Shopping at Goodwill Outlet Stores in South Carolina

What a Goodwill Outlet is and how it differs from regular Goodwill

A Goodwill Outlet is a separate store from the regular Goodwill thrift shop. While standard Goodwill locations sell donated items by the piece—a shirt for $5, pants for $8—the Outlet sells items by the pound. You fill a bag or bin, pay one flat price per pound, and leave. The Outlet receives merchandise that didn't sell on the regular floor: damaged items, overstocked goods, seasonal pieces, and anything else Goodwill needs to move quickly.

The trade-off is clear: prices are much lower, but selection is unpredictable. You might find name-brand jeans, kitchen appliances, books, and furniture all mixed together. You might find nothing you want. Shopping the Outlet requires patience and a willingness to dig, but the per-pound pricing means a full bag of clothes often costs $2 to $4 total.

Goodwill Outlets in South Carolina operate under the same nonprofit mission as regular Goodwill stores—funding job training and employment services—but they function as a final stop for inventory. Once items reach the Outlet, they're priced to move.

Key Takeaways

• Goodwill Outlets charge by the pound, not by individual item, making a full bag of clothing typically cost $2 to $4 regardless of what's inside.
• Outlets receive overstock, damaged, and unsold merchandise from regular Goodwill stores, so inventory changes constantly and varies widely in condition and type.
• South Carolina has Goodwill Outlets in Charleston, Columbia, and Greenville, each with different hours and pricing structures.
• Shopping the Outlet works best if you have time to browse, don't mind imperfect items, and enjoy the hunt for unexpected finds.
• Proceeds from Outlet sales fund Goodwill's job training programs, so your purchase supports workforce development in your community.

Where to find Goodwill Outlets in South Carolina

South Carolina has three Goodwill Outlet locations. The Charleston Outlet is located on Meeting Street and serves the Lowcountry. The Columbia Outlet operates on Blanding Street and draws shoppers from the Midlands. The Greenville Outlet sits on Laurens Road and serves the Upstate.

Each location keeps its own hours, which can shift seasonally. Before you visit, check the Goodwill website or call ahead to confirm current hours and any temporary closures. Outlet hours are often different from regular Goodwill store hours—some open later or close earlier—so a quick phone call saves a wasted trip.

Parking is typically available at each location, though the Charleston Outlet can get crowded on weekends. If you're planning to fill a large bin or bag, arriving early in the week often means less competition and fresher stock.

How pricing works at the Outlet

Goodwill Outlets use a per-pound pricing model. You select a bag or bin from the store (usually provided free or for a small deposit), fill it with whatever you want, and pay one price per pound at checkout. The per-pound rate varies by location and can change, but typically ranges from $1.50 to $2.50 per pound across South Carolina Outlets.

A full grocery-sized bag of clothing usually weighs 3 to 5 pounds, bringing your total to $4.50 to $12.50 for an entire bag. Heavier items like books, shoes, or kitchen appliances add weight quickly, so a bin of mixed goods might cost $15 to $25. The scale at checkout is the final word—what you see is what you pay.

Some Outlets offer color-tag sales on specific days, where items tagged with a particular color receive an additional discount. Ask staff when you arrive whether any sales are running that day. These sales can drop prices even further, making it worth timing your visit around them if you're a regular shopper.

What you'll find and what condition to expect

Goodwill Outlets stock whatever didn't sell at regular Goodwill stores, plus items too damaged or worn for the main floor. This means you might find brand-new merchandise still with tags, vintage furniture, books, kitchen gadgets, clothing in all sizes, shoes, belts, and seasonal decorations all in the same bin. The variety is the Outlet's appeal—and its unpredictability.

Condition varies widely. Some items are in excellent shape; others have stains, missing buttons, or broken zippers. A few pieces may be unsalvageable. The Outlet does not sort or organize by size, color, or condition, so you're doing the work that regular Goodwill staff do on the main floor. This is why the prices are so low: you're accepting items as-is and handling the sorting yourself.

Clothing is the most common find, but don't assume that's all you'll see. Outlets regularly stock furniture, electronics (though these may not work), books, toys, and home décor. Visiting multiple times over several weeks will show you how inventory rotates. Some shoppers visit weekly; others find it worth the trip once a month.

Tips for shopping the Goodwill Outlet successfully

Bring your own bags or bins if you have them—some Outlets charge a small deposit for their bags, and bringing your own saves that cost. Wear comfortable clothes and shoes; you'll be standing and bending while you dig through bins. Bring a friend if you can; two sets of eyes spot things faster, and it makes the hunt more enjoyable.

Inspect items carefully before you commit them to your bag. Check zippers, seams, and hems on clothing. Look for stains or odors. Test electronics if possible (though many Outlets have limited testing stations). Don't assume something is broken just because it's at the Outlet—many items are there simply because they didn't match what regular Goodwill customers wanted that week.

Shop during off-peak hours if you can. Weekday mornings and early afternoons are usually quieter than Saturday afternoons. Quieter times mean you can browse more thoroughly without feeling rushed. If you're looking for specific items—say, winter coats or kitchen equipment—ask staff whether they've seen those categories recently. They often know what's been coming through.

Set a budget before you go and stick to it. It's easy to fill a bag when prices are this low, and a 10-pound bin can add up quickly. Decide in advance whether you're shopping for yourself, stocking up for a group, or hunting for resale items, and let that guide how much you're willing to spend.

Goodwill Outlet versus regular Goodwill stores

Regular Goodwill stores price items individually and organize them by category. You can find a specific size or type of item more easily. Staff have already sorted and inspected merchandise. Prices are higher per item—$5 to $15 for clothing—but you know what you're getting. Regular Goodwill works well if you're looking for something specific or prefer a more curated shopping experience.

The Outlet is for bulk shopping and bargain hunting. You'll spend less per pound but more time searching. You might leave empty-handed or with a bag full of surprises. The Outlet works best if you enjoy thrift shopping as an activity, have flexible needs, or are stocking up for a group or organization.

Many shoppers use both. They visit regular Goodwill when they need something specific, and hit the Outlet when they want to maximize their budget or hunt for unexpected finds. Both support the same nonprofit mission, so your money goes to the same job training programs either way.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I return items I buy at the Goodwill Outlet?

Return policies at Goodwill Outlets are typically stricter than at regular Goodwill stores, and items sold by the pound are often final sale. Check with your specific Outlet location about their return policy before you purchase. Most Outlets do not accept returns on by-the-pound purchases, so inspect items carefully before you pay.

Do Goodwill Outlets accept donations?

Goodwill Outlets do not accept donations directly. Donations go to regular Goodwill stores, which sort and price items before sending unsold merchandise to the Outlet. If you want to donate, visit a regular Goodwill location or check the Goodwill website for donation drop-off sites near you.

Are Goodwill Outlet items may provide to work?

No. Items are sold as-is. Electronics, appliances, and other mechanical items may not work, and the Outlet does not test or may provide functionality. If an item is important to you, ask staff whether you can test it before purchase, or inspect it carefully for obvious damage.

What happens to items that don't sell at the Outlet?

Merchandise that remains unsold at the Outlet is eventually recycled or donated to other organizations. Goodwill's goal is to move inventory, so the Outlet is the last stop before items leave the system. This is why prices are so low—Goodwill wants to clear stock and make room for new donations.

Can I shop at the Outlet if I'm on a tight budget?

Yes. The Outlet is specifically designed for budget-conscious shoppers. A $5 budget can fill a small bag with several items. Many people use the Outlet as their primary shopping destination for clothing and household goods because the per-pound pricing makes it possible to buy more for less.