Goodwill Central Texas- Anderson Lane — Local services in Austin

About a year ago, I walked into this Goodwill with my wife and 4-year-old daughter. I used the restroom and was in the handicap stall for maybe 10 minutes. Out of nowhere, an older male employee with glasses started banging on the door, accusing me of being in there for “an hour” and “doing drugs.” I told him that wasn’t true — I had just arrived with my family. He cursed at me and said he’d call the cops and the manager.

Then three other employees showed up, repeating the same false claim. One said I had 60 seconds to get out or they’d call the police. One even asked me who my family was and what they were wearing, like I was lying. I was embarrassed, angry, and shaken.

What they didn’t know was that I have PTSD, and in that moment, I wasn’t just worried about humiliation — I was scared for my life. I was legally carrying a firearm (Texas is constitutional carry), and all I could think was: If the cops show up, and this escalates, my pistol could fall out. Things could go horribly wrong — in front of my wife and daughter.

When I came out of the stall, I was furious. I confronted the employee at the register and called out how disrespectful it was. Later, I came back to speak with the manager. That same employee tried to talk to me again, and I told him to back off.

I called HR the next day. They offered me a $50 gift card to come back. I never took it. That wasn’t an apology — that was a slap in the face.

This isn’t about expecting special treatment. It’s about basic respect and accountability. I was falsely accused, publicly humiliated, and put in a dangerous situation — all while just trying to use the restroom. I’ve never gone...

(The Donation Center is on the left side of the shopping center, just turn right next to Starbucks and go down a bit, can't miss it!)

This is probably the least "Goodwill" Goodwill that I've ever been to, if that makes sense. It feels very new and manufactured.

The prices are way higher than they should be and they even sell a ton of brand new grocery-type items. This place does not give you the charms of a thrift store or typical Goodwill experience, HOWEVER, I will give them credit that this place is remarkably clean. The employees work hard and are nice whenever I come in.

The Donation Center was tucked away, so if you're looking to donate you'll have to park elsewhere. They don't take donations at the front/cashier.

If you're looking for a more upscale Goodwill experience then this is the location for you. Very clean, very new, but you'll pay for the difference. I would give this place a 3-star rating, but I feel bad knocking a place for being TOO good. I'll leave it as 4 stars since the employees work hard to make the store look nicer than your...

Most individual Goodwill branches have some leeway in how they price things, and this store in particular ridiculously overprices their items.

I already thought it was silly to find a small child's worn down backpack (with sharpie marks and discoloration) for $6, but I figured it was cute and perhaps I could clean it up. The lady at the register tried to ring it up for $10 and when I pointed out the sticker she implied I had somehow altered the price! I can get the same size backpack in much better condition at Dollar General or Walmart for $3. It helps reduce waste to buy used, but when they start gouging prices it isn't worth it any more.

I gave it 3 stars because the Computer Works section is great, and you can sometimes find cool things in the larger store, but it's more of a resale shop than a thrift store these days. If you want good deals try Savers or...