Goodwill Industries of Central Illinois has seen remarkable growth in recent years. Don Johnson, the organization’s CEO since 2016, says the reason for that is convenience.
“If you’re not in a convenient mindset for people, when the van is loaded up (by) that mother of three, you’re not going to get her donation,” said Johnson, speaking with Steve Tarter on WCBU’s Postmark Peoria.
The drive for convenience accounts for Goodwill’s growth in this region, he said. A donor may drive three or four miles to a store but not 25, said Johnson.
As a result, Goodwill now has 23 separate buildings across central Illinois, covering a territory that stretches from near the Quad Cities to Ottawa to Macomb “where we may have our most beautiful store,” he said.
Goodwill already boasts outlets in Peoria, East Peoria, Washington, Morton, Pekin, Canton and Chillicothe with plans to open a store in Bartonville in December, said Johnson.
A new store in Galesburg will be in place next year, offering triple the space of the present outlet, he said.
“We were a $13 million operation eight years ago. Now we’re closing in on $20 million with plans to hit $22 million in a couple of years,” said Johnson.
Providing convenience to customers isn’t just reflected in the number of stores Goodwill has established, he said. It also drives how stores are set up. “People want new (used) merchandise on the floor every 15 minutes,” said Johnson.
While Johnson makes it as easy as possible to receive donations, there’s a sorting-out process to be considered, as well, he said. “Seventy-five percent of what’s donated never gets on the showroom floor,” said Johnson.
Used clothing remains one of the most important aspects of Goodwill’s business. “Clothes have value not just in this country but across the world,” he said. “No one should be throwing any clothing away. The fibers have value,” said Johnson.
In addition to selling used clothing, furniture, books and household items, Goodwill also offers employment, training and veterans programs, he said. Goodwill could also be viewed as one of the largest recyclers in downstate Illinois, said Johnson. “Metals, cardboard, shoes, belts. We recycle every day,” he said.
Johnson said Goodwill has seen an uptick in customers in its stores “looking for bargains” especially with the inflation that consumers have experienced over the last several years.
