked support and opposition from residents of the Holly Ridge Neighborhood…Neighbors that oppose this plan believe that it will negatively impact the quality of life of our neighborhood, and may increase crime, loitering, illegal dumping, etc.” Though crime rates have not increased in the neighborhood, a recent study shows that traffic has exponentially increased, but this seemed expected.
Balay says she thinks that the Goodwill ended up being beneficial to the neighborhood. “That mall hasn’t always been the nicest place. Goodwill should anchor those stores because of all the business it brings in.” There are also times when Balay believes that it was a lateral move. “Goodwill and Staples are both good name businesses that will attract customers. As long as the space isn’t empty, I’m fine with either one.” Staples lacked the attraction of Goodwill and closed after months of low business.
The store hours at Goodwill, for your convenience. Photo by Kiera Classen
Moehlman also noted about the wealth of business at Goodwill. “I go there and actually feel very crowded in all the aisles. So many people are in there, I have to fight off people to get my goods.”
There are multiple deals at Goodwill. Most of the clothes being between $2-$10. Goodwill also marks down most of their clothes anywhere from 50% to 75%. Some of the best steals at the Hampden and Monaco Goodwill are in the back of the store with the appliance and recreational goods. T.V.’s that are 30” screens can be as low as $5 and no higher than $20. There are also remotes and telephones for mere dollars each. The recreation section offers kids stuff likes kites, big wheels, and remote control helicopters for $5. There are also sets of golf clubs for $10, and tennis rackets for $5.
“Goodwill is a great place to shop, and the community seems to be happy with the good it has done,” said Balay.
