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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Darren and Jodi's Success

By Michelle Turner • January 16, 2026

When Darren and Jodi made the decision to leave their longtime Florida home to help care for Jodi’s aging parents in Chattanooga, they never imagined how challenging the transition would be. They started their new adventure by buying a house in Chattanooga. Darren turned in his notice at his job at the United Way in Fort Myers, and Jodi resigned from her role as an Executive Vice President at a wealth management company. “We thought we would have no problem finding new jobs. We're both experienced in so many things,” said Jodi. Despite their impressive resumes and years of experience, weeks turned into months of job searching. The stress was mounting. Jodi shared her concerns with her friend in Florida, who reminded her that Goodwill offers free career assistance. Darren and Jodi visited the Goodwill Opportunity Center in East Brainerd. When they arrived, Opportunity Center Manager, Taryn, discussed their situation with them. She helped them update their resumes and connected them with resources and job leads tailored to their skills. Soon after, Darren accepted a job as Operations Manager at the United Way of Greater Chattanooga, and Jodi accepted a job as a Client Business Advisor with Unum. “I really enjoyed having the opportunity to help the Phillips family,” said Taryn, Goodwill Opportunity Center Manager. “At Goodwill, we know that career transitions can be overwhelming, especially when relocating to a new city. Our goal is to provide personalized support, whether it’s resume assistance, job leads, or confidence-building, free of charge, so that each person we help can move forward with hope and opportunity.” “I am positive that all of the guidance we received at the Goodwill Opportunity Center is what made the difference,” said Jodi. “Now we tell people we know who are job hunting to go to Goodwill.”