Shoppers line up for Goodwill's grand opening

With the rising cost of items and inflation hitting 3% in September, more shoppers are turning towards thrifting.

Dozens were lined up for Goodwill's grand opening in Fort Oglethorpe on Thursday. This is the second Goodwill location in Fort Oglethorpe.

It's not just the unique pieces or vintage finds, the low prices are also drawing more people in.

"It was like a flashback of Black Friday, 2010 you know, there was the line, the excitement in the kind of the mass grabs, and then you go through your little cart," said Lee Tchison, local shopper.

During times where people are looking for ways to cut costs, thrift stores provide that outlets. From gently used clothes, shoes, decor and even appliances, customers take something old and make it new.

"During this day and time, as you said, you know to save money, that's everything now. So, it always helps. You know, if you can find a bargain here and there," said Susan Freeman, shopper.

Thrift stores are all across the Greater Chattanooga Area. You can clean your closet or garage and donate gently used items. Just contact your nearest thrift store to see what items they are in need of.

"I also like donating my own stuff, like, because even if there's stuff that you don't like anymore, there's definitely stuff that you could give away, that someone else will probably want, and they could have use of it. So I think it's like recycling," said Lily Mister, Shopper.

The new Goodwill in Fort Oglethorpe is still hiring. If you're interested, you can find opportunities here.

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VIDEO: East Ridge Grand Opening

By Michelle Turner • February 27, 2026

Goodwill Opens New East Ridge Store and Donation Center A new Goodwill store and donation center opened in East Ridge on Thursday, Feb. 26. The location, at 3715 Ringgold Road in the former Food City building, is approximately significantly larger than the previous Goodwill location in East Ridge. The over 40,000-square-foot building will feature a Goodwill store, a Donation Xpress Center, and a dedicated space for a future Goodwill Opportunity Center. The previous Goodwill location in East Ridge, located at 5082 South Terrace, in front of the AMC movie theater, will remain open as a Goodwill Donation Xpress Center. After the opening of the new East Ridge store, the local nonprofit will operate 16 stores and three Goodwill Opportunity Centers in the region. Goodwill Opportunity Centers provide career search services and employment-readiness assistance at no charge to the community. Store hours are Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sunday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Goodwill accepts donations during regular store hours. “We’re proud to expand our presence and deepen our commitment to the community,” said Gena Weldon, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area. “Those who shop and donate join us in our mission to help people overcome barriers to employment, divert millions of pounds of items from local landfills, equip people with training to prepare for the future of work and make a real impact in Southeast Tennessee and Northwest Georgia.” Those interested in learning about Goodwill Industries of the Greater Chattanooga Area can find more information at goodwillchatt.org.