Tacoma Goodwill Industries has announced the opening of its first store in Gig Harbor.
Located in the former Ben Franklin store at 4805 Pt. Fosdick Drive N.W., the Gig Harbor Goodwill retail store is scheduled to open October 11, 2002.
“We’re excited about opening this store for several reasons,” said Terry Hayes, Goodwill CEO. “The first, and most important, is that we’ve had a lot of requests to begin serving Gig Harbor directly. Until now, Gig Harbor shoppers looking for the Goodwill experience were driving to the Tacoma store on South 38th Street. Now they can stay right in town.”
“The Gig Harbor store will also have a new, updated décor which we are beginning to implement in our stores. Shoppers will enjoy their experience here,” said Hayes.
Goodwill stores carry clothing, household goods, furniture, sporting goods, books, records and toys that are unique, one-of-a-kind bargains.
Jim Stephens will be the manager of the new Gig Harbor store. Stephens comes to Goodwill after a 32-year career with K-mart, including the last 21 years as manager of their Bremerton store.
Along with the new store, Goodwill will operate an Attended Donation Station at the rear of the store beginning August 31. The donation station will be open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be closed on Monday and Tuesday. Donations of gently used items in good condition are welcome during the hours the donation station is open.
Tacoma Goodwill is growing, and the Gig Harbor store represents the first of eight new stores planned to open in the next five years.
Goodwill’s Federal Way store will re-open in a new location with an updated look on Oct. 4. It will be located at 32521 Pacific Highway South at the site of the former Pep Boys store.
This year Tacoma Goodwill Industries will provide vocational services to 1,500 people who have disabilities or other special needs.
These education, job training and job development services are funded through financial gifts, grants, and the operation of 16 thrift stores throughout western and central Washington.