New Goodwill store and donation center opens in Penn Hills

The new Goodwill store and donation center in the Penn Hills Shopping Center is now open.

A grand opening celebration and ribbon-cutting ceremnony took place Nov. 5.

There was a DJ, and people were dancing as part of the celebration.

“We’re excited to be in Penn Hills,” said assistant manager Nicole Churchfield. “I hope they’re excited for us. It’s crazy busy. Everybody’s been very nice. It’s going very well.”

The shop, next to Planet Fitness off Rodi Road, created about 30 jobs. Its initial inventory was pulled from other stores.

Churchfield said staffers put a lot of time and effort in the past couple of months putting things together for opening day.

“We worked really hard on this place,” she said. “We put all the racks together. I’m glad we’re finally open. I think it’s a good location. I think it’s going to be very busy.”

Penn Hills couple James and Carlene Godfrey were among the opening-day shoppers.

“The staff seems to be pretty friendly,” James Godfrey said. “I’m not used to people saying, ‘Hello,’ when I walk past workers in a Goodwill store. I’m really impressed with the amount of stuff they have in here, a lot of variety.”

Carlene Godfrey said all the items they needed were easy to find.

The store is 15,000 square feet with 8,500 square feet of sales floor.

A contact-free donation dropoff point was established behind the neighboring Giant Eagle. The main doors face the shopping center parking lot.

Ray Williams is the store manager.

Donations to Goodwill are tax deductible. Clothing and household goods are among the most needed items. Large furniture will not be accepted.

For a listing of all 33 Southwestern Pennsylvania Goodwill stores, visit goodwillswpa.org/goodwill-stores.