gina anstore rep or manager is the bomb. i purchased a small vacuum and it did not come with the cord to recharge it. i thought easy fix ive got tons of cords at home...to my dismay i couldn't find. brought the vac back to see if infact there cpuld be something.... and the something was gina. .amazing customer svc assisting me with looking through the plethora of inventory and the above approach to support me. and i wanted to add the gent named david. provided great customer svc with the added personalization... ill be back vince the sunday shopper!!! read more

They don't have plastic bags to purchase or give out anymore. Also they don't sell reusable bags anymore. The last few times I went here they don't have enough shopping carts. They have a whole bunch that you have to use two plastic shopping baskets to mimic a two basket mini shopping cart but they don't have any plastic shopping baskets to use. What is wrong with management here? This store has gone downhill. read more

This Goodwill is on the smaller side and can be hit or miss. Sometimes it is organized, but other times like today it feels pretty chaotic. A lot of items look worn out or incomplete, and it is unclear why some are even on the shelves. That said, I have still scored a few good finds here, and prices are generally fair. There's a small parking lot, but it is also not too difficult to find a street spot since the area is not very busy. There is also a large thrift and antique store next door called Urban Ore that I plan to check out. It might offer a wider selection or better deals. The staff here seem friendly, and despite the clutter, I usually leave with at least one item. If you enjoy the thrill of the hunt, this place might be worth a browse. Just do not expect to find anything specific, and be prepared to dig a little. read more

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

See all

Just a terrible experience all around. I will never donate here again, and likely never shop here again. First, they treated my donations with absolute disrespect and disregard. Although the young man helping to take my donations was friendly and polite, after I specifically pointed out a breakable item, he proceeded to THROW it into a bin and I literally heard a crash as if it had shattered. I really couldn't find the words and so didn't say anything, but really?? Why would I drive all the way down here for you to literally trash my belongings, when I could have thrown them in the trash at home myself with a lot less hassle? How management is allowing this when all Goodwill seems to care about is making money anyway is beyond me. Speaking of which, I don't know how they survive with their inflated prices and run-down, dingy store. Half the shelves in the back were empty (which is bizarre considering I KNOW they are getting a ton of donations - I saw the bins!) and the rest was filled with dirty-looking junk. There might have been some decent clothes, but a lot are overpriced and there's nowhere to try them on anyway (couldn't even find a mirror). Being in there just makes me feel sad. Next time I will literally throw things in the trash before donating here. So done with Goodwill in general. In fact I'd rather call it Ill Will, because that is what it makes me feel. read more

The crew who accept donations are always helpful. It's just what you would expect inside, this store is pretty picked-over, but deals and treasures can still be found. read more

Since I like to stretch my dollar further, I tend to pick up some great finds at thrift stores. And "Goodwill" is no exception as I've been to dozens of their locations in various cities around the United States. I've found some great finds as no two stores are alike. The one I am reviewing is directly on San Pablo Ave and in between 66th/67th St's in the Oakland/Berkeley area. There is a dedicated parking lot but keep in mind that it does fill up quickly so don't be surprised if you have to hunt for a space in the nearby residential area. Furthermore, there is also a donation area with signs telling you exactly where to go. For the record, this Goodwill is pretty standard with their hours of operation being open for business seven days a week from 10:00am to 7:00pm. The inside of this location is a standard square shape with one main entrance where the security guard stands. During my visit which was the afternoon of Saturday 10/7/2023 from 3:30-4:00pm, I actually didn't find anything worth buying. I did see a pair of khaki chinos that I wanted to try on (for $6.99) but as frustrating as this was, all of the fitting rooms were closed. I understand during the Covid-19 pandemic but in late-2023, this is unacceptable. I also do not live in this area as it would be too much of a hassle trying on their clothes then having to return it in a different city for store credit. Aside from that, this location carries a wide assortment of mens, womens, and childrens clothing/shoes as well as kitchen items, small electronics, books, records/CDs/DVDs, small appliances, toys, purses, and luggage. I was a bit disappointed that this location did not meet my expectations but the selection can vary greatly depending on what comes in and what is sold. With that said and done, I am giving the Oakland (San Pablo Ave) "Goodwill" a below average two-star rating. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Exterior signage of the building - Thrift Stores Near Me - Oakland, California

See all

Would not recommend to shop here. I walked in the door and was hit with a waft of stench. It smelled like a combination of dirt, dust and sweat. The shoes were very dirty. Clothes looked in poor shape and were extremely worn and over priced. The home goods section was disorganized and over priced as well. I have donated such nice items to this store but it seems like they mainly ship them out and keep the rough stuff. read more

This goodwill was my favorite one, until today, 12/8. I came inside, and no one greeted me as they usually do. When I was shopping, I had noticed the plain clothes security guard watching me constantly. I've only frequented this location a few times before today, and each experience up until now has been pleasant. I will not walk 2+ miles from my job again to come here. I'm glad the space heater I wanted to buy did not work. I don't want to give this location any more of my money! ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ EDIT: Thank you to the business for responding! I am glad you all are looking into this matter. Given the response, I may return for a visit. Happy Holidays! read more

1) Actual donation hours are not consistent with what's posted on the Goodwill website. Website claims donation hours are 9am-9pm. However, when I went on a weekday afternoon around 3pm they said donation hours were 10am-2pm and wouldn't take my stuff. 2) Selection is meh and prices are ridiculous. For example, they want more for an empty ceramic Fermiere yogurt container than they cost in the supermarket with yogurt in it! Ridiculous. read more

Goodwill has the best selection of clothing and shoes. Buying Dvds and books here is fun. Some of the books here cost 99 cents. They usually charge more than that other places. A lot of my T-Shirts were bought here. read more

How is this sf goodwill when the location is in Oakland and not San Francisco ? Poor service

This was a pretty epic Goodwill several years ago, shelves were full and mostly organized and very fairly priced. My main gripes would be that they are open to receive donations at random times and the other is that the prices are inconsistent and overpriced. They have used Mason jars without lids that are priced higher than what you pay for a new one. The same 6.99 jar has been sitting there since 4 months ago. There's a flask in ok condition priced at $26.99 and you can get a brand new one for the same price at Target. They are selling IKEA plates at a higher price than IKEA. Someone is not doing their job and just slapping random prices on the merchandise. They're selling a sliced deli meat container, the kind that comes with the sliced Hormel Turkey for .49...well it came free and it's not worth .49¢... Come on SP Goodwill, be epic again. Show us the deals, open up the donation stations and we can show you the money! read more

See all

For the most part we'll organized goodwill that had great finds however, an unhoused person followed me around the entire store making my visit brief read more

Their fitting room was closed so I bought 8 pairs of jeans to try on at home. I also bought a tv. I was told I could return everything. When I took 6 pants and the tv back for return, I was told I could only get store credit. Now I have $100 credit for a store I hardly go to, and I was shopping there to begin with because I am out of work. They shouldn't have that policy when their fitting room isn't even open, and they should have the policy posted on the wall at the cash register. Once I spend my credit, I will not shop there, and I will also take donations elsewhere. The staff was friendly but I am SOL. read more

Thanks for your response, Ijeoma. But unfortunately that doesn't help. I HAVE TO try on pants or shorts to find the right fit. I probably would have to try on 5 for every 1 i buy. So my choices are to buy one pair, take them home, try them on and then bring them back within a week to buy another pair. I might have to make 5 trips to buy a pair of pants. Or i could save time by buying 5 pairs at a time, but then I'll end up with a big store credit when I return 4 pair. Instead I have stopped shopping at Goodwill, where I used to buy most of my clothing. I read that the main reason you shut down the dressing rooms was because there were problems with people creating big messes or using drugs in the rooms. That's a shame. But I don't think that's a reason to shut them down. How about hiring a person to monitor them. Thanks read more

First time going in, they have a pretty good selection and are reasonably priced. Would go again if I'm in the area.

Staff there is very efficient and helpful. Drive in from San Pablo Avenue and make a "U" to exit onto San Pablo Avenue.

Been shopping this Goodwill for decades. Found some wonderful treasures here over the years, and had a nice rapport with the workers. Today didn't get off to a great start. I just happened to be driving by and saw lots of people in the parking lot donating. I made a quick u-turn to get there because I've had some old glassware rattling in the back of my car for weeks while I've been trying to find a thrift store willing to take donations. As I took my little bag of stuff out a guy tells me donations were closed, which was odd because the "closed" sign wasn't up at all. Okay, so put the bag back into my car and went inside in the hopes of finding some deals. A "clearance" box offered 4 greeting cards for a dollar? Yes, please! Carefully went through the store and, yes. Some prices are outrageous. But by sorting through everything and consulting the price signs, I grabbed two pairs of undies for $2.99 each, a pair of pajama bottoms from the pajama pants section, also around that price, and a plain tee that was supposed to be $1.99. As I was rung up at the register...nope! Almost none of those (already too high) prices are what I was charged. Instead: undies for $3.79 each, the tee was $6.49, and the pajama pants were counted as pants for $8.49. Um, nope? I left with my nice cards for $1, and I'm sad that I spent so much time digging through junky stinky mess to be told that this store doesn't uphold its pricing. Sometimes Goodwill just has to be a Badwill! read more

This location has really cleaned things up lately and I've been able to find some real gems on the racks--including a classic Levi Jean jacket just the other day. The staff has also always been super friendly anytime I've gone in. Only taking a star away because I wish they had more baby clothes! And books -- it seems like they really pared down their book selection from before, when they had a huge wall of 'em. I can't speak to the ease of donation (I always go to the Lincoln location on Alameda to do that) but for thrift shopping, this is my spot. read more

Donations are now only accepted until 2:00 pm. Keep this in mind - the person in charge of the outside donation atea was very upset that I arrived at 2:40 pm. read more

Your store used to be good but your nasty employees have made it awful. Your prices make it awful. I really did want to support a business like this but not anymore. Not when your clothes are the same price as Ross and Marshall's. Nope. No thank you. Not when your employees try to charge you more than the posted signs. Nope. You guys should really think about your business plan before people give up on you guys. The amount of rude employees you hire is immeasurable !!! If you guys are doing that on purpose - you're spot on! Get some job training for your staff and teach them about kindness and respect and empathy for families who are struggling financially. That's why we come there! And lower the sky high prices. Let me know if you need any more help with running your business. read more

Don't bother trying to donate anything here. They will only take one bag of clothes and will probably scold you for making some kind of innocent mistake, like putting shoes in the clothes bin. read more

I'm a guy struggling with severe obesity. I decided to help get extra activity and help my community by pulling together all my undersized clothes and donating everything still in good condition because I know from experience that finding properly sized clothes on a budget is challenging in the best of times. I packed 3 full garbage bags with clean and rip-free shirts, sweaters and pants into my car and drive to this location. On arrival, I had some trouble finding parking where I could comfortably exit my car and was directed to use a small space where I carefully got out to avoid causing damage to the vehicle next to me. I quietly approached the elderly black gentleman in charge of accepting donations and was surprised when he became hostile, as though I had insulted him somehow. I told him I had another bag of sweaters, jackets and pants and he immediately became angry telling me that I was not allowed to donate it until the next day. I informed him that I was not able to return the next day and that I would have to throw away the items if I couldn't donate today. He told me with intense anger that I'd "just have to throw them away then." I have been reliant on GW several times to get clothes and other items, sometimes on short notice. I was infuriated that the good clothing I'd brought to donate, especially warm clothing just at thre outset of fall, was being rejected sight unseen. As I emptied my first 2 bags into the cart, a shirt fell over the side onto the ground and he demanded that I pick it up. I told him "Apparently, you consider my donations to be trash anyway. If you are going to throw it out, you can do it. Im donating these." I then walked back to my car to get the third bag. He told me he refused to accept it. I told him I was leaving my domain with goodwill, and if he wanted to refuse it he'd have to throw it away himself. I emptied the third bag on the ground next to the bin and walked back to my car. As I did, he shouted out in a crowded parking lot, "You're a f----t! You're a fat f----t!" Immediately several other donators approached him and demanded to know why he was hurling homophobic slurs at me. I got ready to pull out and one of the other donators approached me asking if it was true that I had used a racial slur against the man. It was not true and I said so. The only insult of any kind that had been used by anyone was the slur that had been hurled at me for refusing to withhold my donation of clean and whole clothing, and the refusal sight unseen to accept a donation of warm clean clothes for disbursement to the community. As I pulled out, I saw that another black man and a black woman in GW uniforms had come out to see what was going on. From my car I asked the black woman if she was the manager and she identified herself as one of the managers. I explained what had happened, what had been said, and that I considered it insulting not to ne but to the greater community of North Oakland and South Berkeley that people donating good clothing were instead told to throw it away or return at a time more convenient for the attendant during work hours. I will not be returning to this Goodwill location and hope that the staff becomes more helpful to donors in the future. I will instead be donating to other Goodwill locations, despite those being in wealthier areas without the immediate needs of the North Oakland community. read more

In all my years as an active donor and shopper at the Goodwill store on San Pablo in Oakland, I have never experienced such disgusting service as I did when I attempted to make a clothing donation. After waiting patiently to be served, the worker (man) who was handling donations at the rear outside the store seemed amicable enough to the benefactor who came before me, (none of whom were black. The man turned to me and immediately became rude; telling me that he was not accepting any more donations. Not only did his tone turn what I would describe as nasty but it became increasingly rude and disdainful to the point of chasing me from the parking lot. No one deserves such poor treatment ever. I will not be sharing my goodwill at that store and it has completely tainted my feelings toward the organization if this is the type of customer service it condones. read more

Five stars for their donation drop off. It's now friendly and efficient. Plus they are happy to take whatever you bring. No more two box/bag limit and grumpy attendant. read more

Hi came here today 8/27 and they are not accepting donations. Donation area is roped off. This should be located on the website somewhere so I don't waste my time. read more

they changed the personnel in the donation section and got rid of the mean guy. I just passed by today to donate some items cause of location convenience and the one helping me was friendly and very professional. I was impressed. There was even a long line of people that donated today. well done. read more

I was amazed with the brands I saw here. Brand new Juicy Couture and Diane Von Furstenberg dresses, retails of $200-$500 for $50!!! They were size 8, too big for me, but wow. Other brands I saw were Lucky Brand, Sam Edelman, Michael Kors, Sperry, Toms, and many more. They had replica LV, replica Prada, replica Coach, etc. They had ok jewelry, a decent amount. They had a lot of watches. Lots of Mark Jacobs accessories but they weren't my style. Go try your luck! read more

See all

A friendly greeting from the cashier along with a musky odor greeted me when i entered this expansive goodwill. clothes on display took up 80% of the floor space. the book section was in the rear left corner. no pricing policy was posted. only a buy one, get one free sign good for 3/31/11 was up. from inspecting the books, prices seem to be paperback (1.49) and hardbacks(3.99) didn't have much luck finding noteworthy books. an amigo chatting in spanish on his cell phone, was scanning the books, looking at his cellphone display and depending on what he saw, he placed some books on table. seem to be educational books and a bio on adams, maybe i should bring a scanner next time..... read more

You know, it's a Goodwill -- pricey for a thrift store. But the merchandise turns over pretty quick so you sometimes get a pleasant surprise. read more

STORE REVIEW. Found a pair of new shoes - sign posted has specific prices listed on shoes. Tag on shoes said different. Asked rude cashier, she said "yea, that's the price". THAT is NOT ok. Most of clothes somehow don't have tags, so cashiers make up prices. NOT ok either. Books - paperbacks and hardbacks prices are NOT consistent with the posted sign prices. NOT ok. And, the number one thing that guarantees I won't spend my money in any store again, is the MUSIC THEY PLAY is WAY too loud !!!! read more

Just want to give a 'shout out' and kudos to the person who helped me unload bulky TV set and DVD player today (3/12/218 @ 9:45am) I did not get his name but he was very helpful and courteous. A great representative for Goodwill and a job well done! read more

Showed up 10mins before closing. There were 2 other cars in the parking lot. Staff member refused to let me enter. I pointed to his sign and said "it says you're open for 10 more mins." (I easily could have been out in 10mins) he said he had to get all the people out of his store by 7pm and refused me entry when I could clearly see almost no one in the store. They also closed off 2 of the 3 driveways to the parking lot. read more

I dropped some things off today - there was only one guy working and he was GREAT. Very responsive and respectful. He even stopped to listen as I explained how something worked for the next person. Before I went today I looked online to see the drop-off hours and read a few reviews about mean people at drop-off... I often drop off clothes, trinkets and 'shtuff' at this location and have never had a rude person - even when they rejected a few things they don't accept. read more

My experience is mainly for dropping off, but considering I've been to 6 different Goodwill's from San Mateo to San Jose to Oakland, I feel like its relevant to note that this location had the friendliest and most accepting drop off staff. Were there some shady characters and what appeared to be human feces in the perking lot? Sure. Plenty of both. But at 9am on a weekday there's plenty of parking, no wait, and they staff don't make you jump over hoops to get a receipt... ahem Milpitas Goodwill. read more

I used to bring all my donations to this location because it's very close to me, but I think I'd rather take it further away or just recycle items. Brought a bunch of nice glasses and other clean and unused household items. The employee took all of the glass items and literally threw them into the bins from 10 feet away and shattered everything. Terrible attitude and couldn't be bothered to actually actually place items in their bins. At least 1/2 the items i donated were broken and when I said that I would've just put them in the recycling bin if I knew they were just going to break them, he told me "you're done man, get out of here." Last time I donate anything to this location. read more

I must say, this store surprised me. They have the mens clothing layed out very well. All by colors. If you want something red, go to the red section. Not bad eh? To bad they didn't have anything that I needed for my costume. But, as a well organized store, I think they do very well for their customers. read more

This Goodwill can be hit or miss but I have found some of my favorite pieces of clothing here -- cool quilted jackets, vintage screen tees, super chic wide leg slacks, etc. It's a big place with tons to sift through and is generally well organized and properly priced. The home section also has a good assortment of dish ware, mugs, silverware, and kitchen gadgets that tend to be in good shape and well-priced. If you live in the area, I'd certainly add this place to your list of thrifting stops! read more

Very hostile folks working at donation center. Came with two bags of women's clothes, purses and shoes, and children's books and clothes. No clear process on where to leave items. Man we asked took our bags and opened them and started scolding us for mixing shoes and clothes and literally taking items out and throwing them in all directions. My young son who helped carry one of the bags was visibly upset. I know places like this are getting overrun with donations and I checked their website for guidance and their was nothing about how to sort items or what not to bring or even limits. His anger at us and hostility was upsetting. Also, their hours for accepting donations are inconsistent and change each day with no info on the website. read more

Did not expect to get such a great customer service at Goodwill. Greeted, escorted to the isle I needed, helped with stuff, etc, etc. The young lady Priya bravely saved customers from a crazy guy who ran inside with no face covering and was acting cuckoo scaring everyone. Thank you Priya and the team working today for such a great hospitality and top notch customer service. read more