Goodwill Opens First Outlet In Metropolitan Chicago

The Romeoville Goodwill Outlet opened its doors for hundreds of excited shoppers on Nov. 15, 2023.

Goodwill opens first outlet in metropolitan Chicago within Will County, located at 1343 Enterprise Drive in Romeoville, Illinois.

“The opening of our first Goodwill Outlet in the metropolitan Chicago area and the addition of a second affordable shopping option in Romeoville is our commitment in action to deepen our impact in the communities we serve,” said Dan Michael, vice president, retail stores and donation centers at Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin and Metropolitan Chicago. “We are proud to enhance the quality of life for our neighbors through meaningful work and essential job readiness training, placement and support services.”

Shoppers will experience a new thrifting concept in the Chicago metropolitan area.

“We are thrilled that Goodwill chose Romeoville to open their first outlet in the Chicagoland area,” said Romeoville Mayor, John Noak. “This new facility provides a unique shopping opportunity that will bring consumers from all over. We also benefit from the jobs and repurposing of items that Goodwill makes possible.”

Unique Thrifting Experience

The types of merchandise carried are similar to those found in traditional Goodwill Store & Donation Centers and all purchases continue to support Goodwill’s mission: Connecting people to work. Preparing people for life. However, the shopping experience is different.

Most merchandise consists of unsold items from traditional Goodwill Store & Donation Centers, giving donations one last opportunity to be sold at bargain prices with items priced by the pound. Shoppers will discover a wide variety of inventory, including clothing, textiles, shoes, purses, home goods, books, albums, toys, games, glassware and electronics.

More than 160 large rolling tables are on the sales floor at a time, filled with merchandise for shoppers to browse through. Tables are rotated throughout the day to provide fresh goods. All items are sold “As Is” and all sales are final. A testing station is also available for shoppers to check electronics before making a purchase. 

The Romeoville Goodwill Outlet is open from Monday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations are not accepted at Goodwill Outlet locations and can be taken to surrounding Goodwill Store & Donation Centers.

Growing Impact In Will County

The revenue generated from purchases directly supports workforce development programs and services to help people build career readiness skills, find employment and connect with local employers.

The opening of the Romeoville Goodwill Outlet created 35 new jobs in the community. Community members interested in joining Goodwill’s mission can apply online at goodwillsewcareers.com.

In 2022, Goodwill supported 43 people in Will County in improving their lives through employment, programs and services. Goodwill Cares Community Assistance program also helped 150 community members in need of emergency assistance obtain much needed clothing and household items from Goodwill Store & Donation Centers.

Support Goodwill’s Mission

Goodwill is a workforce development nonprofit that provides meaningful work, training and career advancement opportunities across 23 counties within southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago. In 2022, Goodwill served more than 43,000 people across southeastern Wisconsin and metropolitan Chicago and connected people to more than 3,800 jobs.

Support Goodwill’s mission by donating new and gently used home goods and clothing to your local Goodwill Store & Donation Center, shopping at Goodwill in-person or online, or by making a financial contribution at goodwillsew.com/how-you-can-help.

Shop at Goodwill to support local workforce development programs.