In a first-ever effort, Tacoma Goodwill celebrated the season with the formal opening Thursday of a holiday-oriented store — the Christmas Shoppe.
“Goodwill’s Christmas Shoppe is a one-stop shop for holiday decor, trimmings and gifts, all at a great value,” said Tacoma Goodwill President & CEO Terry A. Hayes, noting it’s the first time the a Goodwill agency nationwide has opened an outlet specifically for Christmas holiday items received from donations. “It saves time and stretches gift-giving dollars while supporting our mission to provide job training and placement services for people who want to work.”
The store is located next to the Spanaway Goodwill Store, 14918 Pacific Ave. S. With 10,000 square feet of holiday treasures, the Christmas Shoppe has trees, holiday dolls, ornaments, toys, books and other holiday decor and trimmings. The store is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and Sundays 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. through Jan. 2. Experienced Goodwill Manager Nina Craft will lead store staff.
Shoppers this week have been excited about the new store and some of the treasures it contains.
“It’s nice to go for everything in one spot,” said Maria Prado of Spanaway. “It’s convenient for it to be next to a regular Goodwill store, too.”
Katy Selden of Auburn had filled her shopping basket with lawn ornaments and other decorations. “I love vintage stuff,” she said.
Christmas music plays throughout the store. Goodwill is planning a second holiday store next to its North Tacoma Goodwill Store on Sixth Avenue. The store would open the day after Thanksgiving.
“We’re very excited about ensuring our customers a great shopping experience this holiday season,” Hayes said, adding the agency has renovated other stores, including its 72nd Street Goodwill Store in Tacoma. “The Christmas Shoppe, with all our stores, makes that happen.”
Hayes added that people stopping to shop can also donate gently used clothes and household items at the Spanaway store. Donations are tax-deductible, which can be especially helpful as we approach the end of the calendar year, Hayes said. For more information on donations, shopping or Goodwill services, go online to http://www.tacomagoodwill.org .
