Goodwill Shopping Is Worth The Digging

They say another man’s trash is another man’s treasure.  When it comes to the Goodwill, I always believed the reputation that it was just a place for other people’s trash (I’ve been known to donate a few useless items during spring cleaning), so I never gave it much of a chance when it came to my need for retail therapy.

Well the times, they are a-changin', so I set out to see if the local Goodwill could fulfill my shopping bug on the cheap and if anything, provide a little entertainment by scanning the hodgepodge.

Boy, was there good, bad, and just plain u-g-l-y!

Armed with my camera phone, I snapped away items that I couldn’t believe I found.

The Good:

1. A burnt orange Old Navy dress. Within my first few minutes in the store, I spotted my first buy– this gently used dress for a whopping $3. Although it’s out of season, I’m sure my closet will forgive me for housing it another few months. I figure a big sassy belt and some knee-high boots, and I’ve got myself a budget-friendly fashion find for Fall. Score!  (ARV: $30-$40)

 

 

2. A mod-style striped chair. It was in great shape and would look great in a downtown loft or condo. Goodwill price: $125. (ARV: Unsure.) 

 

 

 

 

3. Bar accessories. I am always on the lookout for things to help accessorize my house as a fun gathering spot for friends. The store had over 4 different dartboards, all for under $8! (ARV: $25-$50)

 

 

 

 

4. I found Gremlins on VHS. Nostalgia set in and they just got their $2 asking price. (ARV: Priceless.)

 

 

 

 

5. Hand-held spotlight. I found this buried deep in the electronic shelves, and I was so excited! I thought of all the people I could hassle on the road with it… or perhaps a more law-abiding approach would be to use it for camping trips or late-night bonfires. $8 spend. (ARV: $40-$100)

 

 

 

The Bad:

1. Used Makeup. This used Cover Girl foundation has been slightly used and smeared on someone else’s greasy face, but you can now buy this at the bargain price of $2! (ARV: $5.99) Deal? I think not. Gross.

 

 

 

 

2. Bathroom scales. It’s not that it’s a bad deal, but I can’t believe the inventory they have on-hand! I saw the obesity epidemic flash before my eyes and I just wanted to say shame on donors for tossing these to the wayside. Goodwill price: $3.  (ARV: $10-$50)

 

 

 

The Ugly:

1. TV-shaped (it's questionable) cowgirl & horse decorated cookie jar. Not hot. Goodwill (overpriced) price: $6.  (ARV: Unsure.)

 

 

 

 

2. Down-home country signs. “Squeeze me a little… and make me wine.” Definitely tacky (although I will admit I smirked a little!)  

 

 

 

 

All in all, I’d say my trip to my local Goodwill was a success. There was nothing quite like the experience of trying to find a diamond in the rough and having a few laughs along the way. The best part is knowing how much the Goodwill benefits the St. Louis community.

To find a Goodwill near you for shopping or donating, click here. (Also on the Goodwill site until April 25, you can enter for a chance to win Cardinals tickets compliments of Cornbread and the Goodwill!)