Back to School Shopping at Goodwill

Back to School Shopping doesn’t have to be expensive or unstylish! Kids will love the choices at Goodwill, and mom will love the prices.You’ll generally save on average 50% – 82% compared with retail!! Thanks to Goodwill for sponsoring this post.

The specials, offers and giveaway in this post only work Goodwill Stores in the Olympic Peninsula and southwest Washington — store locator: https://www.goodwillwa.org/shop/store-locator/ Be sure to check out your local Goodwill store for your back to school specials!

This week some fellow Washington bloggers met at the South Hill Goodwill store to get the scoop for back to school shopping right from the source: Kids and Goodwill. They shared tips and trending styles for back to school. You might want to hold on to those old school band t-shirts, because the kids are coming for them.

Tips for shopping at Goodwill

Emilia Sanchez, Mom and Goodwill Assistant Store Manager shares these important thrifting tips.

Shop frequently at Goodwill

At the South Hill Goodwill a lot of high school students hit the store right after class on the weekdays.  Then they are back another day in the evenings with their friends, because a lot of students like to shop with their friends.

Thrift store inventory is unique

With thrift shopping there is no pallet of  one style that sits out for a week until the item is sold out.  Thrifting is all unique and individual items that constantly refresh. Items are constantly put out so the racks stay full.  Instead of once a week having new inventory, it’s the next day or even later in the SAME day …

Don’t miss thrift sales

Enjoy thrift pricing but DON’T MISS thrift sales … at regular stores most people go first to the clearance and sale items, that is how most people are, they shop clearance.  Sometimes with volume in a regular store you can grab that great deal a week or two after it first hits the shelf.

But it is DIFFERENT at Goodwill because as thrift it’s ALL at a really good price even when if first comes out from the back … so really consider grabbing it while you can because chances are it won’t be around a week later when it discounts down to 50% off or  $1.99.  Sometimes you get lucky, but you don’t want to depend on the sale/clearance items to find you great deals in a thrift store.

Thrifting is about the hunt

The hunt is more fun at thrift stores:  finding good, unique AND super cheap is the thrill! Look for clearance when you shop, you might score a great find!

Find the Value in Thrift for HOT fashion

From what’s in style for kids, plus how they like to shop, students find real value in back to school shopping at Goodwill. Here are their tips, plus what they are looking for!

Thrifting saves money!

Thrift first frees up money, shop stores that favor your taste, frequency/consistency!

Thrift is variety!

Kids no longer have to go to 3 or 4 stores to find the styles they love! Kids can find a variety of styles at Goodwill, there is something for everyone.

Thrifting is timeless!

Thrift stores an excellent source for what’s still hot, even after decades! From BoHO to 80s rock band teas, all our stylish and can be found at thrift stores.

What Styles are Kids Looking for at Goodwill

Tweens and Teenagers tend to like the same styles, making it much easier to shop and find great looks at Goodwill.

Popular Styles for Tweens and Teeens

The popularity of Stranger Things has exploded on the fashion scene and everything 80s is super popular.
Subtle neon’s and metallic
Slip dresses over T-shirts
Statement pants (different prints on pants like plaid, stripes are really popular)
Edgy feminine in general
Skinny jeans with frayed bottoms
Casual shirts, sweaters, sweatshirts over leggings for comfort

Brands (shoes, jackets) that never go out of style

Supreme
Vans
Nike
Adidas
Puma
Thrasher

Back to School Specials at Goodwill

Note that these specials are only good at specific South Washington stores. Check your own local Goodwill for specific sales.
Denim BOGO (buy one, get one) coupon runs Aug 19 – Sept 1 (and) a BOGO mug for college students that expires Aug 17: https://www.goodwillwa.org/back-to-school-coupon-blogs/
Student discount days / Tag sales / military, senior, other specials calendar
https://www.goodwillwa.org/shop/events-sales/calendar/
Pinterest page for Back to School DIY: https://www.pinterest.com/goodwillwa/back-to-school-style-diy/
Email sign-up: https://www.goodwillwa.org/shop/email-signup/

Support the unemployed???  The big secret about Goodwill is their mission is NOT to run thrift stores.  Each Goodwill region uses thrift sales to support free career path education and job placement services for the unemployed, homeless and other individuals facing barriers to quality of life.  100% of their retail proceeds go to a $9 million schoolhouse in our 15 county region.  Here is a look at one such program (they have about ten that thrift funds):  https://youtu.be/m79WgyzuOrA

Enter to win a $50 Goodwill giftcard + valuable coupon good at Goodwills in the Olympic Peninsula and southwest Washington

18+, US only, valid at select stores, void where prohibited, ends 8/30/19 at 11:59pst
Goodwill $50 Gift Card + Coupon