Last weekend I had a lot of luck! I found Sam Edelman heels that were maybe worn once, Banana Republic leather Oxford heels, leather sandals from Spain that I'm almost certain have never been worn, a black wool blazer, an l.magnin camel hair long coat, two silk shirts, a navy blue leather purse and a Levi's denim jacket. I've come here before and I didn't sift through the racks to really find treasures, but I did find some frank sinatra records on a previous trip that were priced at $1.50. This past weekend I took my time and really lucked up. Everything was under $60, and I live for a half off sale. After getting some of these items cleaned they will be gifts for my mom. Gotta love treasure hunting read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Great finds during the half off sale 1/17/26 - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

Questionable pricing, not super well laid out, and overall not worth the hunt on my last visit to this Alameda Goodwill.

Cashier is very rude !! Second time I've experienced this with her and also witnessed her being rude to other customers . I waited in line while she helped a young lady " find" an item . This is a thrift store !! Let people find their own things . walked by me twice !! read more

I came here on a busy 50% off day and I'm so grateful for Carlos making the experience easy. You really went above and beyond to help me sort out my items,get new prices, etc.. give this man a raise !!!! read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - All my items and Carlos helping me pack and sort!!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

We were driving by and decided to stop by here. There's a small parking but there is a lot of street parking. This store is really clean and was fully stocked. There were a lot of new items. I noticed the store was well organized so it's easy to find things. The book section was really good highly recommend. The people who worked here were really nice. Overall had a great experience. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

Goodwill Industries International, the organization that works to help individuals achieve greater independence through employment, with programs for youth, seniors, and veterans, as well as people with disabilities, criminal backgrounds, and other specialized needs. Quality/Quantity - What a great business model. A nonprofit that takes free stuff and sells it for nominal prices, a win-win for most. Atmosphere - Clean, small store. I rarely go in, I just drop off my donation stuff. Small parking lot, but I just "double-park" near the drop off. Service - Today's service was PERFECT. Friendly and accommodating. Although it is said that 90% of all earnings go to charitable missions, the CEO still earns more than $1M annually (including bonus). Seems high, but in his defense, it is probably less than what other CEOs make for this size of an organization. Price - Depends what you buy. Owner Comment - Congrats on your success since 1902 with 4245+ locations. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - 9/24/22 Donation rules - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

See all

BUYER BEWARE! I purchased 3 pairs of shoes for my son. The plan was to take them home and have him try them on to see what fits. Two pairs didn't fit, so I brought them back to return them the very next day with the receipt. The receipt says that they accept do returns on electronics and clothing for 7 days. FYI they don't count shoes as clothing. Shoes are non returnable! The Goodwill clerks could have been a lot nicer about it but they were super passive aggressive about it. This policy should be stipulated on the receipt or written on a sign in the store. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Return policy. Clothing is returnable for 7 days with the receipt. Clothing does not include shoes! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

As of fall 2023 the fitting rooms are still closed "due to covid." Please reopen fitting rooms! I'm really sick of having to try on things over my clothes. Additionally, the overall pricing has gotten out of control. There are some categories (like shoes and jackets) that are truly wild - how can you charge nearly $20 for a used jacket that was *donated.* Recently I found a lifejacket with a Ross tag on it for $4.99 and the Goodwill price sticker was $6.99! I really wish they would offer some coupons, sales, or discounts on certain colors... Despite all of this, I do sometimes find gems here. It's just not what it used to be. read more

We dropped into this Goodwill to donate after grabbing an ice tea at Julie's. Donation was easy and simple, driving into the small driveway and pulling into the side section to park. There were large separate bins for clothing, shoes, housewares, and unlike the Walnut Creek location (which took roughly 15 minutes of waiting in line) the Alameda Goodwill was in and out in under 5 minutes. We weren't offered a receipt, but the associate was wearing a mask and very friendly. All in all, this will likely be our donation location moving forward. read more

Complimentary carpet beetles don't exactly compensate for the slightly higher prices. Yuck! read more

I have been going here for years and it has been a smooth and easy drop off for donations. I'm not sure why there are so many negative reviews. Most of the ones I read seem to be corporate issues that could be addressed through angry tweets instead for this individual spot or regarding the physical location that can be changed (parking lot, etc). Donation slips are also outside and easily accessible. A huge thank you to the employees that have ALWAYS been nice to me when I drop things off. It's usually the customers that are double parking and donating that are the rude and inconsiderate. I haven't been inside for awhile but very happy with the donation process. Thank you for helping reduce waste! read more

Biggest frustration here are the reduced drop l off/donation hours. Hours posted on yelp are for store hours I presume. I get there and a "temporary" sign gives different donation hours. This has been the case for several months. read more

Shout out to Melina for hooking it up on the donation! Very sweet and was very helpful.

I don't shop at Goodwill but this my location of choice to donate my new or gently used items. The donation hours are consistent and drop off is very organized with clearly marked bins. Compared to other donation locations, you don't see employees picking through the items and set them aside for themselves. If this happens, it's done in the back. This location does not take children's toys and not sure if it's due to COVID but it would be nice to see them accept these donations since families would really benefit by being able to put a smile on their kid's faces with a new toy. read more

I bought a custom decorated Levi's denim vest at the Salvation Army nearby in Alameda. I then wore it into this Goodwill in Alameda, picked out a couple of $4 items and went to pay. The cashier, who as a regular customer I didn't recognize, rang me up for almost $20. Luckily since I only had two cheap items I noticed the overcharge and questioned it. The cashier said it was for the vest. I was shocked since I was wearing the vest and she hadn't said one word about the vest before charging me. I told her I just bought the very distinctive, customized Levi vest at Salvation Army. She didn't even apologize so I can only assume she still thought I was stealing it from Goodwill. The vest was so distinctive the cashier at Salvation Army had said "I wondered who was going to buy this". After this incident I mentioned it to the cashier at a different Goodwill and they had absolutely no response again no apology no commiserating that that was wrong thing to do. I told the story to the cashier at the Salvation Army the next time I was there and he sympathize with me, more than you'll ever get from Goodwill. I had previously reported one Goodwill cashier for repeatedly rounding up to the nearest dollar a donation without asking me if I wanted to donate and for ringing me up $10 for an item that was unique and wasn't priced and then refusing to give me a refund while I was still standing there once I noticed what he had done. the item was actually the lid for the other item that I bought so I had no reason to think that they were going to charge me separately $10 for the lid that had no price on it. He said we always charge $10 for these so I promptly photographed two similar ones in that store neither one of which had a pricing anywhere near $10. You also have to watch out on senior Tuesday as sometimes no matter how old you they will "forget" to give you the senior discount. Even when they do something illegal they cite their "no refund" policy if you pay before you catch it. I had to threaten to call the police to get my $10 refunded. One time they charged me twice for same item and told me they would credit me the next time. I never remembered to get credit. I thought all businesses were required to have a screen where you can see what they're charging you as they ring things up. This Goodwill does not have very good or very much merchandise and the only reason I go there is because it's just two blocks from the Salvation Army which is packed with stuff. They used to occasionally have some good Levi's denim jeans but not lately so I don't know what's up with that. Maybe they're putting them all online or sending them to one of their "boutique" stores so they can charge $20-$25. If I wanna pay that much I might as well go to a place like crossroads trading that has a huge curated selection. read more

Almost all of the Bay Area Goodwill's have collectively lost their minds when it comes to pricing, but the Alameda outlet is perhaps the worst offender. During a recent visit an older woman had something of an outburst, declaring loudly "There ain't a thing in the store for less than five dollars!" She's not wrong. From $10 shirts to $4.99 mason jars, very little in the store is priced at what I would consider to be thrift store pricing. Shot glasses, mason, jars, grimy plastic water bottles, all $4.99. I even saw a tube of Arm & Hammer toothpaste for $4.99 ($11 for a four-pack on Amazon) as well as an open bottle of hand lotion. I propose that this particular Goodwill change their name to Five Dollar General. read more

Friendly staff. Quick and easy to donate. Clean. I really love the mission of the Goodwill as an organization writ large and how they execution upon that. I will continue to donate and support them. read more

They attempted to organize things by size, which would be a good thing if it stayed organized. I think it just gives early shoppers first dibs on the choice pieces. With that said, dressing rooms are still not open? A couple of females, myself included tried things on over our clothes. Normally this is fine, but then you got male creepers walking by. One commented on jeans that one of the girls was trying on...ew. I for one also didn't enjoy showing the world what didn't fit. REOPEN THE DRESSING ROOMS!!! read more

I swung by today at 1:45pm to drop off a large bag of men's clothing. The attendant outside accepting donations couldn't have been more friendly or courteous. He even asked if I'd like a receipt....I initially said "no" but then changed my mind. Excellent customer service! I wish I'd thought to get his name. Thank you! read more

This review is for the donation drop off. We had a great experience here, which was completely different than in the past! The gentleman gave us a cart to put everything into which made it very easy. I would totally come here again as long as the staff remains this friendly and helpful! read more

Easy to donate goods and a wonderful gentleman working at the donation station- kind and efficient

Great customer service and a smooth and easy drop off of my donation. The gentleman who helped me was super friendly and made for a great experience! read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Great donation drop off!! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Alameda, California

Friendly, helpful staff. Space always organized despite carloads of drop-offs arriving regularly. Shout out to Ron who is always cheerful and funny and helps me sort my items or just takes things from me with a smile. read more

I'm going through a move and needed to get rid of things that have existed in my residence for 26 years. The staff and service at Goodwill Alameda was exceptional. They are dedicated workers, helpful, and friendly. I'm happy to give this positive review read more

After doing check-ins at Kohl's, Office Max, and Pagano Hardware (all retail businesses at Southshore Center) in search of a table lamp without any success, I was about to give up. Kohl's sell their table lamps online, Office Max only had desk lamps for the office and Pagano had an antique lamp going for about $300. My husband suggested the Goodwill, so we continue on our little venture to Goodwill. Goodwill has plenty of clothing, dishes, vases, books, etc., but a limited selection on lamps. I did see one that looked somewhat decent. I asked one of the employees to help me bring it down to the table, so I can do an inspection. She wasn't personable and really did not want to be bothered, as she was busy doing something else. Ooh, I guess I interrupted her. The wood base had a fixture for a trio of night lights, except there was no lamp shade and the light switch was damaged...okay, nix it. I didn't stay long to browse any further. I came in search for one item...no need to waste my time and my husband was waiting in our parked vehicle. In and out of there in less than 10 minutes. read more

See all

I have been to this location many times to donate all kinds of items in recent weeks, and in every single case the receiving team has been very friendly and professional. Smiling, helping with unloading by bringing a cart to your trunk, thanking you for your service to the community on your way out. Ron and Lynn have been particularly helpful but so have other workers whose names I didn't catch. Definitely the best drop-off experience around, good job! read more

Very nice folks work here. I have donated a number of times and they are always helpful and easygoing. Lots of good finds here as well. Love this Goodwill! Keep up the good work! read more

Super friendly and fast drop off. Dropped clothes off this morning in the middle parking f a massive clean

Really well run GoodWill. The staff is very helpful, particularly the staff that helps with donation drop offs. Would recommend anyone in the community of Oakland or Alameda, to come here for good second items. read more

Such an easy donation experience! No need to call ahead or make any appointments- just drive up and drop off. They have three large bins for donations and staff happily helping. Will definitely return the next time I have things to donate. read more

Very organized and friendly staff! One of the workers named Ron has been extremely helpful by helping me carry the items from my car to the bins. This Goodwill has a very easy drop off section, with helpful bins that are labeled. Highly recommend coming here to donate! read more

These guys are awesome- I drove up there and they got all of my donations out of my car as fast as possible. They were directing traffic to make it easier for me to get in and out. I really appreciate them saving me time and getting me in and out with my donations. These guys rock ;) read more

Great place to donate! Really helpful staff, easy to pull up and drop off. Love the work that Goodwill does!

Very helpful and friendly staff. I came in at 6:57 and they closed at 7 but the manager and staff were real helpful and actually let me donate, and even brought me out a bin. If they didn't do that I would of had to find a dumpster because I was headed to San Francisco to pick someone up from the airport. Thank you to the staff read more

I dropped off some donations today at the Alameda Goodwill and the people working the donation area were FANTASTIC very helpful and super nice. Ron was great! Thanks for all your help! read more

This place is clean and organized. I've scored some great stuff at crazy cheap prices. I agree with another reviewer about the donation guy. He's by far the most helpful and agreeable donation person I've ever dealt with. He let me know how much he appreciated the donation and he had a wonderful and friendly attitude. This location will get all my donations from now on. read more

Excellent customer service...everytime I shop or make a donation the workers are always helpful and kind.

No stars - I only selected one star because the program made me I have Been going to Goodwill for years and I've watched people drop off tons of countless junk but I'll bring good stuff that will sell And They don't want it I had a basket full of stuff about 20 pieces and a vacuum they looked at my vacuum and because They didnt want the vacuum they didn't want any of it I even asked the manager do you want my stuff she didn't even look at my basket she looked at me and said what is it In which I said it's right here you can look at it she looked at another employee and said do you want the stuff and the other employees said no I don't want this stuff so they turned me away. Is it because it six in o'clock clock in the evening and They don't want to deal with it I'm not really sure but I thought goodwill is here to fund programs and help people So I will never be donating to this one again they're off my list Didn't ever think I could have a bad experience at Goodwill but I did read more

I tried to give them toys as a donation and I was constantly being told no. It was rude and demeaning. They finally in the end took my barbies but attempting to do something and being attacked in that manner is just unacceptable. Very very rude people. read more

Staff at the drop off location were both friendly and attentive. It's always nice to be greeted w/ a smile. The drop off area was also very organized and tidy. The young lady provided me with my receipt as I placed my items in the bin before I could even ask for it. Thanks for helping my day be more efficient and you put a smile on my face. read more