City's New Goodwill Store to Hold Grand Opening

Goodwill Industries of Northern New England invites shoppers and donors to the Grand Opening celebration of its new Portsmouth store and donation center on Thursday, December 20 at 9 a.m.

Celebration activities include a ribbon cutting ceremony at 9 am, door prizes and weekend-long raffle. Customers will also have the opportunity to learn about Goodwill’s programs in New Hampshire that help strengthen communities and get people back to work.  

The new Portsmouth store and donation center is located at 720 Lafayette Road in Portsmouth (site of the former Bournival Jeep Dealer). Shoppers will enjoy a new 17,800 square foot building that features a convenient donation drive-thru and several environmentally-friendly aspects, including an energy-efficient HVAC system, polished concrete floors (which eliminates the need for harsh chemical cleaners), outdoor LED lights and large windows to reduce electricity use. The building is also engineered for Energy Star compliance, which means Goodwill will be able to apply for Energy Star status after one year of operation.

The new store also accepts used computer equipment through the ReConnect computer recycling program. Since the program launched in 2009, Goodwill has kept over three million pounds of computers and related equipment out of the landfill.

Randy Finamore, Senior Vice President of Retail, notes that the store location offers great accessibility.  “The new store offers ease of access for shoppers and donors. Ample parking and a drive thru donation center makes the store fully accessible to members of the greater Portsmouth community.” The new store is also on the COAST Route 41 Lafayette Trolley Route. The new store will feature a wide variety of donated goods – whether one is looking for unique treasures or a fabulous new outfit, the store will feature clothing, jewelry, books, household items and furniture, as well as a limited selection of new items to create a complete shopping experience.

Shoppers and donors can read about fashion tips, shopping advice and project ideas on Goodwill’s “Thrifting Adventures” blog at www.goodwillnne.org/blog. Store and donation center hours are Monday through Saturday 9 am – 9 pm and Sunday 9 am – 7 pm. 

“We are thrilled to expand our retail presence in the Portsmouth community,” noted Anna Eleanor Roosevelt, President & CEO of Goodwill Industries of Northern New England. “Our retail stores are vital in supporting Goodwill’s mission to help people reach their fullest potential through the power of work. Revenue from our stores is invested in programs that help New Hampshire citizens find employment and strengthen our local communities.”  The new Portsmouth Goodwill store will employ nearly 60 full and part time staff.

Submitted by Michelle Smith, communications manager, Goodwill Industries of Northern New England