Discover Goodwill’s Newest Austin Bluffs Location Grand Opening – Family Activities, Giveaways & Santa

Discover Goodwill has a new location in Colorado Springs and it’s FABULOUS!

The Grand Opening for the new Austin Bluffs Retail Center is this Saturday, December 13th from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Bring your family and enjoy…

*Free Food

*Family Activities

*A Special Appearance By Santa

*Prizes

*Giveaways

*Fun

*And Of Course Daily Discounts

I visited the store earlier in the week and snapped some pictures (and shopped of course,) so you could see just how cool this store is. It of course has great deals to be found but just the layout and feel of the store is what I was really impressed with. Didn’t feel like I was shopping in a “Goodwill” if you know what I mean. If you’re someone who hasn’t shopped in a Discover Goodwill because you think they are dated, then you have to check this location out. With the open ceiling, painted accent walls, one of the best dressing rooms I’ve ever seen, even better than a lot of upscale (and expensive,) clothing stores,… well, it’s pretty great. In fact, Bradd Hafer, Discover Goodwill Asst Dir, Marketing & Communications, told me that they “have had a lot of positive feedback about the roomy and modern feel it projects.” I couldn’t agree more.

Love the lighting, ceiling and again, modern feel. The building itself is 28,500 square feet and has approximately 50 employees.

This color works so well throughout the store. It definitely has a boutique kind of look and feel, without the boutique prices. They were in the process of adding the rest of the chains to the “Threads” department, which features trendy clothing, shoes and accessories.

The coffee bar section felt like I was actually in a little neighborhood coffee bar. Plenty of seating where you can enjoy complimentary coffee featuring Discover Goodwill’s special blend. You can also purchase bags of the special blend.

I could have spent an extra hour just in the book section, which is right next to the coffee bar. I was able to rest a bit while I sipped on coffee and tried to narrow down my book selections.

My little friend Mason, along with his mommy, met up with me to check out the merchandise. Mason’s like, “Um mom, didn’t you just buy jewelry the other day?”

Like the flooring, lighting, and spacious feel…along with all the great deals.

All the Christmas décor is in one section, making it easy to shop for anything and everything holiday. Lots of items that were still in the original boxes and had never been opened. I picked up a lot of great holiday serving pieces that I will load up with homemade goodies for hostess gifts and entertaining.

Lots of windows and mirrors add to the wide-open feel.

The rounders have easy to read signage and are sized, making it easier to find what you’re looking for.

There’s also a section of new tights, along with a variety of new socks in different sizes and textures for the entire family.

A wonderful selection of children’s books for all ages. Pricing was approximately 99 cents to $1.99 but you can find them for even less, depending on what’s on sale that day. Mason was very interested in the Christmas decoration they were buying. (Mom bought the books too.)

A huge selection of winter scarves and hats, priced to fit any budget.

I shop at all the Discover Goodwill stores in the Springs but I have to say, I think this location was the easiest to shop at. Lots of space between the racks and rounders, giving you some breathing space as you shop. I will still visit the other locations though since each store obviously has different merchandise.

After an hour or so, my little buddy was about ready to call it a day. He decided the hat just wasn’t him but the toy was a “definite.”

Merchandise changes on a regular basis, with new items coming out on a daily basis. I had checked out every corner of the store and on my second walk around, just to make sure I had everything I wanted, I spotted this Marvel Spider-Man tent. It had not been there 30 minutes earlier and it’s not there now since I snapped it up immediately. We have two grandsons ages 2 and 4 and they will flip over this. And it was only $3.99 and in perfect condition.

There’s also a convenient drop-off donation center at this location, which offers beverages, treats and tax receipts. I love Discover Goodwill prices, the selection of merchandise and now, this fabulous new location but the main reason I continue to shop their stores is because I know that with every purchase and donation I make, I’m helping others in our community. You can go to their site and check out their 2013 Annual Report to see just where the money goes.

And the dressing rooms…love them!

Even though I’ve already checked out the new location, I’ll definitely be stopping by for the Grand Opening with all of the fun activities and giveaways planned!

Remember…the Grand Opening is this Saturday, December 13 from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Austin Bluffs Retail Center

4158 Austin Bluffs Parkway, Colorado Springs, 80918

(East of Academy Blvd. on Austin Bluffs)

Retail Center Hours: 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Mon. – Sat.; 9 a.m. -6 p.m. Sun.

Donation Center Hours: 7 a.m. – 7:30 p.m., Mon. – Sat.; 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Sun.

http://www.discovermygoodwill.org/