The ‘best-kept fashion secret? was let out of the bag Feb. 23.
That’s when Goodwill opened its doors at 1500 South Lapeer Road in Oxford Township and to offer ‘good quality? products at prices sure to bring much-needed relief to local checkbooks.
Although last week was the ‘soft opening,? the store’s grand opening will take place March 10.
With their store offering merchandise that’s not only in good condition but in many cases new condition, Goodwill’s Angella Thompson hopes the store will showcase Goodwill’s ‘modern? look.
‘We’re trying to step away from what most people think of in a stereotypical Goodwill, their mother’s Goodwill of 20 to 30 years ago, and trying to go with a look more conducive to regular retail stores like Target and T.J. Max,? explained Thompson, who serves as vice president of retail operations for Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan. ‘By doing that, we’re going for a broader scope of customers.?
Contrary to what some might think, the store’s customer base doesn’t consist solely of those on limited incomes and who can’t afford to shop at pricier stores, Thompson explained. They also get customers who can afford more expensive products but prefer to shop savvy and save money.
‘We think everyone should have a pleasant shopping experience, so we’re trying to lay out our stores in a way that makes it easier to shop, easier to find what you’re looking for, well lit, well organized, and visually appealing,? Thompson said.
The Oxford Goodwill offers row up on row of clothing–shirts, pants, sweatshirts and, for the upcoming spring, shorts. It also offers books, movies (both VHS and DVD), knickknacks, appliances and miscellaneous household items.
‘Our prices are unbelievable and you can’t beat them,? Thompson said. ‘We have a track record for having a place where people can find good books. You can buy a novel without paying $20 for it.?
Doug Donaldson serves as the store’s manager while Sam Fortney is the regional manager. So far, the store has about 12 employees and all but one of them are from the Oxford and Lake Orion area. For some employees, working at Goodwill tends to be an eye-opening experience when they see the merchandise being sold. ‘Some of it is brand new,? Donaldson explained.
The idea is to increase the quality of products, Thompson explained, since nobody wants to buy jeans or dress pants that have rips in them.
Donaldson feels the store will be very successful in the area–especially with Michigan’s economic struggles.
‘Everyone needs to save money, especially with the unemployment rate,? he said. ‘We’re here to help people get affordable quality clothes at a reasonable price. I’m still amazed at what comes through the donation door and the prices we offer for it.?
Fortney expects clothing to sell quickly.
Goodwill’s hours are Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and then Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., whether shopping or donating. For more information, call 248-969-8300.