The highly popular Goodwill store on Garnet Avenue in Pacific Beach recently went through a comprehensive remodel. “What we are trying to do in all of our stores in San Diego is to have a similar branding identity,” said Beth Forsberg, director of donations and retail operations of Goodwill Industries of San Diego County. “All of our San Diego stores will have a comparable look with the exterior and interior paints, fixtures and signage.” The renovation took five weeks and was completed March 5. The remodeling addressed two issues: to make needed repairs to an aging building and to create an aesthetically pleasing look for customers and employees. The remodel included new flooring and paint, new front windows, air conditioning and a new roof. “We wanted to provide a nice place for the employees to work so we created a new store office and added more space in the back of the store for staff,” said Forsberg. “The remodel was an investment in the community, in our staff and to our mission. The funding for this renovation came through the sale of reusable donated goods. Our entire mission funding and all of our operations are covered by our retail stores. “We do our best to make sure that every useable donation is maximized,” she said. “Our donor base needs to know that we are dedicated to this effort. After our basic overhead expenses, 100 percent of the proceeds from the stores go back to our mission.” The Pacific Beach store has been in operation since the early 1970s and offers “gently used goods” for purchase. Donors are welcome to donate clothing and household items to the store; however, large furniture such as couches and desks should be delivered to the Point Loma facility at 3663 Rosecrans St. In addition to the retail centers, Goodwill also operates several bookstores and an “after-market facility” near San Ysidro, which includes an electronic store. “The after-market facility is where items that have not been sold in the stores end up” Forsberg said. There is also online shopping, where items can be ordered and delivered to the home. Forsberg said Goodwill Industries is committed to helping people find jobs, and strongly supports hiring individuals with disabilities and challenges. “Goodwill turns donations into jobs for people in need,” said Forsberg. A new store in Santee is scheduled to open in late spring and is estimated to create 30-40 new jobs in the Santee facility alone. “Goodwill has employment centers — there is one at the Point Loma location, in addition to other sites,” Forsberg said. “The centers provide free employment services not only for those interested in employment at Goodwill but to the general community as well.” Services include assistance with resume writing, computer use and help filling out applications. The Pacific Beach store is located at 1430 Garnet Ave. For more information, visit www.sdgoodwill.org.
