Aug 22, 2019

Construction underway for new Goodwill outlet and retail store

PRESS RELEASE

MUSKEGON, MI — Goodwill Industries of West Michigan will be opening its first outlet store inside the former Kmart building at 1501 East Apple Avenue in Muskegon Township. Additionally, the location will include a traditional Goodwill store, and allow room for expanded e-commerce operations and increased recycling. The center will also provide additional job training opportunities for people enrolled in Goodwill programming. A late September or early October opening is expected.

“The outlet store serves as a last-chance liquidation center for items that were offered at our regular store locations but did not sell,” Retail Operations Director James Cherney said. “Unsorted items will be sold by the pound at a deep discount. It’s a very different shopping experience from our regular stores. Our serious treasure-hunter types are going to love it.”

Last fall, Goodwill entered into a build-to-suit lease agreement with building owner Cherry Street Capital, for a 64,000-square-foot portion of the former Kmart building. The adjacent leased portion of the building is occupied by Planet Fitness which opened in January 2018.

Goodwill is investing more than $1.5 million in the remodel which includes a convenient donation drive-thru at the front of the building, fresh paint, bright lighting, polished concrete floors, and new restrooms.

The new facility will provide approximately 30 new staff hires.

“We are excited to offer an opportunity for people to shop Goodwill in a whole different way,” said President and CEO Jeanette Hoyer. “This multi-faceted center combining retail, recycling, and job training encapsulates our triple-bottom-line philosophy beautifully.”

Revenue generated from the sale of donated goods and recycled components helps fund Goodwill’s employment and training programs, and community support services.