Goodwill offers opportunity for last-minute holiday shoppers

Goodwill is encouraging last-minute holiday shoppers to step through its doors. 

As supply chain issues continue to rack the country and retail giants sell out of popular items, Vice President of Marketing and Mission Advancement for Goodwill Industries of Central Florida Kim Praniewicz said Goodwill is thriving, with the help of its generous donors. 

"We truly live in a wonderful community here in Central Florida," Praniewicz said. "The community is very generous with donations and always has been."

This year, seasonal shopping has followed the common trend of beginning earlier than usual. 

We first told you about the shortages during Halloween here. We then told you about grocery stores including Publix and Winn-Dixie putting some restrictions in place due to the increased Thanksgiving demand here. 

"I think our community is feeling a little bit better about going out again, more so this year than last year," Praniewicz said. "Also, thrifting has become a favorite of shoppers for the holidays so that continues to increase sales as well. I think the supply chain issues have helped people see the value of unique gifts at Goodwill."

From decorating the home for holiday gatherings, to seasonal outfits perfect for any party, Goodwill offers locals the opportunity to purchase quality materials at 30% to 40% of the typical cost big-box stores offer.

"Goodwill has so many unique finds and every day at the store is different," Praniewicz said. 

The vice president said she is suspecting January will also be busy at the stores. 

"January is a big time for folks to start anew and what that might mean to them is another closet clean-out, a time to refresh and re-decorate the home, and residents can come here for all their New Year needs," Praniewicz said. "It's truly a treasure hunt here and it's also such a fun experience."

Residents can search for Goodwill locations in West Orange here.