Thrift, save, and make a difference.
With the grand opening of Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s first outlet – also known as a “bins” store – on May 2, here’s what makes these outlets unique and how you can make the most of your visit.
Whether you’re a reseller, a bargain hunter, or just looking for unique finds, shopping at Goodwill Outlets is an adventure worth experiencing – and one that gives back to the community. If you’re new to the outlet shopping experience, here’s what you should know before you dive in:
1. This is the first Goodwill Outlet in our area.
The first Goodwill Outlet in Silicon Valley is located at 1685 Tully Road and is open seven days a week, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
It is one of 142 Goodwill Outlets nationally and 18 in California.
2. It’s not your grandmother’s shopping experience (unless she’s a savvy bargain hunter).
Goodwill Outlets operate like a real-life treasure hunt, with massive bins filled with donated items that are either unsold from retail locations or never placed on store shelves. With patience and a keen eye, shoppers can find high-value items at incredibly low prices. Bins are organized by category, making it easier to browse:
- Clothing and textiles
- Housewares
- Books and media
- Electronics
- Glassware and dishware
- Toys and furniture
3. Outlet shopping is a marathon, not a sprint.
Goodwill Outlet shopping is all about patience and persistence. Bins are continuously rotated throughout the day, meaning there’s always a fresh selection of merchandise. Many savvy shoppers –especially resellers – stick around for multiple rotations to maximize their chances of scoring great finds.
When new bins are being swapped in, shoppers must move to the front of the store and wait for the go-ahead before diving back in. If you’re serious about finding hidden gems, plan to spend more time than usual and embrace the thrill of the hunt!
4. Pricing works differently.
Goodwill Outlet stores offer deeply discounted secondhand items, with most merchandise sold by the pound or at low per-item prices. Shoppers can walk away with clothing, accessories, and household items for a fraction of regular thrift store prices.
Here’s a breakdown of Goodwill of Silicon Valley’s Outlet pricing:
- $0.49 per pound – Glassware, dishware, breakable items
- $0.75 per pound – Books
- $1.29 per pound- Electronics
- $2.99 per pound – Housewares, textiles, shoes, accessories
- $1.00 per item – CDS, VHS, DVDS, Records
- $3.00 per item – Video games (all)
Furniture, bicycles, and oversized items are priced individually at steep discounts, with a dedicated furniture section offering even more great finds.
5. Dress for success and be prepared.
What to bring and wear for a successful trip:
- Comfortable clothing: You’ll be moving around and digging through bins.
- Gloves (optional but recommended): Some bins may contain broken glass or dusty items.
- Reusable bags: Unlike traditional Goodwill stores, purchases aren’t bagged at checkout—another way Goodwill helps reduce landfill waste.
- A strategy: Carts are available but run out quickly, so be prepared to hold onto items if needed.
6. Items are sold as is.
Goodwill Outlet purchases are final, and all items are sold as-is. Be sure to inspect your finds before checking out to ensure they meet your needs.
7. Shopping at Goodwill is a win-win for all.
By shopping at the outlet, you’re doing more than just finding amazing deals, you’re supporting life-changing programs. Every purchase directly supports workforce development for individuals facing employment barriers – including veterans, those experiencing homelessness, individuals with disabilities, and the formerly incarcerated – helping them build skills, secure meaningful jobs and achieve economic independence, all while keeping millions of pounds of goods out of landfills.