Goodwill Bins in Ocala

"A mystery adventure! Unlike standard Goodwill stores with color-coded tags and individual prices for each item, a Goodwill Outlet store takes all the items those stores don’t sell and pules them into bins and tables, charging by the pound for different categories: linens, shoes, apparel, glassware, etc. Some items, such as TVs and furniture, have a flat fee. As of mid-September 2023, the Ocala outlet store’s posted hours are 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday. As I checked out, the clerk said they are also open Saturdays, now. This was my first visit to an outlet, so my impressions might not be accurate: Shrewd shoppers seemed to know that new items are brought out early along the back wall, then the bins are taken back for refills midmorning. Other bins throughout the store contain jumbles of books or clothes or linens or housewares, and you might find a sparkling sari dress in with men’s T-shirts, women’s tops of any size, and children’s clothes. Guidelines are posted on the walls: If you are new to outlet shopping, take a moment to read the rules. Tables along one wall hold glassware, plates, figurines and other fragile items. Another row of tables provide clear plastic bags, so the shoppers who already know the different categories can fold and bag up their loot before they roll their cart to check out. Confused by the chaos? Goodwill staff are happy to answer questions. Even the other shoppers might chat with you about their finds. Go with an attitude of adventure, and remember that treasures and surprises could be found in any bin! Get tired of the search? There are benches where you may rest a while."

"The Goodwill Outlet is an absolute feral wonderland of secondhand treasures. It’s not your average thrift store—oh no, this is a full-contact, dig-through-the-heaps-like-a-goblin experience. Picture rows of bins filled with clothes, linens, shoes, and bags that didn’t find love at a regular Goodwill. Why? Who knows. People have bad taste. Their loss, your gain. Yes, you’ll have to get your hands dirty (figuratively… mostly. Gloves are highly recommended!), but that’s part of the adventure. The thrill of the hunt is real, and when you unearth that perfect vintage jacket or a bizarre-but-amazing T-shirt, it’s like winning a very specific, very affordable lottery. Prices are by weight, so you can walk out with an entire wardrobe for the cost of a fast-food meal. It can get a little chaotic, especially when they swap out bins, but the staff is super friendly and happy to help if you look confused enough. Just be prepared for a bit of a crowd—apparently, I’m not the only one who enjoys a good bargain-hunting battle royale. Overall, 10/10 would definitely rummage again. I make a point to stop here any time I'm in the area."

"I have been coming here since I was a teenager. They shut down for Covid and opened back up again a few weeks ago. It has been like losing a friend. We always find something great here. My kids love to go through the bins and it’s like an adventure. They get excited to come here. The staff are extremely nice and helpful. Make sure to follow directions when they bring new bins out or they will make sure you know you didn’t follow them. I don’t even bother with the new bins when they bring them out, because people can get very pushy. Just wait until they start going back to the other bins. Bring gloves!"

"Love that sometimes you can find really good condition stuff, some name brands. They do a rotation of the bins that's good bc at times the bins get some kids lollipop in there so I always bring gloves. Also, some outfits or bags are new but still could use a wash from being dumped in this bin with other stuff; pallet dirt, etc. bringing your own large bag helps to not use a shopping cart that can't go in the rotation line of new/ used stuff coming out. All the employees/ volunteers have always been nice & could help explain if your New. Definitely worth the deals you get."