How to shop at Goodwill Outlet Stores
Shopping at a Goodwill Outlet (often called the Goodwill Bins) is a truly unique experience. If you’ve never visited an outlet, you’re in for the ultimate treasure hunt! Goodwill Outlet stores are perfect for anyone hoping to find bargain prices on thrifted items.
Items are sold by the pound or at very low prices per item. You’ll be surprised to see how much merchandise is available and far your money can go when you shop at a Goodwill Outlet!
Tips and FAQs to make the most of your outlet shopping experience
Where are Goodwill outlet stores located?
Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago has 3 outlet stores. Two stores are located in Milwaukee and Sturtevant, Wisconsin, and 1 outlet store is located in Romeoville, Illinois.
How are items displayed and organized at a Goodwill Outlet?
All items at Goodwill Outlet stores are displayed in large rolling bins. This is why shoppers often refer to the outlet as “The Goodwill Bins.” Items are separated into bins of clothing, hardlines (household items and decor) shoes, purses, media, and books. Clothing and shoes are not separated by gender, size or type of clothing item. You’re likely to find a fantastic women’s dress in the same bin as a great pair of men’s jeans or a kid’s shirt. Shopping at the outlet is all about the thrill of the unexpected find!
When do the outlets receive new merchandise?
Outlets get new merchandise every day. Each outlet receives and sells approximately 64,000 pounds of merchandise each day. Merchandise is rotated on and off the sales floor approximately every half hour all day long.
How often are the bins rotated with new merchandise?
At most outlets, new bins are rolled on to the floor, and shopped bins are rolled off the floor approximately every 15 – 30 minutes. Most stores rotate multiple bins in and out of the sales floor at a time. Not all the bins are rotated at the same time. Each store manages this process a little differently depending on the layout of their sales floor.
What are the rules regarding new bin rotations?
Although the rules regarding new bin rotations vary by store, we generally ask shoppers to step back while bins are being moved on and off the sales floor. To ensure shopper safety, we ask shoppers to be patient and wait to begin shopping new bins until all bins are in place.
What is the best day and time to visit the outlet if I want to avoid crowds?
All our outlet stores are very popular – and busy! We usually have shoppers in line when the doors open at 9:00 a.m. If you’re trying to avoid crowds, the best day to shop is usually Wednesday. Friday – Monday are the busiest days of the week. Some people shop the store from open to close!
What should I wear for a day of shopping at a Goodwill Outlet?
We suggest you dress comfortably, including wearing comfortable shoes. Please note that we do not have fitting rooms at outlet stores. If you think you might want to try merchandise on, wear close-fitting clothes that you can wear while layering your outlet find on top of what you are wearing.
What should I bring with me when I visit a Goodwill Outlet?
It’s a good idea to bring the following items with you when you visit a Goodwill outlet store:
- Large bags to carry your thrift haul home
- Gloves (gardening gloves work really well)
- Water
- A snack
We also sell Goodwill bags, snacks and single-use gloves in the outlet stores in case you forget anything at home.
How does payment work at Goodwill Outlet stores?
Most merchandise is sold by the pound. We weigh merchandise either using a scale in the floor or on top of the register. Some categories are sold by the piece. Because items come from Goodwill Store and Donation Centers, they might still have tags on them from the store. Don't worry about the tags, outlet pricing will be applied at the register.
To really understand Goodwill Outlet Shopping, it’s best to just experience it. Our outlet stores are open from 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday and 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. on Sunday. We’d love to welcome you in for an exciting shopping adventure!