What happens to unsold items at thrift stores?

Currently, Goodwill Industries of Alberta exchanges apparel and electronics only.

1. Only apparel items and electronics may be exchanged.
2. Exchanges are for items of equal or higher value.
3. All items must be exchanged within 14 days of purchase date.
4. Original receipt must accompany the items being exchanged.
5. Items being exchanged must have original tags still attached to them. (If a price tag has been tampered with, it will not be valid for exchange).

Wondering what happens to unsold items at thrift stores? While we can’t speak for all thrift stores in Grande-Prairie, unsold items at Goodwill are sent to other locations, stores or businesses to be sold, recycled or upcycled. 

For example, any unsold items from our second-hand stores in Grande-Prairie are taken to a Goodwill outlet. Here, they are offered at a discounted price. If they don’t sell at this discounted price, they are given a second life via the Goodwill Reuse and Recycling Program. Through this program, we send items to textile recyclers and other companies that can transform them into new materials! As a result, we successfully recycle over 4 million kilograms and divert over 16 million kilograms of unwanted items from landfills yearly! So, when you donate to our Grande-Prairie thrift stores, you can rest assured that we will put your items to good use.

Not sure what items you can donate at your local Goodwill thrift stores Grande-Prairie? Here are just a few items that we accept at our donation centers:

• Underwear
• Socks
• Bras
• Christmas decorations and other holiday items, including household holiday decor, Christmas lights and Christmas trees. Please note: Christmas trees will only be accepted if they are in their original box or bag.
• Furniture
• Toys, games and much more

All clothing items, including underwear, socks and bras, should be new or gently used, clean, and dry when donated. Goodwill cannot accept wet or dirty clothing.

What items can’t you donate to our Grande-Prairie thrift stores? Check out a complete donation guide here - Goodwill Donation Guide.Pro Tip: You can recycle your electronics at the Goodwill thrift store in Grande-Prairie! To provide electronics recycling across Alberta, Goodwill has partnered with Quantum Lifecycle. Thanks to this partnership, you can now bring your broken or unusable electronics to our donation centers, and we’ll safely recycle them.

Want to donate your unwanted items to a thrift store in Grande-Prairie? Goodwill makes it easy! Stop by a Goodwill donation center near you during donation hours and drop off your unwanted items - it’s that simple.

When and where can you donate to Goodwill? Check out our donation center locations (and opening hours) in Grande-Prairie above.

To find the best items and deals at thrift stores in Grande Prairie, visit often. That said, there are a few tips and tricks that expert thrifters use. For example, the best time to visit a thrift store in Grande-Prairie is when:

1. The shelves have recently been stocked. The Goodwill thrift store in Grande-Prairie is stocked daily - so any day is a good day to stop by!
   
2. A sale or promotion is running. Goodwill Grande-Prairie thrift stores have weekly promotions, including Coloured Tag Sales and Seniors Day (Wednesdays). 

Goodwill also offers a GOOD Rewards Card and other promotions throughout the year to help you make every dollar go further.

Want more thrifting tips? Check out these articles:

How To Thrift Shop Like A Pro

Thrift Store Tips

Things bought from thrift stores are good, quality items. And, thanks to generous donations, you’ll find tons of great products to choose from at our Grande-Prairie thrift stores. In fact, the Goodwill thrift store in Grande-Prairie is stocked with new gently used, high-quality items every day! This includes clothing, accessories, home decor, and even brand-name items.

So, next time you’re looking for good furniture or a new outfit, stop by our thrift store in Grande-Prairie - you won’t be disappointed.