After undergoing renovations for a few months, the Federal Way Goodwill, located at 32521 Pacific Highway S., reopened Jan. 21.
The store was one of many being relaunched by the nonprofit Goodwill Industries.
The layout of the store was changed entirely. Visual and customer service upgrades were also made and include new signage and faster checkouts.
One-of-a-kind items are more prominently featured, and art pieces are now displayed in a manner more akin to an art store.
“We want to help shoppers shop more,” said Goodwill CEO Terry Hayes. “It’s really an opportunity to make it easy, give them better service and ensure we help more people and get them to work.”
With the new checkout system in place, customers will be less likely to get stuck in a slow line and will be able to get information about the services Goodwill provides through brochures. Free income tax service, job training programs and other services are provided through Goodwill.
Goodwill already relaunched a store in the Union Gap, Wash., area and has received a positive response. They are hoping for the same response in Federal Way.
“Federal Way is one of our best stores,” Hayes said. “We moved to our current location in 2003 because the community was such a great supporter of Goodwill. We really haven’t done any remodeling in that time.
“I think the customers are just going to love this new approach. It will help younger people find the things they’re looking for. It’s just going to be a joy.”
Goodwill is hoping to increase revenue to help more people receive job training and go to work.
Available training programs are varied, and Goodwill has trained custodians and baristas and helped trainees specialize in logistics, computer skills and more. Goodwill then helps program participants get jobs at over 13,000 companies.
Help is offered to individuals as young as 16 and up to seniors. Much of their work is done with at-risk youth, veterans and single parents.
“I encourage everyone to come to the new store,” Hayes said. “I think they’ll really enjoy the new experience.”
