Goodwill of the Heartland was thrilled to join with local leaders, supportive contractors and community members to celebrate the grand opening of the organization’s first Outlet Store.
Outlet team members, Goodwill staff and leadership, representatives from the Cedar Rapids Metro Economic Alliance, builders and contractors who worked at the site and other area business leaders were on hand to cut the ribbon. The facility is expected to further increase Goodwill’s ability to divert textiles from area landfills, helping the environment. As with all stores, 88 cents of every revenue dollar is reinvested in the community via mission services — advancing the social and economic wellbeing of people who experience barriers to independence.
The shopping experience at the Outlet Store differs from that of a traditional retail location in several ways. First, all Outlet shoppers must wear work gloves to protect their fingers and hands. This is necessary because all Outlet merchandise is placed in large bins, also referred to as boats. Shoppers dig through these bins to locate the merchandise they wish to purchase.
Nearly all Outlet merchandise is sold at $1.49 per pound. Exceptions are books, which are a quarter for soft covers and 50 cents for hardcovers. Any furniture sold through the Outlet is priced as marked. Everything is cash and carry.
Finally, no donations are accepted at our Outlet Store. (All retail locations accept donations.)
The Outlet Store is located at 8200 6th St. SW in Cedar Rapids (near the Eastern Iowa Airport), and is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and on Sunday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.