Bargain hunters will have more to hunt as they will soon be able to find more merchandise to browse through at the newly renovated and expanded Goodwill retail store in East Peoria.
Located in the Community Plaza shopping strip, Goodwill will host a grand re-opening Saturday. The remodeled store has expanded its sales floor to almost double its original size, according to a press release from Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.
“The East Peoria community has been good about donating to us. The more space means more merchandise for our shoppers,” said Dyrke Maricle, director of retail for Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois.
In addition, the extension allowed for the store to highlight and expand areas that people liked. For example, the shoe section was broadened to include a variety of shoes for all customers, while adjustments like widening aisles were also made.
“One thing people said they liked buying from us was books. We moved the book section to the front of the store and added comfy seats to invite our shoppers to sit and read if they would like,” said Maricle.
The remodeling, which started in October, also added a new drive-thru window for donations. If people want to donate without leaving their cars all they have to do is ring a bell — somebody will be ready to collect the material and exchange a tax receipt.
“We keep in mind what the customer needs and wants. One thing that customers indicated was a want to make donating as easy as possible. Hopefully, the window will allow for more donations,” Maricle said.
More space and more merchandise means a need for more employees.
The grand re-opening is accompanied with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday.
“The ceremony will allow for a few people to see the finished product and present other programs Goodwill is offering. It is a great way for us to show people where their money spent at the store is going and say ‘thank you,’” said Maricle.
