Goodwill of Greater Washington Retail Store

Michael D

a month ago •

This Herndon Goodwill needs to improve.. during a recent visit with a friend to search for chess and checkers items, we observed some disorganization in the aisles. I brought this to the attention of a staff member, but the response wasn’t what I expected. They just shrugged their shoulders.. then they began discussing me with another employee. I overheard “He said the aisles are messy, boo hoo, first world problems at a second hand store.” They continued discussing me saying “People need to get over it.” And they were saying “Life’s a joke.” While I understand the nature of a secondhand store, maintaining a reasonable level of organization enhances the shopping experience.. I hope management can address this to create a more positive environment for both customers and the employees, as the current atmosphere seemed disheartening. We did find a cool chess set that will only need a few repairs..

Mariah Johnson

2 years ago •

Deceptively big, and extremely well organized! So many clothes, HomeGoods, and furniture to choose from. I was specifically looking for patio furniture and didn’t find what I needed but had a good time walking around and looking at all the inventory.

Fatima

5 months ago •

DO NOT DONATE AT THIS LOCATION. Although it appears convenient because of their timings and quick lane drop off, I had a very uncomfortable interaction here with an employee this past Saturday when donating through their express lane drop off. I politely asked if I could leave my donations with all the other items that were outside and a passive aggressive employee in a condescending tone said “Of course you can, don’t you see all the other donations and the sign?” She assumed that I didn’t read the sign but the reason I was asking was because some items may have to go somewhere else so I just wanted to be helpful or put them in the pile they belong. She grew very angry and upset because I asked a simple question. It was very hot outside and I thought maybe the heat was getting to her so I was even going to buy her a cold drink. I thought no worries, “maybe she is just having a bad day?”. But then she continued to engage saying extremely rude things under her breath about me because I asked a simple question (I didn’t respond to any of her comments other than saying to please make sure she stays hydrated because of the temperature) and then she physically got closer to my car and again in a very polite manner, I said “ma’am, I was just asking for clarification”. She continued to be extremely rude, and then claimed maybe she was doing something wrong or that I was “treating” her this way because she was old, but I didn’t say or do anything other than ask a simple question in a very polite manner. She was trying to make it seem like she was a victim. At no point was I ever rude or impatient (the extra opposite). I have an Asian background and it is ingrained in us to treat people kindly, especially elderly strangers. It may have been racially motivated because I do look ethnic and I have had those experiences before (for the record: she did not comment on my appearance). She also asked if I needed a receipt and I declined because I didn’t want to interact any further and I also had a minor with me in the passenger seat. For the sake of his safety, I wanted to leave. My dad passed away earlier this year (4 months ago) and my mom wanted to donate his car to Goodwill so I made a few inquiries. I am so glad that we did not end up doing that. I regret leaving the donations here because some of those items belonged to him and I would’ve been happier taking them somewhere else, but I had already put them in the donation pile so I didn’t want more trouble or to be accused of doing something like theft if I took them back. The interaction left me upset the entire day, especially because of my father. I tried to call the store a few times to talk to them about it (donations are made at a different address, but connected to the store), but no one picked up. I really do not like to leave bad reviews but in this situation, I felt like I had no other option. If you do have donations to make, I would recommend The Closet or Faith thrift store in Herndon, Virginia. No amount of convenience will ever allow me to come back here again, which is a shame because I donate regularly and it’s always things that are gently used because if I wouldn’t use something myself, I wouldn’t donate it. Also, there is no need for management to respond to this post. This is my personal experience but I recommend employee training and having proper workplace accommodations to avoid employees becoming irate on polite people simply trying to do a kind gesture or asking a question. Employees shouldn’t be taking out their anger on people trying to do things out of the kindness of their hearts.

Robert Brown

2 months ago •

I wish I could give negative stars. They said they would take motorized scooter I wanted to donate, even though I told them the scooter needed repair to get started. They assured me over the phone it would be fine. Got there and they turned me away. I don't like being lied to, it wastes my time. Avoid this Goodwill at all costs!

Allison Drew

4 months ago •

This is quite literally the most organized, beautiful Goodwill I have ever been in! I’ve been in probably over 50 goodwills across the country and I stumbled upon this one on my latest trip to Virginia. It is incredibly clean: the clothes look like they were steamed or pressed before being put on the hangers! They even used rubberbands on the hangers to help the clothes from slipping off: GENIUS! Anyone who shops at GW a lot knows how frustrating it is when you are flipping through a rack and the clothes fall off unto the floor. Also, the color-organization is remarkable: and everyone in this location deserves a raise! On my way out the store’s Assistant Manager, I believe her name was Susan, was so helpful and kind. I give this goodwill a 10/10!!! Great work everyone!!!