Goodwill of Greater Washington Retail Store — Local services in Herndon

DO NOT DONATE AT THIS LOCATION. Although it appears convenient because of their timings and quick lane drop off, I had a very uncomfortable interaction here with an employee this past Saturday when donating through their express lane drop off. I politely asked if I could leave my donations with all the other items that were outside and a passive aggressive employee in a condescending tone said “Of course you can, don’t you see all the other donations and the sign?” She assumed that I didn’t read the sign but the reason I was asking was because some items may have to go somewhere else so I just wanted to be helpful or put them in the pile they belong. She grew very angry and upset because I asked a simple question. It was very hot outside and I thought maybe the heat was getting to her so I was even going to buy her a cold drink. I thought no worries, “maybe she is just having a bad day?”. But then she continued to engage saying extremely rude things under her breath about me because I asked a simple question (I didn’t respond to any of her comments other than saying to please make sure she stays hydrated because of the temperature) and then she physically got closer to my car and again in a very polite manner, I said “ma’am, I was just asking for clarification”. She continued to be extremely rude, and then claimed maybe she was doing something wrong or that I was “treating” her this way because she was old, but I didn’t say or do anything other than ask a simple question in a very polite manner. She was trying to make it seem like she was a victim. At no point was I ever rude or impatient (the extra opposite). I have an Asian background and it is ingrained in us to treat people kindly, especially elderly strangers. It may have been racially motivated because I do look ethnic and I have had those experiences before (for the record: she did not comment on my appearance). She also asked if I needed a receipt and I declined because I didn’t want to interact any further and I also had a minor with me in the passenger seat. For the sake of his safety, I wanted to leave. My dad passed away earlier this year (4 months ago) and my mom wanted to donate his car to Goodwill so I made a few inquiries. I am so glad that we did not end up doing that. I regret leaving the donations here because some of those items belonged to him and I would’ve been happier taking them somewhere else, but I had already put them in the donation pile so I didn’t want more trouble or to be accused of doing something like theft if I took them back. The interaction left me upset the entire day, especially because of my father. I tried to call the store a few times to talk to them about it (donations are made at a different address, but connected to the store), but no one picked up. I really do not like to leave bad reviews but in this situation, I felt like I had no other option. If you do have donations to make, I would recommend The Closet or Faith thrift store in Herndon, Virginia. No amount of convenience will ever allow me to come back here again, which is a shame because I donate regularly and it’s always things that are gently used because if I wouldn’t use something myself, I wouldn’t donate it.

Also, there is no need for management to respond to this post. This is my personal experience but I recommend employee training and having proper workplace accommodations to avoid employees becoming irate on polite people simply trying to do a kind gesture or asking a question. Employees shouldn’t be taking out their anger on people trying to do things out of the kindness of...

I have spent a good amount of money at this location in the past. The staff was wonderful, treated me like family because I was in so often.The store always had higher end pieces, as it is located in a good area. The entire inventory changed practically daily. There were items there you'd not find anywhere else. A great selection of anything you might be looking for. I had health issues that kept me away for a while. When I returned, they have cut their inventory to only the basic needs, very little furniture, no special collectibles, or decorative pieces to mention. The items aren't being listed on line instead either. I found out why. I now need to declutter after losing a family member. My sons rented a truck, took all day to fill with antique furniture, decorative pieces, etc. When they arrived, it was late, and the men at the back turned them away. Said they didn't have room, and told them to go to the Sterling store. Sterling would have closed by the time they got there, and they couldn't keep the rental truck any later. The contents went into dumpsters a friend gave us access to. Since then they tried, and I have tried to donate there, but they go through everything, and turn away most items now. If I can take the time to go to sterling, or even Centerville to donate, they are more then grateful to accept our items. I honestly miss the shopping experiences I've had there, as well as the staff, but won't...

I would like to complain about the current store Maria Mata She is clearly racist towards customers I been shopping here for a little over 10yrs..and never have I ever had the bad experiences I have had with her. I was front in line she looked over me speaking to a Spanish women asking if she had a return and didn't ask what I needed when she said whoever is paying with a card come to her register and there was an extremely long line behind me. She always have a nasty look on her face not very welcoming at all and didn't put my items in a bag as if I didn't need one She is very tacky in the way she deals with her staff. Right in front of customers she tells her staff pointing to her skin color telling her in other words don't be racist when clearly she is the one with this problem. This is a complete negative environment she is creating she needs to be reprimanded immediately.. If I don't see a change in her position I will go to higher authorities to see she is dealt with ASAP. The furniture is way overly priced as well so many people are complaining about this but yet nobody is addressing the issues dedicated customer's are complaining about. The thing I love about Herndon is it is a multicultural environment she just leaves a very distasteful...