As a toy collector I always enjoy visiting local thrifts stores while on vacation. I had an opportunity to visit the Goodwill Central Coast on Lighthouse Ave. The store is small, but nicely kept. My purpose of going to thrifts stores is finding toys. This particular location did not have many, most of the "toys" there are boxed board games. But I was lucky to find these set of 3 Peace Sparkly Angel Red Christmas Teddy Bear (2003 Retired Ty Beanie Baby) in mint condition for a total $4.99 The service was nice because the cashier was very friendly and she was happy for me when I told her I was super excited finding the Beanie Babies. read more

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Clean, well organized but the pricing is not consistent. I very much understand that inflation is a thing, but for the most part I didn't feel like the items I picked up were worth the tag price. Good selection of stemware, mixed quality. Lots of clothes, didn't look through more than finding some plain tee shirts of decent quality were $6.99 each. That's fast fashion pricing for used fast fashion read more

The best Goodwill on the Central Coast especially after the re-design. Organized and positive energy. The staff is consistently friendly, helpful, courteous and professional. Always a happy experience. read more

My boyfriend and I came in on a whim before dinner not expecting to find anything since the place is so small. Honestly, we should've brought our reusable bags because we walked out with a few things! I didn't take many photos because I didn't expect to find much, but I ended up buying two pairs of jeans (one new with tags!) for $8.99 each that fit perfectly. My boyfriend got a Nautica peacoat that looks great on him. The racks here are packed and they have dressing rooms (ask an associate to unlock). Their home goods area is a little small, but they have a great deal on books too! Definitely a fun little place to shop and explore if you have some down time in Monterey. read more

Goodwill Central Coast - 25 cents for a bag - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Monterey, California

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I shop here often as a thrifty single mother. The last two times I have been in there have been highly aggressive employees shoving into people to restock, almost as if they think it's funny - they feel entitled to be rude. I know there are people who aren't "all there" who work here but it has gotten hostile to go into this store. I was charged 3x for one item and 2x for another item- $9 extra and I went back the next day with my receipt and was treated with such disrespect I might not go there again. The manager took 10 min to come to the front and then inferred that I was lying, then said she would have to start an INVESTIGATION into the $9 overcharge. It was embarrassing and ridiculous because I was there to correct their mistake anyhow. They treated me like a criminal and were so glib and rude to deal with I will be trying to report it up the chain of people who clearly can not get fired. Watch your ticket, they overcharge then act like idiots when you ask for the money back. read more

Friendliest service I've ever come across at a Goodwill! I find a lot of joy in finding great deals and managed to snag several good finds here for both me and my brother! (The latter = originally things I'd picked out/wanted but my brother tried them on too and wanted them so I let him have em'; we are roughly the same size.) We did a pretty good sweep of the jacket section and got some warm puffy jackets, a super comfy LL bean vest, Columbia/Under Armour/Mammut/North Face jackets, and a reallyyy soft cardigan from Neiman Marcus. We were super lucky to have popped in the day after they reopened (post-remodeling), There's even what my brother refers to as the "'men's section" at the back! (By "men's section, " I mean an area for dudes to sit while they wait for the people they came with to be done browsing/shopping.) read more

nice

Great donation experience here. We normally go to the truck near the Crossroads Shopping Center in Carmel, but when we drove by with a load of small household items, the truck was MIA. We googled this store, hoping that they accepted donations, and not really knowing where it was. There are several thrift stores on Lighthouse Avenue, in what is technically still Monterey. We threaded our way through the one way streets of Pacific Grove, and drove by the store, spying the parking lot to the left side of the store. Dedicated off street parking was a good sign, so we pulled in. We have been donating on the central coast since Covid 19 and at our store in SLO, we have to sort things into categories ourselves. Goodwill no longer accepts bedding and many other items, so it is wise to check what they are taking before loading up. It has been a challenge to find recipients for all the items we have been giving away, but there are many appropriate places for recycling, such as the Restore on the base at Fort Ord, for construction materials. We had some small kitchen things and pretty decorative flowers and frames. We parked and the friendly attendant helped us put things in the right bins, gave us a receipt and we were able to be on our way! We will return here with other treasures ready for recycling to new owners! read more

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Good little goodwill. They are always getting in new stuff and it worth going by there. We found brand new shirts for six bucks.

White male thought I stole 3 dollar flip flops and gave a rude attitude when I told him I paid and didn't get a receipt and wanted to check the cameras and was saying no one else could have helped me so I stole them. And mind you I was buying pants that costed more so why would I steal the flip flops that are less. It makes no sense. read more

I used to have such fun shopping here. The merchandise was always kept clean and neatly organized. Fresh merchandise brought in every day. If you see it and want it, better buy it now because there won't be any more. So many bargains. Loved the place. read more

This place has a lot and is jam packed! The prices are high for things and don't seem to match the donated items conditions. I did see some gems I passed on like free people as it was just too frumpy for my style. I did snag a cute Zara denim skirt for $5 so I was happy. If you are an avid thrifter you could easily be in an out in 10 minutes. read more

Overly high prices for products and they barely carry anything besides clothing at this one. The only real positive I can say is it's close to other places that are worth going to. read more

Small Goodwill, but came in handy because I needed a warm sweater and didn't want to a touristy one.

This is the worst Goodwill in Monterey. The prices are extremely out of the ordinary, all the employees are rude. A complete disaster. If I could give it a zero I would. A jacket for almost 30? Pants for 15? When it's donated clothing!!! They are completely insane! Plus the Asian/filipino Females working there are super racist to Hispanic people, I had the worse experience, The store is dirty, unorganized,Staff is a completely mess, The only Goodwill that pass the Price check are the ones in ( Salinas & Santa Cruz....) You cannot hire minorities and being rude and racist to another minority specially when they force you to round up your coins in every transaction. read more

This is a smaller store. Mostly clothing and no furniture. Employees are were friendly but short handed. They used to have a bathroom available to customers but no longer does. Parking is really tight in their small lot on the side of the store. I much prefer to park on the street if available. They did have a decent selection of Halloween costumes. . read more

Goodwill Central Coast - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Monterey, California

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This place is small quaint and nice as well at the same time if you're looking for something specific just come here and check for a quick nice but the best thing about this place is the customer service. This is the best customer service that I ever see it in any goodwill in California. The cashier was very nice and attentive as well I will be coming back. For read more

I must say that enjoy shopping at this store. They have many items and rotate their inventory regularly. I also appreciate the convenience of having a location to donate our used items to. One thing I am not happy with is their new policy of not selling items that have lost or are missing their price sticker. I understand that there are dishonest people who are always trying to get a lower price by pulling the stickers and hoping for a lower price. However it is frustrating to those who are honest and find something that they can use again in their home. Only to find out that you can't buy it and you do not know when they will be able to sell it to you at a later date or time. Let me just share my thoughts. If almost everything is donated to goodwill, it is free inventory for them. There is little to pay for the item and very little to pay for shipping since many items stay at the location it is donated to. So essentially they are getting 100% profit, which is unheard of in the business world. Also why would you deny to sell an item if you had the item donated and it didn't cost you anything for it. Final thought, those who you deny to sell the items to are many times the very people who donate to your organization. If you continue to uphold this policy, more people will have an adverse experience at your store and may eventually find other second hand stores to donate to, who don't have a such a policy. And we all know that Monterey has plenty of second hand stores. read more

I have a study spot for thrift shops, never know the treasures about to find. This one is fairly large sized with racks and racks of stuff, some home goods as well. The people are friendly and as with all ships of this ilk, it's ax tad dusty, so if you have allergies maybe take an antihistamine beforehand, as my husband did afterwards. The prices are right, just as you'd expect with Tina if discounts for the holidays. Parking is not bad at all, especially during afternoon. read more

They had a lot of really nice clothes for a reasonable price. I will definitely stop in again next time I am in the Bay

During one of my last visits to Monterey I stopped into this Goodwill. And lets just say, I wasn't impressed. This locale was filled with a ton of children's items and lower quality larger size brands. A few higher end items were deep in the collection, but generally lots of Target and Ross apparel furnished this shop. The service was quite friendly, but I didn't find a thing I wanted. Its great that the prices are good, but I'd prefer to buy quality, even if I have to pay a bit more. read more

C'mon people - I showed up at 5:01pm and was turned away because they close at 5pm. Google and yelp both have incorrect closing times. Give me a break and let me come in for 2 minutes. read more

One of those cases where "0" stars would be most appropriate for this organization (rating applies to both the Monterey and Seaside Goodwill donation centers). Monterey (7/2/2020): Called the Goodwill store the day before to ensure they were accepting donations (trying to be sensitive to the impact of COVID-19). Told "yes," we need donations and are open seven days a week. Arrived at the donation center around noon the next day and was immediately turned away (completely full and not accepting larger items). The donation center attendee threw the Goodwill store under the bus saying that they didn't know what was happening with the donation center, and not to call them (apparently they're separate entities even though they physically share the same space -- who knew?). Attendee mentioned he had already received six complaints from people being turned away. He handed me a piece of paper that described everything Goodwill doesn't take ... so (not) helpful. A second attendee eventually "allowed" me to donate several items after the first one went on his lunch break, and I informed the second attendee that there still was room in both the truck trailer as well as the outdoor bins (to my chagrin, the entire time that I spoke to the attendees, other customers were sticking boxes & bags into the bins without being pestered). I immediately called the Goodwill administrative office to notify them about the situation -- left a message -- and of course I haven't received a return call. Seaside (7/6/2020): When I arrived with several boxes and a bag of items to donate, just before 3:00 PM, three Goodwill attendees were engaged in a conversation with one another (didn't look in my direction or acknowledge my presence). After standing there and staring at them for a lengthy period of time, the attendee in the truck trailer finally asked if I needed to donate something. I answered "yes," and started to load the items from my car into the trailer ... no one offered to help (two attendees just stood around). A woman then arrived holding two plastic bags, and one attendee immediately jumped to her aid. Once I finished loading the trailer, I stood around again and eventually had to ask for a receipt. Do yourself a favor and go to St. Vincent De Paul (Pacific Grove or Seaside), Second Chance Thrift Store (Pacific Grove), Hope Services (Seaside), or the American Cancer Society Discovery Shop (Pacific Grove) for a far more pleasurable donation -- and likely shopping -- experience. Who needs all of that hassle and aggravation? read more

Donating items was very easy and the workers are courteous and polite. A drawback is I wish they carried more extra small clothing items, but what they lacked in quantity they made up for in quality (although I have only been there once, so maybe I just got unlucky)- I left with a like-new Patagonia sweater, Adidas shirt, and 2 soft leggings all for $27 total! I definitely plan to go back in the future to donate and purchase clothing. read more

Everyone is wearing masks, store seemed very clean and organized compared to ones back home in San Diego, and employees are covid-cautious! They monitor capacity carefully to make sure everyone is kept safe which is very appreciated. Staff was also generally positive and kind! Sort of a rare thing to see in thrift shops. read more

Donate! ReCycle! Simplify! There is a trade off, when you shop thrift stores: Organization is usually low, as is the price, so accept it! Really, this nonprofit business uses the proceeds to help others. I suggest all the takers/ whiners out there should learn to give a little. You know: donate, recycle, get over their egotistical behavior (It is annoying). read more

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Eh. I stood there for like 5 minutes before anyone helped me. The racks were a MESS and the place way so unorganized and the guy didn't even let me use my discount and it was legit a Tuesday and he said that today was the day for student discounts when I legit shop at goodwill all around the central coast and I know when the deals are. He was rude btw and didn't even offer me a bag. read more

Ugh I'm so sad!!! I'm an avid Goodwill shopper and this is definitely one of the worst Goodwill's I've ever been in. It completely lacked organization and they were legit trying to sell things that for sure should've been thrown away, so I'm not sure if it's just lacking in the back where they should be going through all the items? The parking area is a cluster so try to find street parking if you can. read more

Worst customer service! My son picked out two toys...a red beach shovel and a little claw that grabs items off the floor. The claw had lost its price tag. The sales associate and the manager refused to sell my 2 year old the claw toy because it is their policy to not sell things that don't have a price tag. The manager makes the prices up. The manager stood right there and was too lazy to set the price and refused to sell it to us. I understand the need for a policy for large items, but have a freaking heart! It was just a little toy. Both employees were miserable and heartless. What a terrible way to run a business! I will not be donating or shopping here again. read more

Solid. I always find something really good here. I don't find bags of stuff - generally a couple good pieces. Prices are very good compared to Goodwills in Seattle/Tacoma. This branch always has brand name clothes. Contemporary clothes and shoes are definitely the main draw. Not a lot of furniture, okay houseware selection. The children's section isn't that good. There isn't much vintage stuff at this location. There's a tiny parking lot next door to the building - it's horribly tiny, but helps because street parking is not plentiful. Happy Hunting! read more

Lots of silverware in back. Anyone looking for repurposing...great finds in these tubs!! read more

Goodwill Central Coast - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Monterey, California

Disappointing for a thrift-store. It's rare to find treasures here- I think the only good thing they have going from them is a decent sized book section. Otherwise the selection is junky and over-priced. The clothes aren't organized by size so it's a pain to look through them. They only usually have a few pieces of furniture and typically they're super crappy and way-overpriced. There's usually not much in housewares. And on top of all that, the staff is cranky. I've overheard them being rude to other customers, and they start herding people out of the store well before closing time. I'll pop in sometimes when I'm already walking past, but otherwise it's not worth a special trip. read more

Medium sized GW, there is a parking lot next door. No additional off sales. No designer wear, very much used and tired clothing. Tank tops for $2 and fleece jacket for $7. Would rather go to the Seaside Goodwill for clothing. There is a selections of housewares and furniture you get here that you don't get at Seaside. http://www.yelp.com/biz/goodwill-industries-seaside#hrid:9B9y1CT1Yyr9yi9DSAbwMA read more

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I liked this Goodwill. I usually don't like Goodwill or salvation army thrift stores. It was clean and spacious. Price was decent.

This is your typical Goodwill with the exception of the staff. The staff at this location are some of the friendliest people you will come across. The store has plenty of clothing, shoes, and housewares, but as with most Goodwill locations you will need to pick through the merchandise to find a treasure. You can park on Lighthouse or around the corner. There is a very small parking lot as well. Happy hunting! read more

Don't shop this store's auctions on shopgoodwill. They seriously screw-up your orders, break them, and refuse to answer where your merchandise is 2 weeks after the auction. If you just so happen to get two items from this store, they act like you only got one! If you ask about it, they close the ticket because they assume you could NEVER have gotten more than 1 item. Wish I could give them a big ZERO because that's the quality of service I've gotten! read more

This is a pretty typical goodwill. It's a hit or miss like most thrift stores and I found two items. However, I could not stay very long because there was a RANCID puke smell towards the back of the store that somehow managed to disappear and reappear in different sections. I'm sure the employees had tried to clean whatever made that smell but dear lord it smelled so bad. read more

I really want to like this place better, but I just can't. Why not? Well... * They separate the parts of men's suits. A suit is one article of clothing in two (or sometimes three) pieces. Not good. * Overpriced. Why pay $5+ for a necktie when I can get one for $2 elsewhere? On the other hand, their non-clothing selection tends to be a lot better, and they even have auctions on great stuff in the windows. Also, they are providing an important service, so it's hard to ding them too much. If the parking lot is full, there are often open spaces on Lighthouse. read more

This location was very small and I didn't find much. I found 2 pair of pumps that were in very good condition. But I didn't see many items with the color of the day.... I lucked up on a 1hpur parking spot a block away. read more

Goodwill Central Coast - Used, Vintage & Consignment Near Me - Monterey, California

It's was kind of small and seemed to be picked over. We did go on Sunday night so that might be the reason. There wasn't very much men's clothes but there were some cool household items. The workers were very friendly. Even though we went right before closing, they weren't trying to kick everybody out like a lot of other places! Overall it was a good experience! read more