Grand Opening of Goodwill's New Store in Waconia: A Community Celebration

Goodwill Unveils New Store in Waconia, MN

On January 23, 2026, Goodwill opened the doors to its latest store located at 860 Marketplace Drive in Waconia, Minnesota. This new outlet has drawn significant interest from the local community, marking a vibrant addition to the area's retail options. The grand opening was attended by over a hundred enthusiastic attendees, who came out to celebrate this new milestone for the non-profit organization.

The event featured a ceremonial ribbon-cutting, graced by dignitaries including Dr. Michael Wirth-Davis, President and CEO of Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota (GESMN), along with Waconia Mayor Tim Litfin and other city officials. To add excitement to the celebrations, the first 50 customers had a chance to win one of ten $20 Goodwill gift cards, drawing in even more visitors eager to browse the store.

Inside the store, shoppers are welcomed with thousands of items that are restocked daily at remarkably low prices, starting from just 99 cents. The inventory changes frequently, ensuring variety as it includes clothing, household goods, books, art, electronics, furniture, and much more. This not only provides great value for customers but also supports a sustainable approach to retail.

The new Goodwill store is set to employ between 20 to 40 individuals from the local community, contributing to local economic growth and helping individuals find gainful employment. Dr. Wirth-Davis expressed gratitude for the community's warm reception and support of Goodwill's mission: "We're gratified at how enthusiastically Waconia has embraced our mission of eliminating barriers to work and independence."

Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota, a recognized 501(c)3 non-profit organization, has been actively providing career training and support since 1919. Every year, it reaches nearly 6,000 individuals, offering services like industry-specific training, digital literacy, resume assistance, and family stability services. Their goal is to help job seekers navigate the complexities of entering the workforce, with a strong emphasis on empowering those facing disabilities.

A significant aspect of Goodwill's operations is its commitment to environmental sustainability. Shopping and donating to Goodwill helps divert nearly 60 million pounds of materials from landfills annually, playing an essential role in keeping Minnesota environmentally friendly. Community members are encouraged to engage with Goodwill by both shopping and donating, which not only supports local employment opportunities but also leads to a cleaner, greener environment.

As Goodwill continues to expand its reach in the Waconia area, it reaffirms its dedication to serving the public by partnering with local schools, other non-profit organizations, and city officials to strengthen the economy and create robust career pathways for residents.

The impact of Goodwill's mission in Waconia will undoubtedly resonate within the community for years to come. For more information on Goodwill-Easter Seals Minnesota and its initiatives, visit gesmn.org or follow them on social media @goodwillmn.

In conclusion, the opening of Goodwill's new store in Waconia is not just a retail milestone; it represents a significant step in creating opportunities and supporting local residents in their journey towards independence and career growth.