Goodwill posts record $7 billion in 2025 as shoppers hunt bargains

Goodwill Industries, the world’s largest thrift store chain, said it surpassed $7 billion in revenue from its roughly 3,400 stores in 2025, a record that the organization said reflects shoppers looking to stretch their dollars in an uncertain economy. The revenue was up about 7 percent from the prior year, the organization said.

Goodwill’s chief executive, Steven C. Preston, told The New York Times, “We are pretty steady in almost any economic situation,” and added that when things are tight the chain is “probably more likely to get that foot traffic.” The article noted broader consumer trends: holiday spending remained strong, many shoppers use buy-now-pay-later plans, and inflation, slowing job growth and high grocery and rent bills are pushing households toward value purchases.

Customers cited low prices and the “treasure hunt” experience. The story included shoppers’ remarks and said some outlets sell goods by the pound, with customers sometimes waiting hours for new stock. Goodwill collects about six billion pounds of goods a year and routes unsold items to outlet bins, partner resellers, overseas markets or recycling.

The nonprofit uses donations and retail revenue to fund programs including career training, education and services for formerly incarcerated people. Secondhand peers have also grown: Savers Value Village reported net sales up nearly 16 percent in its most recent quarter, and ThredUp said revenue rose 34 percent last quarter.

Key Topics

Business, Goodwill Industries, Steven C. Preston, Savers Value Village, Thredup, Thrift Stores