I regret to report that this Goodwill has now gone the way of all East Bay Goodwills. Clothing racks are packed so full they can't be perused and workers roam the aisles, elbowing past you to cram even more shirts onto already over-capacity racks. Customers have to remove clothing from the racks to be able to browse so everything is chaotic and disorganized. You'll go home with your hands reeking of fabuloso. RIP to the last decent goodwill. read more

Dropping off small quantities of clothes, small furniture, appliances at the University Ave location in Berkeley is easy especially if you can access the street front drop off spot on University. read more

This Goodwill is the most organized Goodwill I've ever been to. Each section is organized by color and is very tidy. I've been here twice in the last week! The first time, I purchased a salad spinner, a muffin tin, and ice cube mold, and a cutting board. The second time I was there, I purchased a brand new paella pan! The prices are extremely reasonable, cheaper than any other Goodwills I've ever been to. Their kitchen section is well-stocked, and they have a great selection of clothes and home decor. The Goodwill is accessible by BART and is walking distance from UC Berkeley's campus. If you have a spare bit of time, check this place out! read more

This goodwill can go f*** themselves the prices here is an OUTRAGE. $10 for a bag of ribbon. Every shirt is at least $8. Pajama shorts are $7. They are selling literal trash. Empty jars , empty yogurt containers for $3 each Absolutely insane. not to mention they are so over flowing with donation the racks are so full you cannot even look . read more

Love the boutique store in Midtown Sacramento. So nicely organized and feels like a real boutique! Can always find something good. Look forward to visiting. Really cleaned up on Memorial Day with the half-price sale! read more

This goodwill used to be a pleasant place to shop when the African American lady was working at the register. Now when I come in, the African American males working are not welcoming to me, and will greet everyone else except me. I have come to this location numerous times and have encountered this treatment. Additionally, the selection has gone downhill. I'm not sure if some staff members are hoarding items for themselves or what have you. Anyway, I would like to come back to this location, but not if I am in welcomed to do so. read more

Very friendly staff, Manager is super nice and helpful. They are remodeling so expect a limited stock. However, still tons of new stuff.

Accessories galore! Come here for homewares after dorm move outs in May for lot of great stuff. I've found art, bubble candles, and more! Don't underestimate the men's section: great pants. read more

See all

Love to donate and love the things they have! They are very organized! Love the roller boxes they have in parking lot!

Nope. Nope. Nope. See my review of the Albany store. This one's employees slightly friendlier. I used to love this location but I won't be back here. Not worth hunting for the already difficult parking. Not much merchandise but there is a lot of turf and vinyl decorating the walls. (No vinyl for sale tho). And no kids stuff. Crazy since kids go through clothes fast and as a grandparent I'd rather spend a few bucks on something they're only gonna wear a short while or ruin after wearing once or twice. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Fancy displays but no product to peruse on the walls. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

The prices at this Goodwill have become ridiculous. Items are often priced higher than they were originally. Adding insult to injury, the fitting rooms seem to be permanently closed. I've walked out of this Goodwill empty handed several times now and won't be coming back. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Vintage seeds do not appreciate. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

This store, unfortunately, can no longer be viewed as a neighborhood community partner - be sure to check your receipt for unauthorized donation to run up to the next whole dollar! I have came to this location regularly for more than 20 years! And had met many friendly and hardworking staff over the years until last Wed(7/19). A new face- a young man whom I have not seen before automatically added $.96 to my purchase. Upon hearing my inquiry, he dismissively questioned me why I bothered by just $.96!!! When I noted that he should have asked beforehand, he looked at me as if I was asking him to do me an unreasonable favor! The whole experience was both upsetting and unnecessary! He could have asked and took responsibility of his negligence. I subsequently returned to the store right before the closing time to demand the return of my $.96. The store manager who quietly gave me 4 Quarters. That young store clerk still had the nerve to say " we don't worry about $.96" after I mentioned that I did not have 4 pennies with me. I was appalled by the unprofessional and frankly unethical conduct in a Goodwill store by someone who is actually being trained to handle money! Bottom line- always ask for a receipt to check; don't be bullied! Best yet, spending your money elsewhere that do not take paying customers for granted! read more

Always love to thrift here. While prices are a bit high and they are not doing colored tag sales anymore, you can still find those hidden gems! I come here often and will continue to do so! Also, the staff is always very friendly! read more

I bought an amazing sweater tonight and got amazing service from a beautiful young lady working the cash. She was also so kind and patient with some other customers who were clearly in distress and in need. After leaving, I realized I had lost my purse. I called the store, she answered and offered to stay open a bit late to help me find it. Great store... WONDERFUL EMPLOYEES. Leala Hewak www.lealahewak.com read more

The staff is always amazing and willing to help me look for something I need, spending an hour or two a week in here to search for the treasure is definitely worth it. I'm so thankful to the Bay Area community for making this store an accessible and lovely store. read more

See all

I've never thrifted clothing before shopping at this goodwill and I'm grateful the process is so beginner friendly. I do wish that the store had a dressing room to try on clothes so I didn't have to picture how everything fit by holding the article in front of myself and the limited number of mirrors in store. Otherwise, this Goodwill seems to be the same as any other I've been in. I typically visit thrift stores to thrift home goods and furniture, but this one has no furniture and a limited home goods selection in the back. There's a bookshelf in one of the back corners that has a decent selection and each book ranges from $1-$5. I'm super happy with the condition and selection of books I walked away with. The home goods selection isn't very impressive most of the time besides the grand re-opening week when I snagged a power drill. Overall, I wouldn't go out of my way to come here but if I'm in the neighborhood I may stop by. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - 3 books at $1 each - Thrift Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

One of the best Goodwill's I have ever been to. I was pleasantly surprised that they had such a big selection of vintage collectibles that I was looking for. I was super excited to see that they sell jewelry jars too! Where I live they stopped selling them and I was ecstatic that this Goodwill carries them. Also, Goodwill's where I live sell mostly newer stuff and I am unable to find many vintage items. Some people have mentioned the prices being high. It's a shop in Berkeley and I noticed a lot of high end items that were extremely reasonable. I didn't find them to be terribly high at all. I have paid much more at other Goodwill's for vintage items. Parking can be a challenge, but not impossible to find street parking. We were able to find a spot a few blocks from the shop. Our cashier was friendly and made sure my items were wrapped carefully. Overall I had a positive experience at this Goodwill. I would definitely return next time I am in the Bay Area. read more

No matter what I rate this Goodwill, you're still going to go into it. Because it's a Goodwill. *I'M* still going to go into it. Because it's a Goodwill. Goodwills are like truck stop restrooms. Whether they're really nice or they're really shitty, you're going to use one if it's convenient to you and you need it--if you really need it, you won't mind wiping the piss of the toilet seats etc; if it's sparkling-clean and comfortable, that's great and all but it's none of your business. And such is this Goodwill. Have I been to *far*, far better Goodwills in my life? With friendlier staff, wider selection, cleaner changing rooms, and better labeling? --Yes. But those Goodwills are not *this* Goodwill. Anyway, all this aside, it would've gotten a 3 for these reasons, but the staff here can be *particularly* off-putting, which is why I subtracted another. It makes sense, and they almost *need* to be as 'brazened'/hardened/dicky as they are, due to the shop's downtown urban location and its frequent visitation by crazy people, homeless, and would-be shoplifters. They *should* change how they act towards customers--every interaction is filled with sass and/or toxin--but they won't. You can be sure of that. It's a Goodwill, and despite all this, you'll go anyway; and you'll CONTINUE going, and so will I. (Except for days like today when the staff attitude was *so* particularly offputting that I had to put my clothes back on the rack and walk out. But it's *usually* bearable.) read more

I'm not typically a Goodwill shopper unless I'm looking for camping kitchen gear or books for my classroom. I am, however, a firm supporter of the process and love to donate my household items and clothes to the company, so I often frequent Goodwill stores to help the cause. This is not the closest location to my house. It is also not the most convenient to drop off items because you typically have to double park on a busy street and schlep your items inside. However, unlike other locations, they have never turned me away because they have "too much stuff," or only taken one out of my five bags because of some weird protocol. I just haul it in, drop it off, and we're all the better for it. I hope. Who knows. Also? Tax deductible if you're into doing that kind of thing, however, I rarely have time to wait for the receipt, nor do I really file my deductions on my taxes, so there would be no point. This store does seem smaller to me, but since I haven't really shopped it, I can't say. At least they're always ready willing and able for me! read more

Super easy to donate! Bins are directly inside. No talking to anyone or having anyone go through your things to say yay or nay.

Beware. They don't accept debit or credit cards. Only cash. Haha. I had to laugh it away since I was planning to buy a nice shirt and some books. read more

I was in dire need of some items for my client, and Damian and Bobby were so helpful!! Damian knew exactly where to point me and did it with a smile. Despite the store being quite busy, it was organized and clean. Bobby was greeting every customer that walked through the door. Bobby and Damian truly turned my day around. read more

They gladly accepted my toy donations. Out of the Closet doesn't accept toys. Nice people.

$7 for t-shirts. It's no longer a thrift store. It's a reseller store. And then y'all gunna ask if I want to round up to donate. You fool, the $6.99 for the t-shirt is the donation. I know how the regional managers make buku money. Also BE CONSISTENT. One day tees are 4.99 some days there 6.99. BE CONSISTENT. Let me make it easy for u ALL T SHIRTS (long sleeve, short sleeve, graphic, blank) $4. That will make it easy for the employees and u greedy corporate businessmen will still make plenty of money. It's really not that complicated. read more

Not really much to say other than it's just like any other Goodwill you have been to. The donation center is only open from 11am to 2pm and may close earlier or open alter than expected. And because of COVID times, they are only taking one bag or one box of donations. read more

Like all thrift stores, it is "hit or miss." Sometimes I'll look and leave empty-handed, other times I'll strike it rich. I once found a brand new lined Cal jacket with a hood for $4.95--I looked it up on line and it was $79.95! I've also found lighty worn Pendelton wool shirts for the hubby for $6; they retail over $100 new. It is worth a visit if you live or work nearby; probably not a destination place. But I have found some real bargains in clothes, books, and knick-knacks. The staff is always nice and welcoming! read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - shopinberkeley.com - Thrift Stores Near Me - Berkeley, California

This particular Goodwill has a lot of hidden gems. If you have some time to kill or a free afternoon, it doesn't hurt to take a peek. Similar to what others have mentioned, very organized, nice staff and doesn't smell too musty. I found some great dishware at awesome prices (Corelle, the brand that claims it's chip resistant and lightweight.) I've bought a Kenneth Cole genuine leather laptop purse. The overall purse selection is pretty good. The "good" stuff is hidden by the registers in the glass cases. I've seen authentic Coach items, but they're a bit more worn than I'd like. read more

I'm a sucker for Goodwill. I Google Goodwill stores for every city I visit. Luckily, a Google search wasn't required for this location. I was walking up Shattuck with my boyfriend and our hubby/wife duo friends and Goodwill caught my eye. N and I were excited to go, and our male companions inwardly groaned and trudged behind us as we hoofed it to the store. N came away with two awfully cute skirts and two sweaters. I simply purchased some craft scissors and a Franklin Anybook reading pen for my 2nd grade classroom. The store is jam packed with goods, but browsing didn't seem to be a problem at all. Goodwill has made shopping easy. You can pretty much expect decent organization at Goodwill stores across the Bay Area. The home goods/decor section at this store was a teeny tiny bit out of control, but they had two people working to whip it into shape. Pros: Prices seem reasonable ($6.99 for skirts/shirts, $6.99-9.99 for dresses, $9.99+ for coats/jackets) Cons: Childrens' Books are $1.99. Say what?! My poor second grade library didn't get any books on this trip. Customer service: I had to get behind their treasure filled glass case TWICE and each time the "lady with the key" greeted me with a smile even though I stopped her from organizing the home decor section. The cashier seemed like she could have an attitude, but she was cordial and helpful. She offered an extra bag to the lady in front of me and offered to wrap my scissors (I declined). Overall: Thrifters and treasure seekers stop by for some thrill seeking fun. :) read more

I guess the store can be hit or miss. I went on a Saturday night for a cat food bowl (which I found). I also found some other cool trinkets from the '90's :) I found a nice Jessica McClintock dress for $11. Maybe you'll find a gem or two if you check it out. read more

See all

"We don't accept donations for the next 30minutes." Something about a truck dropping off / picking up their stuff. Goodwill didn't accept my donation because they were too "busy".. Yeah, sure I'll just walk around for the next 30 minutes with this massive box in my hands because I'm not allowed to just leave it in one of the empty crates. Don't waste your time coming here to drop your stuff off. read more

One Prince tennis racket (with cover) - $4.99. Three different quirky martini glasses for my new how-cute-they-don't-match-thrift-store-find martini glass collection - $7.97 As always it's hit or miss...but customer service stepped up this time when we spotted one very nice roller blade and couldn't find it's partner. Unfortunately, they couldn't either, but they really did look for it, so they get mad props for that. read more

They claimed they don't accept stuff after 2pm and told me to come back tomorrow but a staff managed to take one of my better pair of shoes without any receipt. Their rudeness makes you wonder why you are there. I would rather give my stuff to the homeless people nearby. read more

Wow, I didn't know why the reviews were so low and why there were so many people complaining about the staff, but now I know why. I just came in to donate some stuff- just 2 bags. The second I walked in, the guy started yelling at me and told me to take my stuff and leave, that they've already received too much donations today. Then I was told meanly "you need to call in advance to ask if we have enough space." Really? For 2 bags of stuff? Since when do we get YELLED at for coming in to donate FREE stuff? Isn't that the lifeline of your business? It's not like they were out of floor space. There was plenty to space for me to place my 2 bags. Geez, I was 1- nice enough to donate my stuff 2- had to take the bus and carry it to the store 3- do not yell at me when all I tried to do was do something good. Teaches me to never try to do something good again. Seriously, having a lousy attitude and a mean staff does not make anyone want to come back, either to donate or to shop. I mean, isn't Goodwill supposed to run on, you know, GOOD WILL? And DONATIONS? read more

There really was not much here. It was pretty empty and felt dirty compared to other goodwills I have been to. They had primarily clothes so don't expect anything other than that. read more

Hours posted on the front window say this location closes at 7:00pm on Sunday, same as what's listed on the eastbaygoodwill.org site. I came in at about 6:30pm on Sunday and an employee near the front told me they close donation acceptance at 6:00pm. WHERE DOES IT SAY THAT?? NOWHERE. I hauled my stuff there for nothing. Otherwise, the selection is generally pretty meh, mostly college student budget sorta stuff. The fitting rooms usually smell like someone used them as a toilet and there was an attempt to clean it up which didn't quite get everything. read more

Three things to say on this place: 1. Best dress selection of any thrift store I've ever found, and that, my friends, is saying something. I got three bangin dresses for $30: one BCBG wrap dress, one French Connection halter top cocktail number, and one Max Studios stretchy amazingness that'll be my go-to biking dress for the summer. Their other inventory is similarly on point. 2. The staff is awesome. They've been totally friendly and amazing to me every time I've been there. 3. You know all of the folks on this page complaining about the staff "yelling" at them about not being able to drop off items? I saw several of these interactions. It was clear Goodwill was maxed out on donations, which makes sense: it was spring cleaning time, and move-out time for the college. I saw zero sales folks yell at people. They were courteous and firm. What I did see was lots of patrons hassling the staff, throwing tantrums, and generally being super rude about having to go three more blocks to donate their items. read more

This location and maybe more are forcing employees to give 2 weeks notice against California state employment law. They are trying to trick employees into some sort of agreement of "implied contract", but the employees and prospective employees are not informed of the terms or the context around them, and so are enforcing illegal and oppressive terms against the law. Ie if you are not informed that you are entering a verbal contract and the consequences then the state law is the law. Employees have states rights that must be respected. Minor details are from a very polite account from a recently past employee and research into state law. Its very matter of fact here, and very shameful facts found. read more

Didn't buy anything but instead came for a quick drop off donation of some clothes. Walking in, it wasn't immediately clear where donations go, but thankfully a friendly staff member quickly came up and asked me if I needed help. She pointed me to a few bins off to the side where I could place the clothes and then wrote up a receipt. Some more signage could help with donations (I'm guessing I'm not the first one who's had this problem), but other than that, seems pretty well-run. read more

See all

I've been in a story three different times it's filthy it's very dis-organized and the ladies that work there are very very rude not a very happy place to be and I would not suggest it to anybody read more

Kenneth the young man managing this Goodwill is so sweet and helpful. The store is very organized and clean. read more