Meandering through aisles, finding a neat knick-knack you never knew you needed, discovering the perfect old coat or buying a slightly used appliance that you normally couldn’t afford is all part of the experience that has drawn loyal customers to Goodwill stores.
These days, dropping off donated goods, sorting them and reselling them has taken on a new rhythm.
Many changes are just like the ones at grocery stores. They are counting the number of customers that come in and leave. Maximum capacity at the Loudon Road store is 34 customers.
Aisles are labeled for one-way travel and customers are asked to stay 6 feet apart. Plexiglass protectors have been installed between cashiers and customers. Employees wear face shields when they are in the store and carts are sterilized after each use.
“Honestly every customer that’s come through the door has just been very sweet and very nice and appreciative and just excited that they’re here,” store manager Amanda Herr said. “They get to come in and kind of see what we have. And it’s nice to see some really familiar faces and think, ‘Hey, it’s been so long.’ You have your regulars, and it’s nice to see those faces again.”
Unlike other retail stores, Goodwill relies on community donations, and that’s where things get a little trickier due to the novel coronavirus and the necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the disease.
Donors are asked to sort items into three categories, place them in the appropriate bins outside and take their bags back home with them.
The bins are:
■Soft items, like clothing, shoes, linen and accessories such as belts and purses;
■Hard items, including household items, books, toys and electronics; and
■Glass and breakable items, like dishes or vases.
Stores aren’t accepting furniture right now since employees can’t help customers unload a couch or dresser due to social distancing guidelines.
Everything that’s donated remains in quarantine for three to five days before it is sterilized and sorted. Employees wear gloves when sorting and spraying.
Donations are already flowing in.
“So many people have been cleaning out their closets and garages – both because they were at home, and it’s spring cleaning time anyway,” said Heather Steeves, a spokeswoman for Goodwill Northern New England. “We have heard from so many people that it has been a relief to be able to donate those clean-outs to us.”
Goodwill didn’t advertise that it was reopening because it didn’t want to attract crowds but it did send out a newsletter to customers who have signed up. Many customers found out mostly through word-of-mouth and slowly started returning during the first week of business.
“People are finding out again. People are driving by, they’re seeing the parking lot and everybody that’s coming in is just super excited that we’re here again,” Herr said. “For a lot of people, this is their place. They want to hang out. They know the staff.”
Goodwill’s new shorter hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day.