Holiday shoppers are in for a real treat this weekend. The largest Goodwill store in the region — and possibly the entire country — is opening 10 a.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, in Moon Township.
The new “super” Goodwill is housed in the former Big Lots building, located at 2820 Gracy Center Way, Coraopolis.
Monique McIntosh, president and CEO of Goodwill of Southwestern Pennsylvania (SWPA), shared what this means for the community at a VIP store preview on Dec. 3.
“This is a moment of excitement, pride and gratitude as we open the doors to a space that represents so much more than just a store,” McIntosh said. “It’s a hub of opportunity, sustainability and community impact.”
McIntosh said with a 17,500-square-foot sales floor within a 36,000-square-foot total footprint, the store is designed to provide a spacious, welcoming shopping experience for Goodwill’s customers.
Debbie Norrell and Crystal McCormick Ware, two of those loyal Goodwill customers, couldn’t agree more. The two friends travel all over southwestern Pennsylvania visiting different Goodwill stores in search of treasures. When the ladies received their invitation to the Moon Township superstore VIP event, they did not hesitate to make the trip.
“Goodwill had a [VIP shopping] event in April … and I found this great reversible faux fur coat,” Norrell said. “I’m on my way to the annual Thrift Ball and Awards Ceremony in Atlanta. This is a group of many thrifters from all over the United States, and this will be our fourth thrift ball, and I’m going to be wearing that reversible coat.”
Norrell isn’t just an avid thrifter; she’s a professional reseller who operates her own online clothing shop known as A Look … Not a Label. Her fashion philosophy is grounded on the individual ways that people express themselves through their style choices rather than on the brands or pieces themselves.
“[The clothing] doesn’t have to be something that’s really expensive, but something that looks good,” Norrell explained as she admired a vintage black, full-length overcoat with silver hooks and buttons, reminiscent of the Miss Mary Mack nursery rhyme.
With the tightening of purse strings during the economic downturn — coupled with the increased awareness of consumer landfill waste — thrifting has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past few years. To capitalize on this renewed interest, Goodwill SWPA recently introduced a “Creator’s Circle” brand ambassador program.
Lauren Brown, vice president of external relations for Goodwill SWPA, said the local office established a formal influencer program earlier this year and received 100 applications. Brown said Goodwill SWPA currently has 22 local influencers who receive gift cards and other incentives for promoting Goodwill to their audiences.
When Komi Jones (@pansyfolklore) heard about the opportunity to become a Goodwill influencer, she decided to go for it. The plus-sized fashionista wanted to encourage others that no matter their size, thrifting is an option for them. The response has been overwhelmingly positive.
“I turned 30 this year, and I decided to finally stop caring what people thought about me,” Jones said. “So I was like, ‘I’m just gonna start posting my outfits on the internet, and hopefully people will like them,’ and [it] turns out they do.”
Influencers create content that is related to Goodwill’s mission — some like to focus on fashion; others focus on creative reuse and upcycling.
For Allegheny County Executive Sara Innamorato, the creative reuse theme resonates personally. As a former board member of the Pittsburgh Center for Creative Reuse, Innamorato is an advocate for repurposing clothing and other material goods.
“My mom worked for Goodwill a long time ago,” Innamorato shared. “Goodwill stores are a wonderful opportunity not only for families to save money in hard economic times, but to give new life to things that would otherwise end up in a landfill. It’s an opportunity for people to access materials and create something new for their home or wardrobe.”
Innamorato came to the VIP event with the hopes of finding a tan-colored wool coat. But she ended up finding a vintage decorative bowl instead.
“I moved recently and I have some old decorations from my other house, but now I have to fill more space, right?” Innamorato said, laughing. “I just love thrifting. I’m a big thrifter. That’s where most of my wardrobe is from. So personally, I just love the hunt of a good piece.”
So does Chris Heck, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Airport Area Chamber of Commerce. Heck’s smile was ear-to-ear as he showed off his new find: a framed photograph of legendary Pittsburgh Pirate, Roberto Clemente. His enthusiasm for the store itself was just as evident.
“Moon Township is at the heart of the airport corridor, and the corridor is the fastest growing subdivision of Allegheny County right now,” Heck explained. “So for Goodwill, in particular, you’ve got two sides of the coin: you’ve got a very strong economic base of Moon Township, Robinson, Sewickley, and other areas to donate.
“On the purchase side, when you look at neighborhoods that are marketed for Goodwill, you have Coraopolis, you have Ambridge right around the corner, you have a lot of communities along the Ohio River that this location is perfect for. So it couldn’t be any better, really, you have both sides, and I think that was one of the reasons that they chose this area.”
For those who are interested in making donations, McIntosh extends a warm welcome to stop by the new store during business hours for concierge donation service.
“We have made it easier than ever for our generous donors to contribute,” McIntosh said, noting that the store features a convenient drive-thru donation door right at the front of the building.
McIntosh said donors can simply pull up, stay in their vehicle and be greeted by a team member who will assist with unloading donations.
Whether you plan to shop, donate or both, the new Goodwill superstore in Moon Township has something for everyone. All are welcome to attend the grand opening festivities from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Dec. 6. Here are some important tips to help you plan your shopping spree:
Moon Township Goodwill Superstore Grand Opening Shopper Tips
Tip No. 1: Arrive early. The store opens to the public at 10 a.m. Saturday with a brief ribbon-cutting ceremony just prior to the doors opening. The first 100 shoppers in line will receive a free reusable Goodwill tote.
Tip No. 2: Dress festive. Santa Claus will be on hand to take pictures with the kiddos from 10:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m., so wear your holiday best.
Tip No. 3: Maximize your savings. Shoppers are invited to play a game of Plinko for a chance to win on-the-spot coupons and discounts that can be applied to your purchase on opening day.
Tip No. 4: Expect crowds. The first two hours of the day will be busy during the opening festivities. Parking attendants will be on hand to direct traffic. Shoppers looking for a more low-key experience can come later in the day. The store will remain open until 7 p.m. on Saturday.
Tip No. 5: Grab a cart. 17,500 square feet of sales floor space is a lot of ground to cover, and chances are, you won’t leave the store empty-handed. Shopping carts are conveniently located at the front entrance.
Photos by Laura Smail
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