New Goodwill in Pasadena

On Friday, August 22, Pasadena hosted its 4th Goodwill grand opening. Located on E. Colorado Blvd., the well-known second-hand retail store opened its doors to thrifty shoppers, resellers, and budgeting students. Only 0.2 miles from the Pasadena City College campus, the styles in-store seem to be catered to younger shoppers. While this seems like the perfect opportunity for customers to shop cheaply and get trending pieces that resonate with their fashion taste, something offsets this Goodwill from other locations. 

All Photos taken by Ivy Spruell

Among the store’s usual stock of used clothes is a plethora of designer brands and even pieces brand new with tags. To any avid thrifter, walking into a Goodwill lined with Louis Vuitton, Acne Studios, and Burberry is like winning the lottery. However, the price tags of these items will quickly dull that excitement. A great designer thrift-find consists of two characteristics: genuinity for a low price. While the E Colorado Goodwill still offers a bargain price, it objectively isn’t low with the pieces on average costing more that $50. This epidemic isn’t unique to this store. As culture caters more and more to the popularity of second-hand shopping, thrift stores have become anything but a hidden treasure. With gentrification rampant in this business, prices for used merchandise have reached all time highs. 

Ultimately, Goodwill priced high-end brands even compared with second-hand stores such as Crossroads or Second Street that charge higher for selectivity and quality. In stores like these, customers sell their old clothes for corresponding cash or store credit. Goodwill, on the other hand, accepts donations for free that are then sorted and priced. A thrift shop such as this charging resell prices is highly controversial.

Another noteworthy trait of the new Goodwill is the amount of in demand-items being sold. Walking in, right away, there are racks on display being announced over the loud speaker as “goody racks”, these are appealing donations that are fresh out on the floor. From there, T-shirts and tank tops are sorted by color and priced from around $6.99 to even $35.00. Rows of jackets are lined with designer pieces and an abundance of real-fur coats that sell for almost $100. Similarly, shoe racks are stacked with pairs of heels, boots, and sneakers that range from Chanel to Gucci among other brands. The purse section alone has hooks full of Prada and Christian Dior bags mostly priced from $60-$90. 

Some of these items are in fair condition while others are worn and stained. More than anything, pricing seems to be based on label alone. 

While the brand new Goodwill may be somewhat steep in price and specific in style, it still offers a fun addition to local thrifting with its convenient location and unique selection!