After having read blog posts and seen numerous pictures from Goodwill Outlet from one of my favorite vintage style bloggers Sammy Davis, I finally found some time to make it to a Goodwill Outlet here in Minnesota, in St. Paul to be more precise. The store is located right off of 280 and University Ave. And I was by no means prepared to what I saw. It’s basically a giant wear house, with tons and tons of stuff. A picture is worth a thousand words, so here is one for you:
In case you didn’t know here is how Goodwill Outlet works:
1. Your cart is always supposed to be against the wall.
2. Every now and then the staff does cart checks, and if you are not by your cart, they’ll dump it all out!
3. You are not allowed to touch anything while the staff is unloading boxes.
4. Bring your own bags.
5. All items are priced based on weight.
6. Have FUN!
So I grabbed a cart, put some tobramycin in my eyes and went digging 
I spent about 2 hours at the outlet, going through it all, and in the end, after having paid a little under $11, I came home with all this:
1. Some accessories:
2 Pairs of Shoes
3. A couple items to refashion – the ideas are brewing in my head as I type
4. Some vintage tops:
5. And some every day clothes
Let me know which of the pieces you liked the most! And follow my blog to see how I style these finds in the nearest couple of weeks!
Xo,
Z
November 15, 2012 at 9:07 pm
I hate that we don’t have one of these in GA..
June 21, 2012 at 4:29 pm
I used to be a frequent shopper of the outlet in austin, tx until they moved it an hour away. The tables at this one were portable so they took them to the back and rolled out newly replenished ones. You had to stand behind a yellow safety line until the man/woman in charge said, “go”. OMG, all I can say is VULTURES, that is what it reminded me of, vultures circling and ready to pounce on fresh roadkill. I always walked out with plenty for my $10-$20.
June 20, 2012 at 8:33 am
I love the Goodwill outlet here in NC – you really can’t beat the prices, but the thrill of the hunt has to be my favorite part.
I’m loving that peacock bag and vintage polka dot top from your haul. You found some great stuff!
June 20, 2012 at 8:35 am
Thank you hun! The hunt is the best part, I agree! Did you see my post on how I styled the vintage polka dot top? Anyways thank you so much for stopping by! xo
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June 14, 2012 at 2:53 pm
I’m with Meg – loving that polka dot top! So cute. Thanks for posting all the “rules” – I desperately want to visit a Goodwill Outlet, but I’ve never been and your experience is really helpful in preparing! If you think of any more tips (or any other experienced outlet-ler who might be reading this comment), please post them for me – I’d be eternally grateful
June 14, 2012 at 5:45 pm
Thanks
If I think of any more tips, I’ll definitely let you know! And if you do end up going to an outlet let me know how it goes for you!
June 20, 2012 at 8:35 am
Hey! I frequent our Goodwill outlet and we actually don’t have any of the rules mentioned in the post – I think they must vary by location.
Our location is a total free-for-all. I kind of wish we did have some rules because it’s a huge pain to navigate around all the carts in the aisles and when a new bin of stuff comes out, everyone swarms it – totally insane.
June 20, 2012 at 8:36 am
oh wow! that sounds pretty intense! maybe there is a way to leave feedback on their website, so that they apply some of the rules that exist in other states?
June 21, 2012 at 8:35 am
thanks for the tip, champaigntoast – when i get to the nearest outlet, i’ll have to check to see if they have any rules. very interesting that they might vary by location. a total-free-for-all sounds a little scary, haha. beingzhenya’s idea about feedback is really good – maybe if they don’t have a website, you could suggest it to the manager of the store. having a few ground rules sounds like it might improve the shopping experience for everyone. thanks again for the comment!
June 21, 2012 at 8:39 am
No problem! I’ll definitely look into a feedback option.
June 14, 2012 at 1:59 pm
I am really diggin’ the belt, necklace and the peacock bag. I almost gasped when I saw them and thought about you getting all of it for under $11.00. Next time I go home to visit, I’m going to have to make this a definite stop. I can’t wait to see what you do with it all!
Beth
June 14, 2012 at 5:46 pm
I am so glad I was able to inspire you to go check one out! I will be posting outfits soon
Thanks for always reading my blog! I really appreciate it!
June 14, 2012 at 1:18 pm
I too have been to the outlet store and was frightened at first but after you get aquainted with the drill you can find some really good stuff for super cheap!
The part that caught me off guard the most at first was the rush of people when they would bring out a new pallet of stuff and when they said GO the people just swarmed the pallet and I just stood back and watched!
June 14, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Yeah, the GO is definitely a signal for the crazy to begin. People weren’t as crazy at the outlet I went to, so it was nice!
June 14, 2012 at 11:43 am
I love the first vintage top and the bag. Can’t wait to see how your style these items in the near future…
June 14, 2012 at 5:47 pm
Will be posting really soon
Thanks for checking out my blog!
June 14, 2012 at 10:58 am
LOVE the dotted vintage top and pink scarf. What a fun expedition!
June 14, 2012 at 5:48 pm
It was a blast! I was taken aback a little at first, but now, I am all ready to go back and explore some more!
June 14, 2012 at 9:42 am
adore that polkadot vintage top! we tried to go twice to the outlet but we could either never find it or it was closed. ha! this makes me want to try again. question – is it only clothes? or do they have furniture too?