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With the lease on the Westgate Goodwill store set to expire this December, the non-profit is actively looking at alternatives that would allow it to have a continued presence in Edmonds.
“At this moment, our goal is not to close the store but to move it once our lease ends,” said Goodwill spokesperson Tammy McKenzie in an email to My Edmonds News.
Doors are set to close at year’s end at the Westgate store — which opened in December 2011 — and Goodwill is already looking into where it might relocate to continue serving the Edmonds community. But at this point nothing is firm, with everything from the size of the store to services to whether and what kind of donations can be accepted yet to be determined.
“What that next phase looks like for us and where we end up will drive many of our operational decisions,” added McKenzie. “At this point, it’s too early to say, but our hope it to collect all the great treasures our Edmonds neighbors have to offer so we can transform them into free job training and education.”
Donations and cash contributions help fund a host of Goodwill activities, including its job training centers in King, Kitsap, Skagit, Snohomish and Whatcom counties; these centers also offer classes and support services to students. In addition, the non-profit offers classes and workshops in correctional facilities and for other community-based organizations.
“Last year over 4,300 people came to Goodwill for help, and we placed 541 people into jobs,” McKenzie said. “We can do that work because of the support of our great neighbors in Edmonds and throughout northwest Washington.
“We have a great group of shoppers, donors and employees who make our Edmonds store special,” she added. “We want to continue being part of that neighborhood. Having a store in Edmonds is really important to us at Goodwill.”
Learn more about Goodwill here.
— By Larry Vogel
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People from the reviews seemed to like Goodwill right where it is?? SO why move it or not renew the lease for them? This makes no sense to me. Could someone explain this please to me. Thank you.
What about the empty building where Value Village used to be? Perhaps it’s even sold or rented out by another, but it is a nice large building, and it’s still in Edmonds. Maybe it doesn’t accommodate the organizations needs but, it is a food for thought.
Maybe they can move into the former value Village building by Swedish Edmonds Hospital.
I’m sorry to hear this news. Why not see about moving into the old Edmonds Value Village location on Hwy 99? Or is that not a viable option?
Rumor has it that the old Value Village building may be a VA Medical Clinic
Hmmm, Goodwill moving out looking fo a new home & BofA not so sure what they will do. Maybe GW can move DT?
How about the Bank of America Building? (I hear all the thunderous applause aleady).
Oh course that is a ridiculous idea. No. Like it or not prime real-estate is usually used for high dollar establishments. I’m sorry but you must be being cynical…I like the underground parking garage idea. All that space below and then a huge open lot above to develop. That is sweet.
Sorry that wasn’t necessary the cynical part…It just shocked me. Xo
All and any idea for OUR town is good. We are thinking..we are asking questions that used to go unasked here in Edmonds. That is progress…
That isn’t how prime real-estate works anywhere…sorry that is just simple economics. Honestly, I know what you are thinking and I understand. BUT if that sort of thing did happen anywhere in this country it would be Edmonds. And 5 more states maybe. So I’m not going to fault them for the correct decision. I want smart economics. It’s crucial for all of us here in Edmonds.
I assume that Goodwill is not being allowed to continue their lease, from the way the article is worded. Just curious to know what is going to happen with that space after December–anyone know?
Current set up seems like a great location for the retail store, but a bit of a bottle neck for the donation site. Is it about the space costing too much or the R.E. owners just not wanting them there anymore or, possibly, both? I would think Edmonds is a primo location for the donation side of things and Goodwill would want to keep that donation presence in town somewhere. Just random thoughts.