Goodwill Bins in Long Island City

"I have been coming to this location since 2023 and it has changed tremendously, and not for the better. The store used to do complete rotations every 2 hours where they replace every old bin with a new one from the back. It also used to be very organized with sections specifically for clothing, shoes, linen, and house items. Now, they bring out random bins in groups of 3-5 and stick them into any row with room. In addition, when new bins were brought out, customers would be required to stand behind the white line near the main entrance. Now, they are allowed to stand and wait on the sales floor, which can be chaotic when some people are shopping in old bins while others are running like animals to the new ones. I have been to other bin locations in NJ and FL, and a bit of rushing and accidental pushing is to be expected. However, the ladies with bags tied around their waists are insufferable. They sprint to the new bins, shove everyone out of their way, and grab all of the clothes without looking. Often, I will completely ignore the new bin rotations because I know I won’t even get to touch the clothes. This behavior completely ruins my experience and I end up leaving earlier than desired. Why haven’t staff or management corrected them? Because they practically live there. The only upside is I have never left empty handed— but that’s luck of the draw. You will find something but the process of doing so becomes miserable over time. It’s a shame the only location in NYC is such a dumpster fire."

"Environment is very competitive and aggressive. Local/frequent shoppers, specifically (ladies with white sacks tied in their waist) are doing what I feel it is unjust/unfair, they grab all they can from the bins for them to sort things on the side, at the end leaving abandoned shopping carts full of the clothing they decided not to take or check out. Do not let them deterred you, come and do your own digging and finds, you may still scored. I personally didn't find anything besides tons of dirty and used mall brands items, it was not my day and it is okay. I do know now that I can source better at my other local thrift stores in my area."

"The ladies with the white bags on their waists do jump into the new bins, pull out what they consider gold, aka resellables, aka what they image other people want then put their scavenged wares into a shopping cart that lines the walls & covered with a blanket. Its end of times behavior. It’s animals crawling over each other for the crumb. There are arguments, some rough housing. It is easy to steal. Bring gloves, a shopping bag, & although most don’t wear masks, I recommend. There were plenty of nice blankets, handmade quilts, & lace table clothes when I went. It’s $2 something a pound for textiles"

"With all the reviews I was expecting a scary madhouse but it wasn’t like that at all. I came with my best friend at a kind of off peak time (1pm or so on a Saturday) and it was way less overwhelming than I was anticipating. Very lucky there’s one of these in NYC!!! You really have to dig to find good stuff though, my favorite was this Charlie Brown calendar :) (partially broken but it made me laugh) you cannot beat these prices anywhere, regardless of quality. I feel like this place is being judged unfairly by many. Give it a try on at an off peak time. [BUT WEAR GLOVES!!!!!!]"