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Tag: thrift shop
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How to shop at the AMAZING Edmonton Impact Outlet Store
The Blue Bin Experience at the AMAZING Edmonton Impact Centre!
Q: Ever wonder what happens to the items that don’t sell in our thrift stores?
A: The items are sent to our Amazing Impact Centre where they get sorted and have one more chance to find a new home for a fraction of the price!
If you haven’t been to the outlet store or are wondering how you go about getting your hands on some of those overlooked hidden gems, you’re missing out! Located at 11415 168 St. NW in Edmonton at the AMAZING Edmonton Impact Centre, this has become a thrifters paradise. Let us tell you about everything you need to know to prepare for your trip!
Step 1: The Layout
Scattered throughout the Outlet Store are Giant blue bins, with each bin containing a select group of items. One bin can contain a variety of records, while another bin can contain winter wear.
Step 2: Get ready to rumble!
Shoppers line up in the designated section, because every 25 minutes a new bin replaces an older bin and it’s first come, first serve for the items!
Step 3: Ready and GO!
Once the bin is in the designated area and it’s safe to shop, a Goodwill employee will give a signal or blow a whistle when shoppers can begin their shopping experience.
This is your chance to grab all of your thrift finds and items! Make sure you do a thorough search, this is the last chance anyone has to snag these items before they get recycled!
Put all your special finds in your cart and hop to the next bin! There are lots more unique pieces to discover!
Step 4: All thrifted out!
Once you’ve snagged your goods, head to the front to have your haul weighed!
Pricing is dependent on weight. If you’re under 50 lbs., it is $1.99 per pound, but if you’re over 50 lbs., it is only 99 cents per pound!
Please note, that there is special pricing for books, glassware and furniture to save you the most money!
Step 5: Do a happy dance!
Once you have paid and loaded up your thrift haul, do a happy dance! By shopping at Goodwill’s outlet store you not only snagged some amazing thrift finds but directly diverted items from a landfill and supported one GOOD mission! We’d say that’s something to celebrate!
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Recap: Goodwill’s LIVE Virtual Fashion Show
After adapting to the restrictions and guidelines regarding public safety in response to the Covid-19 pandemic, Goodwill had to be creative and innovative when it came to hosting events this year. With the help of Zoom, Goodwill’s first-ever Live Virtual Fashion Show was a smashing success! Local thrift experts from across the province turned their houses into catwalks while people from all over the world tuned in.
Jocy McCormack, who goes by the instagram handle ojoshi, describes her style as laid back and hip, utilizing bold statement pieces and accessories to make her outfits pop. The thrifting experts purchased and styled thrifted outfits found Goodwill stores from around the province. Bringing their own unique style and flare, looks ranged from eclectic casual streetwear to 90’s glam with touches of feminine accents. The experts also shared their tips and tricks on how they style and shop for items at Goodwill. Described as “feel good” fashion, people shop thrift for different personal reasons, including supporting the social greater good, like Goodwill’s mission of helping Albertans with disabilities to find and gain meaningful employment, as well as to shift towards sustainable fashion.
Mel Mathison of @YYCthriftguide on instagram focuses on sustainable fashion – vowing to purchase and reuse thrifted and used clothing for an entire 366! She shared more details about her adventure of #NoNewClothes during the show below Thrifting expert Mel (who can be found at @ThriftyYYC on Instagram) is so committed to sustainability that the Mom is not purchasing new clothing for an entire 366 days! Instead Mel is focused on shopping for thrifted and used pieces, utilizing pieces already in existence within her closet to create new outfits every day.
For Sydney, Goodwill is one of her favourite places to shop not only because of the value in prices but in supporting Goodwill’s mission of helping Albertans with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment. The teen herself has cerebral palsy and is honoured to be an advocate for persons with disabilities.
While there is a stigma that thrifted clothes can be unstylish, viewers left the show inspired to create their own thrifted outfits and to head to their local Goodwill to shop thrifted, “feel good” fashion.
For those who missed the live show, a recorded version can be found and viewed below.
With the success of the first ever virtual fashion and viewers requesting for more, Goodwill is pleased to announce that another virtual show is in the works – stay tuned for more details! Hint: It’ll be holiday themed!
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A Feel Good Moment – Elaine Wenger
Elaine Wenger began working at Goodwill 43 years ago and in August she is finally ready to hang up her jacket. Born with a disability, Wenger is an inspiration to those who look to gain meaningful employment and a symbol of how Goodwill Industries of Alberta can help those find a purpose through the power of work.
Canada Manpower helped Wenger get started at Goodwill in 1976 and has since worked at various Goodwill locations in and around the Edmonton region. During this time, she has been able to support her two kids going through post-secondary education and has been part of the growth of Goodwill in Alberta. Not an easy task for someone with a disability working in retail.
“If I can do it, so can you. Don’t let anything ever stop you from doing what you want to do.”
Wenger first started in in sorting and then went to ironing. She evolved as a worker and when she was working downtown Edmonton, her favourite job involved making cookies and muffins for the staff. Currently Wenger is working as a merchandiser at our SouthPark location on Calgary Trail NW.
Wenger will retire in August and is looking forward to spending more time with her family.
Elaine’s story of perseverance, commitment and dedication help illustrate how one can overcome obstacles and how we as people all strive for purpose. This is why Goodwill is proud to help those with disabilities and those who need assistance in finding their purpose.
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Tax Free Since 1963
When you shop or donate at Goodwill, GOOD things happen. You create employment opportunities for those with disabilities, giving people a purpose through the power of work. You successfully divert items from the landfill giving regular household items, clothes or otherwise, a second chance at a new life, a new beginning. Finally (and here’s the most important factor when it comes to YOUR wallet), you DO NOT pay any GST on used items!
That’s right, when you shop at Goodwill, our store is GST-FREE and has been since 1963!
As a not-for-profit, we have to disclose our finances every year and any profit that we may make MUST go back into our organization and help those with disabilities find and gain meaningful employment. This also means that as a shopper, when you support a not-for-profit, you do not have to pay the GST!
We want to ensure, that when you are the hunt for that one special outfit, for that one special moment, that you should remember, the price shown is the price. There is no hidden agenda, no hidden fees, no hidden taxes. Keep an eye out for any special tag sale as well, because if you see something on sale for 50% off, THERE IS STILL NO TAX!
So think about this when you decide to visit your nearest thrift store. Your money is going to GOOD…and you’re saving at the same time.
Do your part and do what’s best for you and your community. Shop at Goodwill.
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Halloween Look Book: The Spookiest Of Them All
We’ve got your Halloween costume sorted at Goodwill Alberta. If you need a quick solution, we have ready-to-wear outfits and accessories for your convenience, but where’s the fun in that! October 31st is the chance to get crafty and creative. We’ve produced a Halloween Look Book available at all our stores to guide you in your DIY endeavors.
Keep your costume traditional by choosing a classically spooky look. Be inspired to cause a fright on the night with these ghastly outfit ideas!
Skeleton Scat
Sometimes the ‘bare bones’ approach is the best. To keep it cool as a jazzy skeleton, you need a white shirt, braces, and a trilby. Then it’s time to get crafty! Grab some black pants/slacks and a black t-shirt and draw your skeleton on with fabric pens or some stick-on white vinyl. Don’t forget the face paint to give someone an extra scare!
Puppet Show
Nothing is creepier than a ventriloquist’s dummy that comes to life. Make people jump by bringing a living doll to the party! One person needs to dress as the puppet master with a bow tie, white shirt, and suspenders, and the other comes dressed as a Victorian doll. Want to make it even creepier? Bring along a real vintage doll with some gory fake blood.Interview With A Vampire
There’s no Halloween costume as classic as a vampire. Pale face, fangs, cloak, no reflection… If you add some fake blood and bring along a victim, people will be scared to stand next to you at the party. You better get practicing your evil laugh!
Night Of The Living Dead
TV programmes such as The Walking Dead and The Santa Clarita Diet have made Zombies a popular choice for Halloween. Be different by dressing up as a zombie apocalypse survivor. To be a successful survivor, you’ll need some fake blood, dirty clothes, some sturdy boots for coping in any terrain and, most importantly, a bug out bag.Witching Hour
Whether you want to be a classic witch dressed in black or love the coloured costumes from the movie Hocus Pocus, Goodwill is a great place to find long, dramatic dresses. While you’re there, why not pick up an old book to upcycle into a spellbook and, of course, the iconic witch’s hat!It’s A Pirate’s Life For Me
Transform quickly into a pirate matey with one visit to your local Goodwill. Look for white shirts, waistcoats and long boots. Adding scarves, belts, swords and maybe even an eye patch will complete the look. We’ll give bonus points if you can find some skull and crossbones accessories! Arrrr!Find more inspiration for your Halloween Goodwill costume shopping in our Halloween Look Book, available to download and in all our stores. Share your costumes using the hashtag #GoodwillHalloween.
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End of Season Sale, September 1-3rd. How To Keep Enjoying Summer
Our End of Season Sale runs from September 1-3rd at all Goodwill locations in Alberta!
Summer isn’t over yet, but the mornings are starting to get a bit cooler and the kids go back to school soon. So we’re gearing up for autumn at Goodwill. This long weekend (September 1-3) we’re excited to be running an end of season sale on all our summer items to make room for all our autumn stock. Why not use the opportunity to grab a thrifted bargain and enjoy your new thrift store finds in the last warm days of September. With 50% off shorts, capris, sleeveless and short sleeve tops, bathing suits, summer dresses, summer hats, sandals and sunglasses for men, women, and children – what’s not to love?
Find a store to shop the end of season sale!
Whilst we might be changing over the seasons in Goodwill, there’s still plenty of ways to enjoy the rest of the warm !weather in Alberta and show off the new summer #GoodwillFinds you purchased at half price. Here are our favourite events running this September.
1. Drumbeats: Laser, Light and Water Show
Where: Drumheller
When: August 31 – September 2
What: The world premiere of DRUMBEATS – a spectacular laser, light and water show for the whole family brought to you by Montreal’s own Laser Quantum who has been producing award-winning water and laser shows for the past 25 years.
2. Calgary Highland Games
Where: Calgary
When: September 1
What: The Calgary Highland Games is 105 years old this year, making it one of the oldest gatherings in North America. The games attract competitors and spectators from across Western Canada and the USA and you will watch some of the world’s top pipers, drummers, dancers, and heavy event athletes compete and perform.
3. Alberta Culture Days
Where: All across Alberta
When: September 28-30
What: Part of the three-day National Culture Days, Alberta Culture Days is an opportunity for Albertans to discover, experience and celebrate arts and culture through local events and activities across the province. With more than 800 communities participating nationally, it’s designed to increase awareness, accessibility, participation and engagement of Canadians in the arts and cultural life of their communities.
4. Art Walk, St.Albert
Where: St. Albert
When: September 6
What: Art Walk is a great family-friendly evening event to explore local art, meet the artists and perhaps even purchase something unique for your home. A perfect way to explore the downtown area.
5. SONiC Field Day
Where: Edmonton
When: September 8
What: This one-day music festival is a hot event for rock music lovers. This year the line up features big names like the Arkells and Jimmy Eat World, Cold War Kids, Dear Rouge, Black Pistol Fire, Grandson, and Modern Space.