Goodwill launches new recommerce venture

Goodwill, the American nonprofit organization that's funded by a network of retail thrift stores, has started a new recommerce venture that will fund various community-based programs it operates throughout the U.S.

According to a press release, GoodwillFinds is an online shop where secondhand clothing, home decor, books, specialty items and collectibles are being sold.

GoodwillFinds Matthew A. Kaness said that the new social enterprise makes it easy for the conscious consumer to shop sustainably online while enhancing the thrifting experience they have come to love at Goodwill.

I'm confident that this venture will accelerate Goodwill's mission of transforming lives through the dignity of work, raise awareness of the immense sustainability impact of thrifting at Goodwill, and increase net donations to each Goodwill region, Kaness said. The Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin, the Evergreen Goodwill of Northwest Washington, the Goodwill of Colorado, the Goodwill of Southern California, the Goodwill of Central and Southern Indiana and the Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota are among the regional organizations that make up GoodwillFinds board of directors.

A portion of the sales made from GoodwillFinds will go toward Goodwill's social enterprise mission, which includes community building, job placement and youth mentorship.

GoodwillFinds is different from the organization's other e-commerce website, Shop Goodwill, in that items can be added to virtual carts and directly purchased.

The website has been in operation since 1999, and was launched by Goodwill of Orange County, according to the organization's website.

In February 2021, shopgoodwill.com made $1 billion in sales, according to a press release from Goodwill of Orange County.

Customers who visit goodwillfinds.com can search for specific products or filter items by clothing for women, men and kids jewelry, electronics, home, books and media, toys and collectibles and travel and hobbies.

The top brands on its homepage are Ralph Lauren, Levi's, Lululemon, New Balance, Adidas and Nike.

Goodwill has built a legacy of strengthening communities through the power of work, said Steve Preston, CEO of Goodwill Industries International.

GoodwillFinds continues that mission through a modern online shopping experience backed by a century-old philosophy to harness resale with purpose, according to Preston. This is an exciting moment for the organization, as GoodwillFinds expands the thrifting alternatives to existing supporters and brand new visitors.