Goodwill Expands in Maryland with Largest Thrift Store Amid Rising Demand for Secondhand Goods

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is set to open a 22,000-square-foot mega store in Laurel, Maryland, this August, marking its largest retail location to date. This expansion comes as the nonprofit observes a significant surge in demand for secondhand goods, with sales at its busiest stores increasing by about 35%. The new store, located near the intersection of Route 32 and U.S. 1, will not only serve as a shopping destination but also as a donation center, job training hub, and employment pipeline for individuals reentering the workforce.

The opening reflects a broader trend where thrift shopping has become mainstream, with 1 in 3 clothing purchases now being secondhand nationally. Millennials and Gen Z are at the forefront of this shift, driven by both budget constraints and a desire for sustainable consumption. Goodwill's response includes adding over 20 new hires at the Laurel location, many of whom are individuals with prior justice involvement or gaps in their work history, underscoring the organization's commitment to social reintegration and community support.

Inside the store, customers will find a wide range of items priced below traditional retail, with higher-end collectibles and jewelry available on ShopGoodwill.com. The store also embodies a sustainable model, with unsold items being repurposed or transferred to outlet stores to minimize waste. Beyond offering affordable goods, the Laurel Goodwill store represents a resilient, inclusive economic model that provides value to customers and opportunities to workers, reinforcing the organization's role in community reinvestment and support.