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ABOUT THE GUIDE

Our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide is here! All of the items shown in this year’s guide were found at our Shopton Road store during a single shopping trip. But don’t worry – all of our 36 retail locations are packed with awesome gift ideas! Thrifting your gifts from Goodwill is great for your wallet, the environment and our community. We hope our 2025 Holiday Gift Guide will inspire you to shop secondhand for some of your gifts this holiday season. Gifted items from Goodwill are truly gifts that keep on giving. Download your copy of the 2025 Holiday Gift Guide now!

SNEAK PEEK

SHOP GIFTS FROM HOME

Want to find unique gifts without leaving the couch? Discover unique treasures for everyone on your list on our online auction site, ShopGoodwill.com.

From collectibles and sports memorabilia to clothing and shoes, bags, jewelry, and housewares, there’s something for every style and interest. Simply browse, place your bid, and enjoy the thrill of finding one-of-a-kind gifts online!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

From our Goodwill family to yours, happy holidays! During this special time of year, we like to pause and acknowledge everyone who supports the work we do. Whether you donate goods, shop at our retail stores, give money or simply help us spread the word –  you’re supporting our mission of building pathways that help people pursue the life they want to achieve, for themselves and their families. Together, we’re creating a brighter future for all!

UNWRAP GREAT FINDS IN STORES NOW

You don’t have to break the bank to SLEIGH the holidays this year! Stop by your local Goodwill to browse its collection of holiday decor, festive accessories, gift wrapping essentials and more.

MAKING SPIRITS BRIGHT

When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not just decking the halls; you’re building brighter futures. Every purchase helps support tuition-free job training programs, skill-building workshops, career development opportunities, job search support, and more – empowering thousands of community members and team members each year to find gainful employment, grow their careers and achieve brighter futures. Now that’s something to feel jolly about!

MAKE YOUR HOLIDAY TABLE SHINE

Whether you’re planning a cozy Thanksgiving dinner or a festive Christmas feast, your local Goodwill has everything you need to host in style. From elegant dishware and serving platters to seasonal linens and decor, our stores are full of affordable treasures that help you create a warm, welcoming space for every celebration. Hosting has never been so easy – or so budget-friendly!

GREAT FINDS IN STORES NOW

SHOP ONLINE

Prefer to shop from the comfort of home? Browse hosting essentials on ShopGoodwill.com, our online auction site where you can search for exactly what you need and have it shipped straight to your door.

MORE THAN A STORE

When you shop at Goodwill, you’re not just setting the table; you’re making a difference. Every purchase helps build pathways to prosperity by supporting tuition-free job training programs, skill-building workshops, career development opportunities, job search support, and more – empowering thousands of community members and team members each year to find gainful employment, grow their careers and achieve brighter futures.

Get ready for one of the biggest shopping weekends of the year! Goodwill’s technology and gaming store, The GRID: Powered by Goodwill, is rolling out exclusive Black Friday and weekend-long deals at both of its locations:

Whether you’re hunting for gaming gear, laptops, or accessories, there’s something for everyone. Here’s the full breakdown:

Black Friday – Friday, November 28, 2025

Available at Both Locations on 11/28 Only:

Exclusive Door Buster Deals at the Charlotte Store on 11/28 Only:

Exclusive Door Buster Deals at the Shelby Store on 11/28 Only:

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Black Friday Weekend – Saturday & Sunday, November 29–30, 2025

Available at Both Locations on 11/29-30:

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Whether you’re shopping for yourself or grabbing gifts early, The GRID has unbeatable deals on tech and games. Come early for the best selection – and don’t miss those Door Busters!

And the best part? Every purchase helps fund tuition-free job training programs, skill-building workshops, career development opportunities, job search support, and more – helping thousands of community members and team members each year achieve meaningful employment and build brighter futures. When you shop Black Friday Weekend at The GRID, you’re scoring great deals and making a difference for the planet and our community!

 

SEASON OF GIVING ROUND UP CHALLENGE

This November, your spare change can spark real change in our community – and give you a chance to win a little something extra for yourself!

When you shop at any Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont retail store and choose to round up your purchase this month, you’ll be eligible to enter our weekly giveaway for a $25 Goodwill gift card! Just scan the QR code at checkout to enter. One lucky winner will be selected each week throughout November – and the more times you shop and round up, the more chances you have to win!

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Shop at any Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont retail store.
  2. Round up your purchase to the nearest dollar – or more if you’re feeling extra generous!
  3. Scan the QR code at the register to enter the giveaway.
  4. Repeat each time you shop and round up — every entry counts!

But the impact goes far beyond the register.

Your extra cents help fund life-changing programs for thousands of people in our community – including our own Goodwill team members. From tuition-free Construction & Trade Skills training to job search support and wraparound services, your generosity helps individuals build brighter futures for themselves and their families. We encourage you to read the stories of some of the thousands of people we’ve helped thanks to community support.

It’s a small act of kindness that makes a big impact.

Thank you for giving back this season. Good luck in the giveaway!

Our Pineville store is turning 30! To celebrate and thank the community for donating and shopping there over the past three decades, we’re holding an anniversary event on Friday, October 24, at the store, which is located at 10124 Johnston Road in Pineville. Here’s what we have planned:

Your support over the past 30 years means the world to us! Your donations and purchases have helped so many people in our community pursue the life they want to achieve. We hope to see you at our Pineville store on Friday, October 24, for what’s sure to be a fun time!

Omni Lester is a Charlotte-area educator, mother, and longtime Goodwill supporter whose passion for thrifting runs deep – across generations, classrooms, and communities. In this candid conversation, she shares how secondhand style became a source of self-expression, healing, and connection. 

Q: What first got you into thrifting?
Omni: Honestly, I was raised by a thrifter—my mom. I watched her piece things together from different stores, and it just became second nature. People ask me all the time how I find things in thrift stores, and I tell them, “I don’t know, it’s just natural.” Every stage of my life has included thrifting. My first apartment was completely furnished by Goodwill. Even when I became a mom, I thrifted my children’s clothes. I’d say 80% of my daughter’s wardrobe has been thrifted. 

Q: What does thrifting mean to you personally?
Omni: It’s everything. When I walk into a Goodwill, it’s like a breath of fresh air. It’s the one place I can just breathe and close all my tabs. Between teaching, parenting, and community work, I’m always juggling so much. Thrifting is my therapy. 

Q: You mentioned your daughter—how has thrifting become part of your relationship with her?
Omni: It’s our love language. I’ve introduced her to thrifting, and now it’s something we share. She’s found her own style and is confident in her skin. We have a Saturday routine—after I tutor, we go to Goodwill. If we miss it, she’ll ask to go on Sunday. It’s become our way of life. I tell her, “You’re an artist. Let’s go find pieces and create something beautiful.” 

Q: How does thrifting show up in your classroom life?
Omni: I teach second through fifth grade, and every day my students say, “Ms. Lester, I love your outfit!” I always tell them, “It’s thrifted.” They’re shocked—like, “Wait, you got that from a thrift store?” And I say, “Yes! Everything I wear is thrifted—except maybe the shoes.” You can see their minds working, like, “If Ms. Lester can find this at Goodwill, maybe I can too.” Some of them come back and say, “Miss Lester, I went to Goodwill with my mom and got these pants,” or “My mom found a blazer for her job.” That’s the moment I know I’m helping shift their mindset. 

Q: What do you say to people who think thrifting is “less than”?
Omni: I used to think that way too, as a kid. I’d ask my mom, “Why can’t we go to the mall?” But now I know thrifting is beautiful. You never know what you’ll find. You just have to be open-minded. I post thrift hauls online, and people are surprised to see tags still on items. Sure, you might have to dig a little, but it’s worth it. Go in with an open mind—you’ll find gems. 

Q: What makes thrifting so meaningful to you personally?
Omni: It’s life. It’s everything. I’ve been trying to find the words, and I told my mom, “The little girl inside me is so happy.” Thrifting has been the thread connecting every phase of my life. It’s how I express myself, how I decompress, how I bond with my daughter. It’s art. I walk into a store, see a piece, and immediately imagine how it fits into my closet. It’s therapeutic. 

Q: You’ve spoken about Goodwill’s mission. How do you see that impact in your community?
Omni: I teach at a Title I school and I’ve seen firsthand how Goodwill supports families. We’ve sent students to Goodwill programs for job training and trades. When I shop or donate, I know I’m helping people I interact with every day. Even rounding up at checkout—it may be just a few cents, but it adds up. It’s a full-circle moment for me. 

Q: What are some of your favorite Goodwill locations in the Charlotte area?
Omni: I love the North Tryon store, it’s close to my school. WT Harris is another favorite; the ladies there are amazing. Concord is underrated but one of the best. I get at least half of my learning materials from Goodwill. My daughter and I also love the Mountain Island location. And I’ve checked out the Shopton Road store and The GRID is great for tech finds. 

Omni Lester isn’t just a thrifter; she’s a storyteller, a teacher, and a community advocate. Her journey reminds us that every purchase, every donation, and every shared moment at Goodwill is part of something bigger. 

When Sabrina Edwards walked into Goodwill’s annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale, she wasn’t just searching for a gown – she was stepping into a moment of healing, celebration and community. This year marked the first-ever partnership between Goodwill Industries of the Southern Piedmont and My Breast Friend’s Wedding, who supports The Go Jen Go Foundation, dedicated to providing critical financial assistance to local individuals and families who are battling breast cancer. Together, the organizations created a space where beauty meets purpose, and where survivors like Sabrina Edwards could find more than just a dress at an affordable price, but she could find joy, dignity and connection. 

In this Q&A, Sabrina shares her journey of survivorship, the emotional moment she found her perfect gown at Goodwill’s annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale, and the deep impact of two organizations coming together to uplift women when it matters most.

Q: Tell us about your experience finding your gown at Goodwill’s annual Bridal Pop-Up Sale.
A: It was wonderful. Honestly, I felt like a queen the moment I walked through the door. Even before that – when I called, someone answered on the second ring and told me to come in. They welcomed me, took pictures and made me feel like family. I felt so special. I could’ve cried, but I held it together. It was just beautiful. 

Q: What made you choose the gown you’ll wear to the My Breast Friend’s Wedding gala?
A: I love the floral design – it’s different. Most people go for lace, but I’m an out-of-the-box person, and this dress called my name. It fit like a glove, no alterations needed. It’s elegant, it’s me, and it covers my scars.

Q: You mentioned the gown helps you feel confident. Can you share more about that?
A: My scars are part of my victory, but I don’t always like how they look. This dress covers them, and that makes me feel beautiful. It helps me remember what life felt like before cancer. You can’t see where my port was. It’s healing in a way. 

Q: You’re a survivor. Where are you in your journey now?
A: I’m in my fifth year. I just had my oncology appointment and have five more months of medication. I did six rounds of chemo, 33 radiation treatments, two surgeries – and I’ll finish my medicine this October. It’s been a journey. 

Q: How has Go Jen Go supported you through that journey?
A: They’ve been amazing. During COVID, they brought gifts for me, my son and my husband – even when contact wasn’t allowed. They sent money for a few months and gave me things like chapstick and lotion, which really matter when you’re going through treatment. They’ve always made me feel special. I’ll support anything they do. 

Q: And what does it mean to you that Goodwill partnered with My Breast Friend’s Wedding this year?
A: It means everything. Goodwill is a nonprofit that helps people in the community, and now they’re helping women like me feel beautiful and supported. Years ago, before breast cancer, I had Graves’ disease and was trying to find a job. Goodwill helped me build a resume – and I still use it today. They’ve always been a staple in my life. 

Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share?
A: I just feel grateful. I feel adored. That’s the word – adored. Not everyone in my life has been supportive, but these organizations have. And that means the world to me. 

Sabrina’s story is a powerful reminder of what happens when compassion and community come together. The 2026 Bridal Pop-Up Sale will continue that tradition on Saturday, March 7 at the Goodwill Opportunity Campus, located at 5301 Wilkinson Blvd. Whether you’re searching for a wedding gown, formal dress or accessories, this event promises to be a good time for a great cause. 

This Halloween, skip the cookie-cutter costumes and overpriced decor – Goodwill is your ultimate Halloween headquarters! Whether you’re hunting for a one-of-a-kind costume, DIY inspiration, or frightfully fun decorations, stop by your local Goodwill for everything you need to celebrate in style without haunting your wallet. Goodwill offers endless possibilities to help you stand out at every party, parade, or pumpkin patch.

COSTUME INSPIRATION

At Goodwill, creating a standout Halloween look is easier (and more fun!) than you think. With aisles full of unique pieces and unexpected finds, you can build a costume that’s truly one-of-a-kind. Whether you’re channeling a classic character or inventing something totally new, we make it simple to add your own twist and personality. No two costumes are ever the same, and that’s what makes shopping here so magical. Ready to get inspired? Check out a few ideas below and find even more costume inspiration here – including a list of what you’ll need to bring each costume to life!

HALLOWEEN FINDS IN STORES NOW

SPOOKY FINDS, REAL IMPACT

Every Halloween thrift haul does more than help you create a boo-tiful, one-of-a-kind costume or haunted home. It also helps keep gently used items out of landfills and supports life-changing programs right here in our community. So when you thrift Goodwill for Halloween, you’re not just getting a great deal – you’re brewing up real impact for your neighbors. Learn more about our mission and how we impact thousands of lives each year, all thanks to your donations and purchases.

A FRESH TAKE ON STYLE

A new kind of Goodwill experience is now open in Ballantyne, NC! You can find GW Rewind, a curated shopping space with a vintage flair, inside our Ballantyne-East store, located at 8622 Camfield Street in Charlotte.

From throwback tees and worn-in Levi’s to army jackets, Doc Martens, Carhartt, and accessories with character—GW Rewind is all about style with a story. You can find gems from the ’90s, 2000s, or even the ’70s, but the real magic is in the curation: every piece is handpicked for its vibe, versatility and nostalgic charm.

We hope you’ll stop by and check it out!