First off, know that Goodwill is a company not a charity giving items to the poor & the CEO makes $600,000 or more. I learned this late. If you are donating you should consider giving to actual charities instead of "for profit" enterprises unless you have no other choice. If you do give know less than an 8th of the total profits goes to those in need. Donating is easy here just pull up, unload and go. If you need to get rid of items in a hurry or can't deal with finding just the right place for your items this place may work for you. All that said, sometimes you need to buy inexpensive or items on the fly and you check out Goodwill. We had pretty good luck shopping here at the Lakeland location for a few items. There is a main big room and a secondary smaller room and both share walls with an employee only section. The furniture is in the back room with some household stuff while the front room has clothing for all, accessories , linens, appliances, dishes, small appliances, toys, glasses, etc. They sell some new items that are close outs or extras from companies and donations from individuals. The employee only area is the heart of the operation. The donations come in a door in the drop off area on the outside right side. The stuff is loaded into bins and carried in to be sorted, priced, and later put out. You can't buy things that are newly donated till they are processed. It seems strange to not sell newly donated stuff to willing buyers but they have their protocols. The mark up here is pretty high. Some furniture was too highly priced for condition. There was a ton of linens that could have been gotten for similar prices at discount stores on sale. The selection varies as well as some things are in good condition while some are stained, broken and/or ripped. Employees are nice and friendly for the most part. We dealt with several and most were helpful. You can't blame them that they work hard and the company takes all the money. I digress. If you need things at an inexpensive price come check it out but know what the items you need are worth prior to arriving. This way you know you got a deal and avoided getting taken. Additionally, you'll know whether you need to shop at another store instead read more

Prices are too high. Especially for coffee cups. $4? I can get a new one for less. Other household items were quite pricy as well. Salvation Army down the street offers better deals. read more

Can someone please tell me why the prices are so expensive at this place? The items are donated for crying out loud. Most of the items there are Walmart and Target items. I guess this is one of those stores that have a website. Honestly, I wouldn't recommend this place to anyone and I won't be donating my items there anymore. read more

Over priced and very unorganized will not be returning as the employees that were working were very unhappy and not helpful at all.

Today they had some kind of drill. It was not well organized. one employee eat fruit. No one in charge. No painted designated zone. Most employees are clueless. Alouding customers to leave the parking lot. Backing up, driving though other customers. All need to be retraining. If it was real people would be dead. read more

This Goodwill was clean and smelled nice. The masked employees were very nice and positive ladies. One was right out in front, constantly wiping down carts so everyone had a freshly sanitized one. The shop was crazy. The aisles were wide and spaced nicely, but besides the normal donated goods, there were tons of boxed new stuff, so sometimes I felt like I was in a close-out discount store. There appeared to be more clothing than anything else. The donation drive through was on the side of the building, if you enter via Schoolhouse Road, you will have to make a very sharp u-turn to enter into it, so take that into consideration. I'm giving this three stars but I have a feeling that with a few more visits I may raise it to a four. This place does have potential. read more

I spent an hour looking through books to give to kids at end of year. Signs all said $1.98 for children books. I was charged $3.68 due to a policy change. I used to shop here weekly but always had issues with prices checking out. So BEWARE if you shop here. read more

Goodwill Superstore - Signs in store - Thrift Stores Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Great place to find delightful treasures. There's clothes, purses, shoes,hats, homewear.... Fun finding affordable stuff

This is the first "superstore" I think I've ever visited. I expected so much more. First off, the building is massive... Which is a GOOD thing. But the first thing I noticed when I walked in, was a Vera Bradley bag priced at the same price you'd pay in the actual store! I saw other new items that had an original tag of $3.99 and the goodwill tag on them was only maybe 20 cents less than that. Goodwill is no longer a "thrift" store in my opinion. High prices, but to top it all off... You can't maneuver easily in the store. There were several aisles that were not even accessible due to the width of the aisles. They had employees walking around pushing huge bins putting merchandise on shelves, and you can't get by them with a shopping cart. I will say this: they do have 50% off of certain color tags each week, this week was purple I believe. So, everything with a purple tag was 50% off. That's a life saver if you even THINK about shopping here. All in all, I will probably stick to Salvation Army right down the road. read more

Goodwill Superstore - Thrift Stores Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

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I mean, I actually like "The Goodwill," but sometimes these prices are out of control. In Florida, we have access to outlets and some of the same brands that are found in the Goodwill (in the boutique section) can easily be found at the outlets FOR THE SAME PRICE. It's true from what the other reviews state...they sell new stuff that doesn't make any sense. Household items that can be purchased at the dollar store. Not sure if a truck broke down on the way to CVS and they cleaned up those items, but that's what it seems like. I really appreciate them being open on Sundays, in case I need something to do. But don't come here if you're on a mission to find a new-ish outfit for under $20. Kohl's is not too far away. read more

Goodwill Superstore - $5 bucks more I could buy a brand new shirt at the outlet. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Lakeland, Florida

Ok I have to be honest here as I shop at both Goodwill and Salvation Army. And I donate to both of them as well. Shopping at these stores is fun for me as you never know what you will find. I honestly do not like that it feels like a BigLots mixed with overpriced used items. Pros: The household goods are decently priced and they have a few shelves usually fully stocked. If you are looking for Tupperware or a new kitchen pots and pans this is where you want to go. Cons: Seriously overpriced for clothing, linens, shoes, and furniture. We were looking for a living room set and went there first. For a couch and loveseat, they wanted over $500 for it. I went to Salvation Army and I found a couch, loveseat, entry table, living room table, AND a dining room set ALL for UNDER $300. Than the lines are long and the cashiers many times are super slow and would rather talk than do their job. read more

One of the things that actually drives me crazy? All the new "junk". Where are the donated item's? Also, who sets the prices? And why are all clothes just scattered? More clothing would be sold if the items were were put in sizes (shoes too!) Most people can't afford name brand clothing, and your making pricing so high, that kids can't afford brand names! Greed, plain & simple I would get all the big wigs together for a meeting and figure it out. Just plain sad. " read more

I previously shopped in the store and was not incredibly impressed with the fact that it felt like a cheap Ross or Big Lots of sorts. I actually gave it originally 3 stars due to this and how it lacked any real unique items at all. But then I went to the donation center... Oh boy. Now keep in mind, it's COVID time, so I understand human contact is at a minimum. But when we pull up, there are just bins outside with no employee to be seen. So I load my decorative sign into a bin and and start to unload a rug that we hauled from California but don't need due to the colors clashing with our new house. So I lay it down on the ground because there is no other place to put a big rug and someone comes running out stating "we can't take rugs." I was confused and asked what he had said and he reiterated "we don't take rugs" and then ran back inside. I've managed thrift stores for 7 years previous and understand the struggle of the donation center. BUT you never put someone at a donation bay who cant provide basic customer service or who isn't being shadowed. Terrible inside store, terrible customer service on the donation center, just a let down. You may have a new shiny building but you are failing to provide your associate an ounce of good experience for the future and youre just in it for the money. Save yourself the time and go to Salvation Army 2 miles away. read more

I love this store. I frequently shop and also donate here. The staff is ALWAYS the best. Recently, I donated a bunch of stuff and had a box accidentally mixed in that didn't belong. I called the store in a PANIC and even though it was right at closing time the lady I spoke to, Alesa was not only nice, but found the box and set it aside for me. This box contained a laptop with irreplaceable pictures on it of my child, and it was right on top of the box. It would have gone right out the next morning. SHE REALLY SAVED ME. I CANNOT express how much this means! Every staff member I encountered was so kind. They could have EASILY just said "sorry". That's above and beyond! read more

Your items are DONATED! Stop pricing things ABOVE retail prices and don't use eBay for reference. You are a THRIFT STORE, not Neiman Marcus. Used shoes with dirty soles for $10-25?? New sneakers from Walmart with a price of $5.44 and you marked them at $12.98? Another Walmart pair of used shoes marked $24.98...They're less than $10 brand new on Wal-Mart's website. Old jeans marked $12.98 WITH a security tag? So much for the thrill of thrifting because you will never find a "gem" at this location...Unless you want to pay above retail. Please do not donate to the Lakeland, Florida Goodwill! Choose Salvation Army or Lighthouse Ministries. Goodwill's prices on many items (especially really used shoes, toys and new with tags clothes!!) are absolutely ridiculous! If you do donate, be sure to remove the price tag because they'll mark it just a few $ less than what the price is. read more

The Lakeland Goodwill is outrageously overpriced on all shoes, Holiday decor, toys, housewares, and purses. Kid's clothes should not cost $4 for a t-shirt! Their Christmas selection is mostly junk, but priced super HIGH! Kids shoes for $10. Women's shoes that are well worn for $20. Some of the housewares prices make me laugh! You receive these items for FREE! Stop trying to compete with high end stores! If someone donates an item with an $8 price tag, Goodwill will price it at $6. Why?? They need a major overhaul and price check! read more

I've got to say I hope someone with Goodwill is reading these reviews and acting on them. I agree with everyone that the prices are out of control. From clothing, furniture and electronics I will not pay the prices listed and anyone that does is contributing to this abuse. In some cases, electronics are almost full blown pricing and with no guarantee that these items work is not worth the price. They take all the reward and none of the risk. Please contact the regional corporate office and have your voice heard. read more

This store is super unorganized and chaotic. I can never find anything because clothes are in all different areas. Surprisingly there is always a lot of people in there. The line for checkout is also really slow and the line goes all the way to the back of the store. read more

First, a little background: My husband and I traveled from Hawaii to help "close up" his mother's business after her death. This included cleaning out her room at my brother-in-law's house. My husband and his brother were physically and emotionally exhausted after they loaded up the van with donations for Goodwill. I volunteered to drive it over, so they could rest. I looked up the address online and punched it into my phone. Well, the address was wrong! (I double checked online because, after I got lost, I thought I had punched it in wrong.) I left at 3:30 and at 5:00, I was still lost thanks to the wrong address and bad directions from f2f strangers AND the unclear directions over the phone. The guy at Goodwill who answered was more interested in telling me that they closed at 5:30 than giving me good directions! Thanks to a kindly elderly couple, who stopped to give me excellent directions, I got there at 5:25. No one was there at the back. I rang the bell and knocked. Nothing! I hurried to the front and the guy at the door, probably the same guy who had been on the phone, was interested only in not letting me into the store because "we close at 5:30." I explained I had a van loaded with donations. He didn't care and he wasn't helpful. I hurried to the back again and saw a woman through the glass. I knocked on the glass door. She was hesitant, but she opened the door. I explained I had a van load of donations. She explained she could get into trouble for taking donations after 5:30; I explained I was there at 5:25, but no one was there. She asked me to wait while she looked for someone to help us--there were some REALLY heavy boxes. She could find no one! I must've looked pretty desperate because she decided to help me unload herself. We got a canvas cart, filled that up, and then she started taking boxes in--clearly she had to sort them later--but she didn't complain. She gave me a donation form and I thanked her profusely. This 5-star review is for her!!! Her name is Angela. I understand why the other reviewer R.M. won't go here anymore. The other staff members are worthless. They had clearly abandoned their posts BEFORE closing time and they were more worried about closing time than accepting donations. (Btw, my mother-in-law's stuff is a treasure trove for readers of Edgar Cayce and other spiritual subjects as well as quilters. She was an award-winning quilter!) My husband and I don't donate to the Salvation Army because of its anti-Gay policies. However, except for the help from Angela, I would've considered it because we had to get back on a plane in less than 36 hours after this mostly unpleasant experience. Thank God for workers like Angela! read more

I'm not sure who is pricing this Donated items but you would think that these items are gold according to their prices!! I always waste time here..I like items but in the end I put everything back because of the price.. Don't waste your time! read more

I love the store. My wife and I come here every week and have for years. I can always find what I'm looking for and sometimes find things I'm not looking for. I highly recommend this Goodwill store. read more

This isn't your traditional goodwill, instead it's some sort of strange hybrid clearance store full of random "new" low quality items priced at or near retail. I guess they weren't getting enough donations to fill the shelves so they turned into BIGLOTS... read more

Sure ya'll maybe clean but these prices are no better than UNUSED items at stores like Ross, bealls, Walmart , and TJ Maxx. You're just goodwill, will not be returning since it's just another store with predictable prices. read more

Staff are friendly. prices are way to high. it's like shopping in an antique mall. most prices are close to Ebay prices. I even find dollar store items and they are trying to get $3. wouldn't recommend this location. I will say the store is kept fairly clean. read more

Find it fascinating that almost all other stores had to close that were "non essential "...ah...but goodwill blazes on..the malls closed..this explains how management feels about their expendable low paid workers.their greed has never failed to amaze me as theyve priced donated merchandise at department stores prices...no return no exchange...theyll tell you "we help people!".....as they exploit their customers unsavvy enough to realize it read more

The employees of this store berated us and yelled at us to get out of the fitting rooms after we were already undressed. We were literally changing back into our clothes and they wouldn't leave us alone. They threatened us with security for NO reason. We were trying to leave and they made us take longer to do so. Also, the bathrooms had no soap and one stall was missing toilet paper in the MIDDLE OF A PANDEMIC. I have never felt more unsafe than this moment. This store is a disgrace to the name Goodwill and their employees should be fired and replaced with ones that value treating people with kindness. read more

I have shopped at Goodwill stores across the country and NEVER have I encountered one that prices their items as outrageously as this location does. I understand that money has to be made but I picked up an item today with the original tag still attached....and it was cheaper FROM THE ORIGINAL STORE than it was marked with the Goodwill price sticker. Plates were marked $3 a piece...which I can purchase cheaper at most stores such as Wal-Mart and Target. Truly ridiculous. I wandered around for about 20 minutes and the entire time I was looking at price stickers I was muttering, 'Seriously??'. Do not go here if you are looking for a bargain, because you are not going to find it at this store. read more

I am so disappointed in Goodwill! I just was in your store on South Florida ave. in Lakeland,Fl. I will never be returning. I know that the new items should be priced accordingly. But everything else is donated to help people. Also I was there to purchase a outfit for work and the outfit cost me for my shoes and a dress$ 30!!! Goodwill industries is becoming just like the rest of the stores, bring us your donations to help people! Is a lie!! Taking people's kind heartedness and jacking up prices on the items they receive for free!!! read more

I've never shopped here, but have donated at the drive through several times since this location opened. The staff was summarily rude the last two times and we no longer donate here; we go to Salvation Army instead. read more

I took numerous items to the superstore to donate this morning. The cargo area of my SUV was fully loaded. The employee taking in donations did not lift a hand or even offer to help unload my car. He just kept indicating to me (didn't speak English) to pile my donations on top an already too full rolling bin. I'm a senior lady and he was much younger and stronger. My next donations will go to Salvation Army Instead. read more

OUCH! Prices are so high!! Even for a simple used tee shirt. I was shocked at the High prices....Everything...Toys Kids Adults...Wow! read more

It's such a disappointment how high the prices are at Goodwill where people go to shop because they usually don't have alot of money to spend. The shoes I looked at and thought of getting were $12, the dresses I tried on were $10 each and the candle holder I would've gotten was $25 with a missing piece but I refuse to support them in anyway. A total waste of time and energy. I would rather goto Ross and buy new stuff for the same or less price. At least at Ross they don't claim to be non profit meanwhile making more than many major corporations. I wish I didn't just drop off a large bag of nice clothes as donation. read more

What happened? Prices here have gone through the roof! Many things I looked at could be bought new at any discount store for much less. I spent over $60 and feel I could have got more at Walmart. read more

Donated a van full of items after cleaning out the house. The woma wasn't overly friendly, but she wasn't rude either. I then went in to do some shopping for Christmas items. Found a great snowman candlestick holder. As I went to check out, the woman at the cash register called out to me that it was part of a set and directed me to where she had last seen them in their boxes (mine was not in a box). When I couldn't find them, she came to help me. Nope, they were all gone and mine had been sold separate from the set. Well, she called people to ask if there were any more (which there weren't) and then called a supervisor so that she could discount it any more (it was marked $4.99 for the set and I got it for $2.16). I was quite happy with my purchases and service! read more