This store is a mid to small size Goodwill with a decent selection. Some of the newer merch was priced high (19.99 - 24.99) for jeans and cotton jacket, but everything else was normal thrift range. I went on a half-off Saturday and it wasn't too chaotic. There is ample parking in the small shopping center and the donation drop off is in the back/off to the side. While I didn't use the donation center, the employees seemed very friendly and helpful and were greeting and helping all donators. They went out of their way to bring the donation cart to the cars to make the transaction as easy as possible. Will return when in the area. read more

I have shopped -and donated- at this GW location for about 15 years, visiting at least every few months and I'm pretty much done with shopping or donating there in the future. The experienced has degraded to the point that it's become pointless to visit. The pricing has increased but more remarkably, the quality of items has been significantly reduced, with most of what I see on the shelves and racks being a lot of overpriced crap and ugly clothes. I read on sfgate.com in an article dated March 18, 2026: (Why Bay Area Goodwills are sending truckloads or clothes to Arizona) that a national Goodwill organization took over our Bay Area regional organization so stores are now being run by a Arizona- Maryland multi-state organization. (Some regional Goodwill's are still run independently/locally like the Silicon chapter). While GW has for years sent all local donations to sorting locations local then sent tagged inventory to locations to put on shelves, I suspect that they are now skimming most name-brand and 'like new' goods to sell online and sell in other regions rather than stocking our local stores. One of the regular shoppers at the Fillmore location was quoted that they have noticed that the quality of their location's offerings has been so degraded so much they no longer bother to visit the store, despite previously visiting weekly for years. Thrifting has changed a lot over the past decade, especially due to the number of 'resellers' who buy items to stock 'vintage shops' or sell on EBay, but lately it's lost pretty much all of the appeal to thrift, especially at Goodwill. It's unlikely that I'll continue donating to Good Will in the future and instead will direct my donations to local charity shops where the goods will be more likely to benefit my own community, rather than supporting a huge organization from out of state. read more

Well, this used to be my favorite thrift store and unfortunately times have changed. As most of you know, I am a reseller so all these reviews are written from that perspective. This used to be the place to pick up a Chanel T-shirt for five bucks and resell it for 200. Unfortunately that is nowhere to be seen now. Prices are high and quality of the donations are low. I was so disappointed with what I saw there today really heartbreaking. I don't know what happened to all the nice clothes they used to get. Maybe it was just a bad day for me, but I only found about three things. Nothing very nice read more

I used to only come here while waiting for DMV but with the addition of the good produce store next door I'll pop in and pick up a treasure or 12. I am budget conscious so I can spend in other areas and save so if I can get things here at a fraction of the price I'm happy to. Plus it diverts things from landfills. Doesn't it feel good. The store can be disorganized. The store can be a mess. The staff are mostly friendly - Karen and Robert and Helen are the best! Jeans for $10-15. Tops for $5 Slightly worn cap for $5 Great! Can I complain about some stuff sure but why? Just come look around and see if you find your treasure. I didn't see that mean lady Glenda yesterday that was a win. read more

Rarely ever leave Yelp Reviews but my visit on 10/11/25 absolutely warrants it. The Manager Glenda and the employee with the tan skin, jet black hair and combover are very rude, unskilled employees. My review is based off experience with Glenda and the other unnamed employee. For background, I have donated to this location and spent thousands of dollars here. I know most of the employees and engage in conversation when I come in. The male mentioned earlier took my payment via Apple Pay. I saw an approved notice pop up. Following that, he says a receipt didn't print and I have to pay again. I refused, showing him the payment having gone through on my bank account. He continues to argue with me and then Glenda steps in. I show her the charge on my Apple Pay and let her look at my transaction history, in which she STILL believes the transaction never went through since a receipt didn't print. I asked her for my merchandise and she refused to release it to me. I was shopping with my Dad nearby and had him come in to see if another person explaining would get my PAID MERCHANDISE released. This time, I called my bank and put Glenda on the phone with my bank who told her the charge DID GO THROUGH. Glenda got loud with all of us. At one point, she got aggressive waving her hands in our faces and ordering my Dad not to talk. Maybe she thinks she is a Judge? We told her what she is doing is fraudulent and she just says "ok". I truly think she must have some sort of incapacity. If the customer, the receipt, and the bank's confirmation are not enough to believe the customer paid for the items, something is very wrong. Side note: On prior trips to the store, I've witnessed her raising her voice at other employees in the back room. They leave the door to that room partially open during store hours. Clearly, professionalism is not in her nature. I am still waiting for my money back or the release of my paid merchandise. In the meantime, highly recommend supporting Bloom in San Rafael and sending donations to a place where staff are kind and your items will help style those entering new careers. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - "Manager" Glenda doesn't think this is proof the transaction went through. - Thrift Stores Near Me - Novato, California

Minimum of $20 jeans and $15 shirts. Just another perfect example of corporations squeezing the working men for everything they have. You would think that they would at least try and make things affordable considering they get their inventory for completely free. That fact makes them even more twisted than mega corporations like Amazon and Target in my opinion. Bunch of greedy bastards read more

This goodwill is the most expensive within Marin and Sonoma county for absolutely no reason. There's nothing good and shirts will cost you 10$. It's truly insane read more

They opened up at 10:02 instead of 10am today. And when I asked the woman in the picture where I can pay, she ignored me. When I finally got to the register "the system was down" but still accepted cash of course. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Thrift Stores Near Me - Novato, California

Visited GW today and sadly was extremely disappointed! They've recently made tons of changes to the layout and it's not any better than before! So disorganized doesn't flow and everything is so crammed in! Fortunately the staff at the registers have been more friendly but the overall experience isn't great! My daughter and I love thifting so I'll still go in from time to time but I much prefer the Petaluma goodwill for its organization prices and better vibe! Novatos prices have skyrocketed and I no longer feel like I'm getting a deal I feel like I'm getting ripped off!! read more

Arrived at 3:30 and there was a sign reading "donations closed, come back tomorrow". People were still there but wouldn't take donations. We'd donated yesterday at the same site. Won't donate here again, will drive further for a reliable donation site. read more

I don't want to curse myself by mentioning it, but I often make good finds here. It's well organized and tidy.

Super easy drop off very friendly help you remove items from your car not much more to say

Not worth the drive. I go here often, but it is a small shop and in the past year, it seems like lots of junk at high prices. Lots of Dollar Store items priced at more than a dollar... more than a few dollars. I wish they would price better and clean the stuff up. Lots of dirty and sticky stuff. I always need to wash my hands after this place. There are a lot of people shopping here, but buying less. Maybe they need more employees to bring stuff out and clean up the old junk. I have seen the same overpriced stuff sitting there for months. In contrast, I have gone to other Goodwill stores in Northern California and the same stuff is 1/3 of the price. read more

The manager made me pay twice for a shirt (that i didn't receive) and then claimed the transactions were pending/voided and that they had no record of them happening even though the money was taken out of my account and not pending. she was very rude and passive aggressive when i tried to get proof that it was a false charge. she refused a refund. very rude manager, blonde-white hair, mustache, and a snarl. read more

PROS: Staff is nice Clothing selection is quite good Store is generally kept pretty well maintained and picked up Parking never a problem Decent hours CONS: Price increase-- almost to point of too unreasonable on some Wares section often not kept well stocked enough Very tight return policy and restricted only to some electronics No returns/exchange Hey corporate-- OPEN THE FRIGGIN DRESSING ROOMS ALREADY! Update: They have adjusted their return policy to accept returns within two days with receipt, store credit offered. Can't complain! Dressing rooms still closed. read more

Easiest donation drop off ever! We just pulled right up and put our items in the correct bin and were given a receipt.

Contactless donation drop-off is easy and there is plenty of parking to do so. You bring in your donated items and place them in the appropriate labeled bins: clothes, housewares, electronics, etc. Donation receipts can be obtained online by scanning the bar code they have displayed and by entering your info online. The receipt is emailed to you, easy peasy. Be sure to bring your donations in the morning before 12 Noon. The bins fill up fast and they have had to turn away people when they reach capacity even though their donation hours end at 2pm. read more

super organized Drop off site, with efficient staff helping unload cars . its now my go to site. for donations.

This is the best place to take your stuff you want to donate. Lauri is so friendly and helpful!! Highly recommend this location.

This drop off was brutal. Actually scary. I had two office chairs in great shape for donation. I called this location directly and spoke to the manager of the store. I asked her specifically if she would accept the chairs. She was very nice and said yes. She said to drop them off in the back. When I arrived to drop off them off a shorter man wearing a red hat came walking up and told me in a very angry voice to take them to Salvation Army in San Rafael. I told him I had just hung up the phone with the site manager and she said she wanted them. He angrily said no, told me again to take them to San Rafael. I again told him I just hung up the phone with his manager, then my wife said she would go inside and talk to the manager, this gentleman reached into the back of my car and ripped the first chair out. I then took the second chair out and left it there and got the heck out of there. It was a very strange interaction and I hope they can have better communication between the inside and the outside drop off. This interaction will definitely stop me from donating here. read more

It's beyond time to open the dressing rooms. My local Goodwill remains the only clothing store in the area that insists on keeping their dressing rooms closed. This fact, combined with their "no refunds" policy is a HUGE barrier to making purchases. I can't tell you how many times I declined to purchase something I liked because I didn't want to be stuck with a poor-fitting item. I often see customers trying on clothes in the aisles as well. This is super uncomfortable for everyone but they are left with no choice! My sense is that this is no longer about covid but as a convenience to the business not wanting to deal with managing the clean up or shoplifting risks of allowing people to try on clothing. Let's put the customers first again and please re-open your dressing rooms asap. read more

Great selection of adult clothing, occasionally I have gotten a good deal on shoes, artwork, rugs, mugs. Haha. I come here weekly to peruse and add some unique items to our home whether it's a standard serving platter or that dog t shirt I didn't know I needed. Staff are always very pleasant to me. I miss the older guy who retired David, he was my favorite. I got a cool jacket here. Always a find if you are a thrifter. Enjoy the hunt! read more

Not very friendly people. Almost as if they're doing you a favor by accepting good quality stuff. And maybe they are, but it's supposed to be mutually beneficial, right? They're in the business of helping people, which relies on getting good and marketable donations from the general public. No need to be rude about not taking furniture anymore. I mean, what's the point? I, for one, won't be donating to that place again. read more

Excellent service today. Shoutout to Cy. He was Pleasant, helpful with a professional presence and obviously had pride in his work!! made it so easy to take in donations. Thank you Cy!! read more

Great place to donate...and shop! I found a beautiful faux mink jacket/vest from designer St John! brand new original price $850.00 I got it for $250.00! Keep up the great work, Goodwill :) read more

Never again. There were two employees who blocked off vehicle access to the donation bins forcing everyone to carry donations from one side of the parking lot to the other because they said it made their job easier. These two were poking around on their phones the entire time refusing to help anyone carry anything. The only feedback I recieved was when I set some items on the ground and was told that I wasn't allowed to do that - everything must go directly into a bin. Thanks for nothing. Next time I'll just give it away on craigslist. read more

Like many during this shelter-in-place, had plenty of time to go through the garage from top to bottom and find many things we never used and needed a new home. Sadly, until recently, they were boxed in the living room waiting for donations to be accepted again. This past Saturday was the day, and we went to Novato - closer to us, since the San Rafael location isn't open for donations yet. This location in in a small shopping center, and offers "contactless donation." Basically, you unload your own items into large cardboard boxes on pallets - like watermelons in a supermarket type of boxes. This location is open until 2pm, and we arrived about 12:55 with an SUV full of goodies for Goodwill. The line was single file, and stretched out onto the street! Oy . . . patience, my young Padawan. It took until 1:35 to get to the boxes - there were only a few boxes, and they were almost full. We were told we were likely the "last ones" - in spite of at least 15 cars behind us! Some people we saw dropped off only a few items, but we filled the bins. Unintended consequence . . . There were 2 workers, running the forklift places filled boxes into the store and managing the line. Not sure how they could have safely sped things up, but considering everything it was not too painful to wait a bit to donate a lots of items. If you only have a couple of items, suggest going during the week or at least not wait until the late afternoon, as I think many people had the same chance to clean house and are now donating as they have re-opened. Support Goodwill, and I don't hold the delay in donating against them. Glad they're accepting now! read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - Almost there! - Thrift Stores Near Me - Novato, California

I'm sad writing this review because I genuinely liked this location. My mother found a leather jacket with no price tag, she asked one of the employees about it and they told her it would be $15. When we went to checkout we made sure to tell the cashier how much an employee priced it, and they vocally confirmed. Since we had so many items being checked out we did not notice how much it was charged until after. Saw we were charged $30 for the jacket. /: read more

I have to agree with a previous post. Donating here is a nightmare. The people collecting are terribly rude, and lie about not taking more donations because the truck trailer is full. I've looked and the trailer is no more than 1/2 to 2/3 full each time. What does seem to be the issue is sorting out what goes in the trailer and what goes in his friend's personal truck. I've contacted Goodwilland about this horrible abuse of the public's trust and each call was given the run-around. Your donation may never actually go to Goodwill but rather to the pockets of unsupervised employees behind the building and their friends taking the "best" stuff. If you interrupt their sorting and stealing they will snap at you and tell you no more donations are allowed today, especially when they don't see any "good" stuff. I've take the time to watch over many days and weeks and this is definitely what is happening and I cannot find anyone in the Goodwill organization that cares. If the trailer is always "full" doesn't you think this would be seen when it is picked up to be sorted and they would send larger or additional trailers? It's because they are NOT full. Out of a dozen times being told it was full only ONCE did the trailer have more than 75% of the space taken. read more

Novato, ca-san rafael, has the sixth highest per capia income for urban areas in the u.s.and they have a goodwill store. the store has very store clothing section, even dress shirts, sports suits, casual slacks, and even suit tops and a very large book section, although prices are higher here than at other thrift stores in the bay area. music: was it pop or rock? distracted by all the rugrats running around. for random browsing: -spring snow(2.19) j. fiction -cigar book(3.29) -the brethen(3.29) woodward -into the fire, asian american prose(3.29) -wind swans(4.49)autobiography -charges .05 for plastic bag. passed. definitely will return. read more

The two gentlemen at the Novato drop off location were very polite and helpful. Thank you!

We made our third attempt to drop items off today and they were closed AGAIN, which didn't line up with Yelp or Google hours. The man working was also not wearing a mask. Will find a new place to drop things off. As a sidenote: many places in the area take donation items out of your car or let you drop them all in one place. Here, you have to sort them into different bins which isn't very COVID friendly. read more

Decent size Goodwill but somewhat disorganized and a little messy but no big deal. I would donate here and they have a nice selection of music CDs. Had to wait awhile before someone from the back show up to pay. It's always good to donate. read more

Goodwill Store & Donation Center - CD corner... - Thrift Stores Near Me - Novato, California

Google posts donation hours as 9-6PM daily, though sometimes their signage for that day lists 4:30PM. I arrived at 4:15PM and was turned away just as they were beginning to shut down. They could have been flexible, but refused. Other donors were also turned away. No reason given, accept "we are just following orders." They were argumentative and oblivious to the fact that some donors travel a long distance. I am donating to Salvation Army from now on. read more

I've been shopping this Goodwill for years, often coming in min 5x per week and loving to donate here specifically. Highly likely I will never step foot in here again or donate all because of the Front lady Virginia who takes it upon herself to increase the prices on the whim because she claims to be some "expert", and brags about how she gets employee discounts. I wouldn't put it past her that she intentionally jacks up the price as she has this tendency to say "I love this!"... all other employees seem to be great, but she spoils it. I'll take my business and donations elsewhere. read more

Goodwill has always been a fun place to find treasures and donate things so that others can use them instead of sending them to the landfill. My daughter was excited to find some recycled fashion and purchased some slacks that looked good on the hanger but turned out to be too tight once we got home. Unfortunately, the new policy is that nothing can be exchanged except for electronics. The dressing rooms are closed. How does anyone buy pants? Prices have gone up, so consider any clothing purchase a cash donation because you don't know how it will look on you. read more

This used to be a bargain hunter's paradise, now prices are clearly higher. Drop off is now very limited, only until 2pm, and you need to have everything sorted, which is fine, except the last time I donated at the end of December they stated it was open until 4pm for donations and NOTHING was posted on the website about sorting your items. Mine were mostly sorted so they took them and I am really happy I decided to go a little after 1:30 and not later. It still says on one part of the website that they accept donations until 4pm. Also you can no longer call the store directly, it is routed to a voice mail system in San Francisco. read more

I want to commend and thank the wonderful people working/ running the goodwill novato location, covid hours.. I'm sure they are inundated with donations and sometimes need to close it down early because it's full. They are always professional, friendly and helpful. They play a big role in our community and it goes toward helping create success for people in communities across USA. Thank you for all you do. read more

Much bigger than the Goodwill in central San Rafael. I appreciate the selection of clothing they have, even if I wasn't able to find much to suit my desires. read more

Not worth a visit. Selection-Extremely limited inventory in all areas of product typically found in a Goodwill Store. If you do find clothing, for example, in your size from a well-known Clothier the item will likely be faded, worn, embellishments missing, or hardware not functioning. Check all areas of the garment before making a purchase. Prices-The clothing is marked up considerably and even if you find an item with a color tag the price isn't worth it given the condition of the garment. Organization and Layout-All of the products in the housewares, electronics, stationery, dishes, and toys are combined in one, unorganized, section of shelves. Dressing Rooms-Whoa, really, avoid this section! The rooms are dirty and smell like body odor-yuck! Parking-The parking lot is small and finding a space is a challenge. Staff-All of the personnel were pleasant. read more