For years, many shoppers headed to Goodwill with the same goal: finding quality items at prices that made secondhand shopping worthwhile. A quick trip could turn into an exciting hunt for name-brand clothing, vintage treasures, furniture, or kitchenware that cost only a fraction of retail.
Lately, though, many longtime shoppers say the experience has changed. In a recent Reddit discussion, people shared their thoughts on what they’re seeing in Goodwill stores today, with rising prices, fewer standout finds, and a different shopping experience topping the list of complaints.
Prices Don’t Feel Like Bargains Anymore
The biggest concern raised by shoppers was the cost of merchandise.
Many commenters said prices have climbed enough that some secondhand items now cost nearly as much as buying them new during a sale. Several people mentioned seeing used clothing, household goods, and furniture priced far higher than they expected.
For shoppers who visit thrift stores to save money, those higher prices make it harder to justify buying used.
Many said one of the biggest reasons they loved Goodwill was the chance to stretch their budget, and they don’t feel that advantage is as strong as it once was.
Related: Shoppers Say Goodwill Is Charging Too Much for Donated Items
Fewer Hidden Treasures
Another topic that appeared throughout the discussion was the feeling that the best donations rarely make it onto store shelves.
Some shoppers believe higher-value brands and collectible items are sorted out and listed through Goodwill’s online auctions instead. While opinions differed on how common this practice is, many people said they aren’t finding the same quality items they used to.
Part of the excitement of thrift shopping has always been stumbling across an unexpected bargain. Many commenters said those moments seem much less common today.
Shopping Takes More Time
Several shoppers also described changes in the stores themselves.
Some said the racks feel packed with merchandise, making it harder to browse comfortably. Others mentioned finding more damaged, stained, or heavily worn items carrying prices they felt were too high.
One Reddit user summed up the frustration by saying, “Half the fun was the treasure hunt. Now it just feels like work.”
For people who once enjoyed browsing for an hour or two, the experience no longer feels as rewarding.
Related: Why You Never Find Anything Good at the Thrift Store (And What to Do Instead)
Every Store Is Different
Not everyone in the discussion agreed that Goodwill has gone downhill.
Several people pointed out that each Goodwill region operates independently, which means prices, inventory, and store quality can vary quite a bit from one location to another.
Some shoppers said their local stores still offer affordable prices and regularly stock quality clothing, furniture, and household goods. Others mentioned that visiting different locations often leads to much better results than sticking with a single store.
For families shopping on a budget, many still see Goodwill as a valuable place to save money.
Thrifting Has Changed
Some of the changes shoppers are noticing may have less to do with Goodwill alone and more to do with the growing popularity of secondhand shopping.
Resale has become a booming business over the past several years. More people are shopping secondhand, while online marketplaces have made it easier for valuable items to reach buyers willing to pay higher prices.
That growing demand has changed the thrift store landscape, making bargains harder to find than they once were.
Is Goodwill Still Worth Visiting?
Many longtime shoppers say they miss the days when almost every visit uncovered an unexpected bargain.
Others believe there are still good deals to be found if you’re willing to visit often, shop multiple locations, and spend more time searching through the shelves.
Whether Goodwill still feels like a bargain depends on your local store, your expectations, and how patient you are during the hunt. For some, it’s still a favorite stop. For others, the experience simply isn’t what they remember.
