An alert “06880” reader named Jennifer writes:
I frequent Goodwill in Westport, both as a donor of my kid’s outgrown clothing and a shopper looking for unique items. I am a single mom often in search of a bargain. (I love estate sales, so I enjoy the thrill of the chase). My favorite pair of shoes are Kate Spade hot pink velvet flats, proudly purchased at Goodwill.
More and more I notice that drivers dropping off Goodwill donations then make a U-turn in the parking lot, find a spot, and go in to shop. I am one of them.
It seems that Goodwill has adjusted their prices to the Westport clientele. For instance, a man’s Orvis or Tommy Hilfiger polo goes for $25 a shirt, rather than the usual $2 to $11 Goodwill price. It seems like the store is appealing to those donating (who end up parking the car to shop), rather than those who actually need clothing at discounted prices.
I have not done any research on how Goodwill uses the income from the goods we purchase. I recently read on a Facebook Moms group that a local mom was looking for a place to donate clothing that actually went to a family in need, rather than Goodwill.
PS: I am curious how Tina Dragone now feels about her neighbor. In 2012 she was not pleased Goodwill was moving closer to her boutique. Has she warmed up?
The Goodwill store in Westport, on opening day.