By Lori Wirth
Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin
Opportunity knocks with the arrival of a new Goodwill retail store and donation center in the Northside TownCenter this fall.
Renovations began earlier this year on 22,000 square feet of space in the building at 2901 N. Sherman Ave. This will be the tenth Goodwill Store in southcentral Wisconsin and brings Goodwill’s signature combination of thrift, community partnership and new employment to the neighborhood.
In assessing neighborhood needs, the decision was made to incorporate a community room at this location. The space accommodates up to 30 people and may be reserved for community meetings and activities.
While Goodwill is well-known to bargain hunters, each new Goodwill store and donation center also presents employment opportunities for the community. Goodwill of South Central Wisconsin (SCWI) anticipates hiring 25‒30 people for everything from entry-level to professional management positions. Jobs at the new location will include receiving, sorting and pricing donated items, stocking the floor and working at the cash register.
“This is a wonderful opportunity for anyone looking for a part-time schedule as well as full-time employment,” said director of stores Jeff Bundgaard. “It’s also a perfect entry into a career in retail sales, with room to grow skills in merchandising, inventory management and marketing.”
“Each of our retail stores is operated with the local community in mind,” said Goodwill SCWI president and CEO Vicki Holschuh. “So we believe our Northside location has a powerful part to play in the stated goals of the Northside Initiatives, particularly as they relate to stability in employment and community connection.”
“Our stores are the economic driver for the mission of Goodwill,” said Holschuh. “With these proceeds, we provide career guidance, supported employment and residential services to people with disabilities, mental health concerns and other barriers to employment and independent living.”
Goodwill SCWI is a local nonprofit. When someone donates to their local store, most times their donation gets resold in that location or within the Goodwill SCWI 14-county region. Each region is an independent 501(c)(3) organization.
The new Northside store grand opening is planned for early fall 2017.