Goodwill Industries of the Columbia Willamette — Local services in Happy Valley

Concern about an employee's behavior. I'm writing to share a concern about an incident that occurred during my recent visit to the Happy Valley Goodwill. A few days ago, I visited with my daughter, daughter-in-law, and granddaughter. We are regular customers at this Goodwill location and have always enjoyed shopping here. During our visit, we were shopping at the glass counter where the higher-end purses are displayed. My daughter selected a purse and asked to have it held until checkout, which has been standard practice during our past visits. I understand that assisting multiple customers at the counter can be hectic, and we made an effort to offer patience and express our appreciation to the employee. There was some confusion from the employee about which purse my daughter wanted to reserve but it was quickly sorted out. My daughter clearly identified the item and asked that her name be placed on it for holding. As my daughter walked away from the purse counter to continue shopping, my daughter-in-law, granddaughter, and I remained at the counter to look at other items. While my daughter was walking away, the employee remarked "She doesn't have to be such a b++++." As you can imagine, this comment was extremely upsetting and unprofessional. I was taken aback and asked the employee to clarify what she had said. She then confirmed that she was, in fact, referring to my daughter. This behavior was shocking and deeply disappointing, especially considering the positive experience we have always had at this location. No customer should ever be spoken about in such a disrespectful manner. I told the employee that comments like that should never be verbalized in front of customers. I understand that working in customer service can be challenging and that misunderstandings can happen, but this kind of language is unacceptable in any setting - especially on the sales floor. We need more kindness in the world, not less. Interactions like this can deeply affect customers and damage the sense of goodwill and respect that your organization represents. I wanted to bring this to your attention because I value this location and the people who work here, and I hope that steps can be taken to ensure this type of behavior does not...

Consistently Disappointing Experiences — Especially with One Employee

I’ve had multiple negative experiences at the Damascus Goodwill, and unfortunately, it’s gotten to the point where my mother-in-law and I no longer shop here.

The first time we visited, the fitting rooms were closed, so we took some clothes home to try on. When we came back to return what didn’t fit, the cashier, Avery, helped us — and he was extremely condescending. One of the shirts had a Goodwill tag but wasn’t on the receipt. Since that was our first-ever visit to any Goodwill, there was no chance it came from somewhere else. Instead of handling it kindly, Avery’s tone and attitude made it feel like we were being accused of trying to get away with something. It was uncomfortable and embarrassing.

On another visit, I returned a purse that still had its tag attached and matched the receipt perfectly, but again staff treated me like I was being dishonest. They said they’d “do it just this one time” — implying I had removed the tag, which I hadn’t.

We used to come every Thursday for senior discount day, and it was something my mother-in-law and I looked forward to. But after being repeatedly treated so rudely — especially by Avery — we’ve decided to stop going.

I really hope management talks to Avery specifically. His attitude alone makes the whole experience of visiting this Goodwill unpleasant, and that’s an understatement. This store could be a great community place if customers were simply treated with basic kindness...

Worst experience Tonight. Towards the end of my shopping I decided to look at the purses next to the cash register, I asked the employee before beginning to look and she said yes and was keeping an eye out which I understand. The other employee continued to say to her “He can’t be back there i’m gonna snitch” then ran to tell a shiftlead/manager. I thought nothing of it like it was a joke. The manager/shift lead continued to come over loudly yelling from a far “He can’t be there” instead of politely letting me know. I respond “I’m just checking out the purses”(my items were at the register with the worker). She continued to come over loudly and explain why I can’t be in the rudest way and telling me if I wanted to look at them I have to look from a far. I was being monitored, I don’t see the issue so I continued to tell her that I will not be getting any of them then. She continued to ramble then walk away watching me and the worker check out and yells “DON’T BE BUTT HURT, DON’T BE BUTT HURT”. I’ve shopped there many times with no issues with any of the workers but her. My friend also explained how she was treating three girls that were wanting to use a changing room and she continued to shove them all into one changing room and when they asked for help she rudely told them “No i’m doing something right now wait” while she was just messing with clothes. Literally...