Goodwill

I used to like this place– supported it for years but today the zombie apocalypse started early or maybe I had inadvertently stepped into the twilight zone. Upon arrival I went to wait for service at the locked jewelry display. I was told from a staff member at the checkout counter, «I can help you over here Ma’am. You need to come over here.» Rolling of eyes at me. ??? I was bombarded with large carts of donations going by and was told to get out of the way– rolling of eyes and a frown accompanying the command. Allrighty then. Some prices are outrageous and even laughable. There was a cloth clothes hamper with a hole in the bottom and a broken strap. When I questioned the price of $ 7.99 I was told that «they knew that when they priced it.» OK enough is enough. As a senior citizen I do have a few options and one of them is to not return.

I just called this Goodwill location to see if in the bay area Goodwill offers furniture donation pickup, as per their website instructs you to do. An older lady picked up and she was SO RUDE! I barely could get my question out before she rudely says «Hold on hold on hold on» and I hear here put the phone down and give it to another worker saying «you wanna handle this». Like what?!! Handle a simple question. I’m fortunate enough to never have to deal with or have to communicate with this lady ever again but for those who will smh.

Ivy, the manager, needs to go back in training for customers service. I asked for a pair of shoes from the case she pulled them out and in front of me peeled off the stickers from $ 19.99 and told me they are $ 59.99 !!! After that she told me that the dress that obviously was $ 9.99 is actually $ 14.99 !!! Her excuse was that she’s the manager and she’s allowed to change prices !!! I sure this is not allowed by California law !!! Such a awful experience !!!

This place is okay, but please please, MANAGER: PLEASE consider CLOSING the front door because the fitting area is FREEZING and I feel like I am going to get pnemonia everytime I change in there. :(

Yup I’ve found my favorite goodwill. After Jeremy’s disappointed me with their black Friday sale I thought that i’d head over to goodwill. My arms even got kinda sore from carrying so many items! Yes this store is a disorganized mess. Would be nice if they had the clothes organized by color but that’s part of the fun when thrift shopping.
I totally lucked out yesterday, they were having an additional 50% off pretty much everything. I purchased two pairs of jeans, 5 sweaters, and a t-​shirt for a grand total of $ 22. My proudest deal would have to be the free people sweater that ended up being $ 3. (Yes I am a brand whore). For the jeans I scored a pair from Gap that looked and felt like they had never been worn, and a pair from AG (retail +$ 200) for $ 6. Doesn’t get any better than that! The sweaters were from H&M, Ann Taylor, Jcrew and Uniqlo.
In the women’s section there were tons of items from Forever 21 and H&M. Saw a good amount of tops and sweaters from Banana Republic and Jcrew as well. I looked at the shoes for a little bit but couldn’t really find any that I liked in my size although I would say it’s worth checking out as there are lots of shoes that are still in good like/​new condition.
*Parking tip: Off University Ave there’s non metered for 2 hours, and on Sunday no time limit.

There is always a huge selection here! The staff is friendly, and they all clearly work hard — the place is always short staffed, but all the employees take time to check in with their customers. I also love how every month there is a 50% sale. I’d be coming back anyways, so it’s nice to plan my trips with the sales :)
The only reason it’s a 4 star is that the organization could definitely be better. I don’t mind taking my time to look around, but I’d definitely appreciate a little more reason to the different racks.

Friendly staff, they were very kind to me during my recent dig for records, which was a pretty eclectic mix if classical, rock, soul and some scattered hip hop and edm. Overall, a nice visit but the stores a mess. It’s very big but understaffed. I appreciate the challenge this must be so I think 4 stars is a fair rating for my experience

This place is awesome. Tons of name brands and clothes in great condition. They often have sales that take 50% off of items in certain departments. Staff are super helpful and friendly.

I have only checked the back of the store for non-​clothing items today. Household items are much higher priced than any other Goodwills that I know of. This place did not have a sense of organization and things were just mixed into a basket. A lot of broken items that no one will want was being sold at a high price. Trashcans had some rotting foods inside, and yes they were for sale. Some new sneakers had a Walmart tag that said $ 7.99 and they were being sold at $ 10 here. Some items were tagged higher than the actual price, but the nice register girl who actually worked checked individual item corrected it for me. That was nice of her. I am mostly thrilled about coming to a thrift store for treasure hunting but this place did not have much. Maybe I came on a bad day. I will come back a few more times and decide.

Weak sauce. These folks put torn, stained, stretched, & otherwise haggard clothing on the shelves in a thoroughly randomized manner, and expect money for it.

Ummm, hello?! Why are there no colored tag sales? Every thrift store (and every other goodwill for that matter) has half off colored tag days. I wouldn’t mind so much if the prices weren’t so damn high. I’ve found some good things here, but it’ll cost ya!

I found 4 nice button up shirts, a burgundy vest, and a navy blue overcoat at this Goodwill for $ 30 on Sunday. This is the same place I got my real calfskin duster for only $ 20.
The really remarkable thing is that they have so many options for petite women. I’m a size 4, and it can be really hard to find clothing for short, slight women at thrift stores.
The Goodwill on University is a real treasure trove! I highly recommend it!

I don’t know what I expected. It’s Berkeley, a hippie mecca, so everything here was ratty. I probably would not expect to find well kept clothing here. The clothing was fairly cheap though, and they do run deals where it’s 50% off clothing, etc.

I’ve been to a fair number of thrift stores, and I just don’t love this one. The store is a little messy, which is to be expected. The service is okay. But what really bothers me is that the clothing selection is so terrible– everything here is either horribly outdated or too worn out to use, and the prices are too high for clothing in such poor condition.
You may have some luck in the home goods section. If you’re looking for plates or glasses, there are some good deals to be had. The occasional used book, though you’re better off at the Friends of the Library bookstore. Perhaps some frames and furniture, but even those can be found in better condition at the Creative Refuse Depot in Oakland.
All in all, you’re probably best off skipping this thrift shop. If you have no other options or need a quick costume, you might do okay.

Dissapointing — it’s very pick over. I find the pricing for donated items to be priced high and sometimes higher than buying a new item like a Marshalls or Ross.
Such as kitchen ware the pyrex is $ 6 – 8 for the pan and new at Marshalls at $ 5! sometimes the original price is on and the Goodwill is higher ! Clueless pricing…
I find this one boring and playing some loud music…
Hit and Miss!
Books are price high! same as Half Off Books!
Staff: Hit and Miss they need to be more customer service friendly and lose the «sass»

The Mother and I were here recently looking for T-​shirts for Dolce at The Goodwill Store. Dolce wears baby sized T-​shirts 24 mos. to 3T depending on how it’s made.
As some of the reviewers have commented, you can find hidden gems and treasures at this Goodwill Store if you really take the time to put in the work and hunt. An independent contractor type told me he has found many deals at this particular Goodwill store and among them, many of his Salvatore Ferragamo shoes.
One example that comes to mind is a turkey cake pan made by Nordic Ware for $ 3.99. When I saw it, I snapped that puppy up immediately as a gift for The Mother. Even the associate who rang my purchase up at the till informed me that was a pretty good deal for a Nordic Ware cake pan. And The Mother herself was quite happy with her gift scored and purchased at The Goodwill Store.
About a couple-​three years ago, The Goodwill Stores underwent a makeover and renovation in making their stores look more upscale to attract more customers. With the economy and the market being the way it is, even those with money are shopping at The Goodwill Store.
We did find one T-​shirt for Dolce. A cute mauve pink one which fit her like a glove. And while we were there, we picked up an announcement that they were having a 50% off sale on the Saturday before St. Patrick’s Day. If we are in the area, we will stop by. If not, not. Next time we are nearby, we will stop in to see if there are more shirts for Dolce or if any treasures are to be hunted for and found.

I guess the store can be hit or miss.
I went on a Saturday night for a cat food bowl (which I found). I also found some other cool trinkets from the ’90’s :)
I found a nice Jessica McClintock dress for $ 11.
Maybe you’ll find a gem or two if you check it out.

You can usually tell a Goodwill’s quality by its neighborhood. Is it in suburbia? Expect plenty of Target and Wally World fashion. On the other side of the tracks? Expect… nothing.
So what does this Goodwill have? Berkeley funk. Some may see this as a bad thing, but I can dig it. Threadless Tees, Oaklandish gear, and plenty more are ripe for the picking — enjoy!

Picked up some grand-​dads clothes.
I look incredible.

Meh. I honestly can’t write very much about this place, since I just dropped off some clothing.
I will say, however, that this Goodwill seemed fairly clean & very well organized. Plus, the donation drop was super fast & easy! Just remember to ask for a receipt before you leave so that you can get those tax deductions!