Goodwill Store: Brunswick — Local services in Brunswick

Goodwill used to be my first stop when looking for anything from a new book to furnishing a new apartment. Now, I find myself driving by. It's not just this location. Every one I have been to in Maine has prices that have, in some cases, doubled or tripled. Selling items at "collectors prices" that are donated, used and sometimes damaged. Books for 5, 6, 10 dollars because that's what ebay sells them for? I'd go to ebay if I wanted that and I'd be given something without a broken spine or smoke stains. Also, to get around selling cheap stuff at lower prices, they allow people who work for them to make "employee selections" so they can take a typical item that'd fetch 10 bucks and mark $50, $100, $300 (a painting in the 300 dollar case!) clothes have gone through the roof with pricing, too. It always felt good to donate my items to goodwill. I knew they'd find a home, a second life and whatever money they gained from it on the retail side would support their programs. I don't know if it's greed (not employees obviously) or company wide issues, but I'll no longer donate or shop there. Records smelling of mold that some employee remembered from when they were younger so they put a sticker that says "employee selection" and try to charge 30 bucks? These were donated items that may get a second chance, now they'll be trash in a couple years once the mold has completely destroyed the cases and slips. Inflation sucks but a company that is a non-profit with CEO's likely making millions without a "profit" suck worse. Shop somewhere else and pay, probably, the same price for new items. Donate your items to local homeless shelters or warming centers. I won't be taken advantage of like this anymore. To whomever responds to this, if it's not someone from a corporate office somewhere that can take my complaints to a board room with legitimate intentions to speak up for your community and the people who businesses like yours depend on, were built on, I don't want to hear it. I know where the money goes, what it supports and who gets paid what at the top. It won't sway my opinion anymore because I'm done understanding it. Inflation is on the consumer's end, too. People who used to be well off making $25 an hour now have to choose between gas or groceries and spending more on a paperback book at goodwill than I would on a pre-owned copy of the same book at a shop like Bulk Moose Music is no longer justified. Make some changes, please. There was a reason your business model worked before and it could again, but this ain't it. This just...

Conveniently located in cooks corner. Plenty of parking and easy access in and out of the store. It has a drive through drop off which is nice. I do have a generalized concern with Goodwill Industries overall concept and plans. They have spent a boat load of money purchasing land and building these type of structures and it seems to me that there profits are going towards development when it should be going towards serving the underprivileged or those in need. The prices are way too high compared to the old Salvation Army or even Walmart. Keeping in mind that you don't have to wash the clothes you buy at Walmart before you can wear them, and most items are cheaper at Walmart, (and they are new). You can find the occasional deal item, like a cheap bread mixer or some odd ball dinner plates, but the clothing is somewhat expensive, especially if you are looking for a name brand...as those items will be marked up 2 or 3 times. Overall I'm not sure that Goodwill is worth a trip, you would be better off shopping at a second hand store (like Lots for Tots in Falmouth, Freeport Community Services or a consignment store in Brunswick, like Estilo or New Beginnings). The clothes are cleaner and the items are overall in better condition than you will find at Goodwill at a comparable price. You should always check out Walmart's roll back or clearance first as they generally beat Goodwill's prices for new vs well used. I'm assuming that Goodwill's prices are high to support their expanding infrastructure as, from what I hear, they don't pay their workers very much over minimum wage...thus creating their own cliental. Seems like Goodwill has lost their way and no longer subscribes to their...

Like most goodwills in Maine... it use to be a good place to go to stretch a dollar. Specially helpful for family on a tight budget. Not any more.. In many cases you can find the same items without the holes, stains and not worn out for less in a regular retail store for less. With 6 kids , I used to leave with cartfulls of items and still be able to stay in budget... now more often then not I leave empty handed only to go to walmart to buy a t-shirt for half the goodwill price The goodwill auction website is just as bad if not worse considering the shipping costs. And why ask me if I want to round up my total at the register to support the programs? Isnt that what my purchase is doing to begin with? All that being said.. this particular store in cooks corner is very clean.. well laid out and the folks are very nice, friendly...