Goodwill — Attraction in Norwich Township

I was in Columbus during the weekend of 9/20 for a trip and stopped at the store in Hilliard (3608 Main Street) on Friday afternoon. Barely 5 minutes into my visit, I overheard one of the employees (a manager by the name of Aubrey, apparently) scolding and talking down in a very condescending manner to two employees (who appeared to be individuals with special needs of some sort). The two employees who were being scolded had apparently done something that this manager was supposed to be doing/overseeing instead. The manager was talking about how these two employees could get her in trouble from higher ups and subsequently get them in trouble as well. This manager was very loud where customers in the store overheard. One of the employees she scolded was visibly upset and asked her, "am I in trouble?" This manager had no right to scold any employees in the manner in which she did. The situation should have been handled privately to avoid embarrassing the other employees and stripping them of their dignity in public. It was incredibly unprofessional. When I was checking out, I asked one of the employees who was scolded (it says "Jayde" on my receipt, but maybe his name is Jayden?) if I could speak to the manager. He was very quiet, but very polite, and even asked me if I wanted him to immediately go get her right then or finish bagging my items first. He came back out a few moments later and said she was on her lunch break (of course). Another employee who I hadn't seen on the floor at all before came out and asked what I needed. I explained to him what had happened and he said he would relay the message. Goodwill has been known to be a strong advocate of equal opportunity employment, and it was ironic watching a manager talk down to other employees (whether special needs or not) in such a condescending and prejudiced way. I was appalled at this manager's behavior and words. I emailed the Columbus corporate office and never received a reply. The national headquarters replied to my email but refuse to address the problem if the local Columbus headquarters won't. I am glad I don't live nearby to ever go to this location again. I hope the employees at this store can find healthier employment somewhere else away from...

The days of finding great deals at virtually all thrift stores is officially gone! Remember when you went to these places to find brand new items for pennies on the dollar? Well now, it seems that they have become self-aware that they were virtually giving away items, and have vowed to greedily wring every possible dollar out of every single product, for items that they never paid a dime for in the first place.

Clearanced and salvage merchandise from Target stores are sold at their Target clearance price. New merchandise--which are largely from junky, unheard-of brands with poor packaging--are sold for roughly what you can get name-brand merchandise for. The list goes on and on, all so that the CEO can get his $750,000 (base) salary, while continuing to pay the disabled workers they treasure so dearly 22 cents an hour.

As others have mentioned, Goodwill has nationwide online auctions, too, so anything that's of modest-to-great value will never end up on store shelves to begin with. Even these aren't without criticism or potential scandal, as there are widespread accusations of Goodwill staff shill bidding on their own items to drive prices up.

Of course, this isn't to say that stuff doesn't fall through the cracks, or that there aren't great deals to be had. It's that it's become so corporate and self-aware that shopping here just isn't fun anymore. It went from being a place where you knew you were going to get great deals, to yet another store where you have to research to make sure you aren't overpaying for something that was overvalued by management. On items that they never pay for in the...

Prices are a little higher than other thrift shops. I don't like the way they do their pricing.. I wish they would tag every item individually instead you have to guess how much the clothes are.. I've been overcharged every single time i've been there. Everytime i get a shirt from the $1.99 rack.. they end up charging me $4.99.. which i guess is their price for better shirts.. It's frustrating and i have went back a couple times to get my money back.. But a few times it just wasn't worth it. I got a little muscle shirt that would be 0.99 at any other goodwill.. But i was willing to pay 1.99 for it.. but when they charge you $4.99 for a used plain no-name muscle shirt.. When it really is only worth about 0.99?? Never fails.. i am overcharged at this location and the other hilliard one down the street. That could add up.. people better watch the cashiers and what is being rung up.. Before you know it.. you'll think you're paying mall prices for used items!! They need to change the way they price stuff.. but they won't because they are ripping too many people off like this... It can't just be me everytime i go...