Birds of a feather? Or better? Goodwill shops locating near Wal-Mart stores

Posted Dec 29th 2006 2:56PM by Brian White
Filed under: Consumer Experience, Internet, Wal-Mart (WMT)

In a tactic that many smaller shops and entire strip malls have used for decades now, it seems that Goodwill stores are starting to follow Wal-Mart to newer and older locations hoping to tap into the massive traffic patterns the world's largest retailer normally creates at it stores. (Well, maybe not so much this year...)

In Ohio, Goodwill Industries is moving some of its thrift stores closer to the big-box retailer. Why? It's pretty obvious, isn't it? "We share the same demographic," says a Goodwill spokesperson. In Canton Ohio, Goodwill also plans to close its flagship shop and move it to nearby Perry Township -- a few feet away from a Wal-Mart.

Will this strategy be duplicated by Goodwill Industries locations in other states (if is isn't already?) I would think so -- as Goodwill thrift stores try to move from a second-hand destination into more of a mainstream shopping option. It makes sense. Have you been to a Goodwill lately? You can find a much higher quality of merchandise in a Goodwill.

Tags: Goodwill, Wal-Mart, Wal-Mart Stores, Wal-martStores, WMT

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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

12-29-2006 @ 3:54PM

Amey Stone said...

Interesting strategy, but I bet Wal-Mart isn't too pleased about it. What happened to Wal-Mart trying to be more like Target and go upscale a bit?

12-29-2006 @ 6:18PM

Jack Schneider said...

Who is fooling who if they share the same demographics why did Walmart drop the layaway dept in all their stores. They want to be a Target store it is a shame Walmart forgot their roots.

1-03-2007 @ 12:56AM

Jeanene said...

Frist, Wal-Mart was there before Target.
Second, Wal-Mart was the last retailer to use layaway service. Decreased use and rise in cost was the main factor to close it.

1-03-2007 @ 7:15AM

Jack Schneider said...

Jeanene not true Kmart still offers layaway in there stores. Have you look at the price of Sears-Kmart stock lately they must be doing something right. Layaway sales were down in the Walmart because they discourge the use.