#United States #Goodwill-Minnesota #Waconia-Store #Community-Training #Waconia

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota Expands to Waconia

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota has officially announced the closing of the sale for its new store location in Waconia, a development that marks a significant enhancement to community services in this vibrant area. This forthcoming store, which will span approximately 20,600 square feet, is strategically located just 30 minutes west of the Twin Cities, making it easily accessible for residents and visitors alike.

New Location and Employment Opportunities

The new Goodwill store will be situated at 860 Marketplace Drive, conveniently adjacent to Mackenthun's Fine Foods grocery store and in proximity to Highway 5/Augie Mueller Memorial Highway. When the store opens its doors in late fall 2025, it is expected to employ between 25 to 30 individuals from the local community. This initiative highlights Goodwill's commitment to adding job opportunities and fostering economic growth in Waconia.

Michael Wirth-Davis, the President and CEO of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, expressed enthusiasm about joining the thriving community. “We're pleased to join the thriving Waconia community and remain grateful for generous donations at all our store locations,” he stated, emphasizing the organization’s focus on community support.

Supporting Career Training Programs

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota operates on a model where proceeds from their retail operations contribute directly to career training and support services. This new location will help fund nearly 20 career services aimed at creating job opportunities and providing access for individuals facing barriers to employment. Many community members might be familiar with the name Goodwill but may not realize the extensive impact that shopping and donating to these stores has on local lives.

In addition to the benefit it brings to employment opportunities, the new Waconia store will help facilitate sustainable practices by allowing residents to donate items efficiently. The organization operates over 40 donation bays at various locations, which successfully diverted over 65 million pounds of materials from local landfills last year through their reuse and recycling programs.

Retail Experience and Merchandise

Inside the Waconia Goodwill, customers will discover a roughly 14,500 square-foot sales floor filled with a dynamic range of merchandise. Products will include clothing, household goods, books, electronics, furniture, and much more at affordable prices. The inventory is refreshed frequently, with new items becoming available every hour, ensuring that shoppers will find something unique during each visit.

The project will see collaboration with notable partners, including Lisa Christianson, SVP of Colliers Minneapolis, who handled the brokering of the property. The architectural design will be undertaken by DJR Architecture, Inc., with B2 Builders, LLC managing the construction of this new facility, ensuring that everything aligns with Goodwill's high standards for retail environments.

About Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota

Founded in 1919, Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on eliminating barriers to work and independence through customized services. The organization serves over 5,000 individuals per year, creating meaningful career possibilities. Their various services include industry-specific training and career navigation aimed at long-term job retention.

With community donations playing a crucial role, shopping or donating at Goodwill does more than just find new homes for unused items; it helps to connect people to sustainable jobs while promoting environmental responsibility. For more details on the work and impact of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, visit their website or follow them on social media channels.

This positive development underscores Goodwill's longstanding commitment to not just providing employment opportunities but also enhancing community engagement and sustainable practices in Minnesota.