#United States #Chesapeake #Goodwill Industries #Jessup #Sustainable Shopping

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake Unveils Its Largest Store

Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake is excited to announce the grand opening of its largest store and donation center in the region, scheduled for Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m. Located at 10350 Guilford Rd., Jessup, Maryland, the new 22,000-square-foot facility not only signifies an expansion for Goodwill but also reflects its commitment to community support and sustainable practices.

A New Community Hub

This flagship store, which employs 25 individuals, is designed to serve as a central hub for affordable shopping opportunities while also championing second-chance hiring initiatives. With the local economy experiencing a 35% increase in sales at its top nine Baltimore-area stores over the past year, Goodwill is bolstering its services to cater to this growing demand.

Sara Rusyniak, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake, shared her enthusiasm, stating, "Every aisle in this new location represents more than just affordable finds; it is a realm of opportunities. It reflects our mission to create jobs, promote sustainable practices, and ensure that every purchase contributes to someone’s pathway to success."

Aside from retail, the new store will also generate revenue to fund an array of mission-driven programs. These include career training, comprehensive employment support, and educational opportunities at the Baltimore Excel Center, a tuition-free high school for adults. The center aims at lifting individuals out of barriers that prevent stable employment.

Commitment to Second-Chance Hiring

As part of Goodwill's ongoing commitment to social responsibility, the new store will focus on hiring individuals who are re-entering the job market after incarceration or career transitions. Employees will benefit from paid training, skill development programs, and access to supportive services, enabling them to build sustainable futures.

Goodwill aims to process thousands of donated items weekly, proactively working toward diverting usable goods from landfills and mitigating the environmental impacts of fast fashion. This approach not only benefits the community but also aligns with growing trends toward sustainability in retail.

Celebration and Community Engagement

The grand opening event will kick off with a ceremonial ribbon-cutting featuring Goodwill leadership, local officials, and community members. The first 50 shoppers to make a purchase on opening day will receive a complimentary Goodwill tote bag, and there will be raffles throughout the day for $25 gift cards. Additionally, visitors to the donation center will have chances to win various giveaways, including a special $25 gift card for the first car in line.

Promotions will continue through the weekend; the first 20 shoppers on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday will receive a mini tote filled with a $10 gift card. A unique twist will be the placement of hidden “treasure chests” around the store, offering shoppers opportunities to win various prizes ranging from gift cards to Goodwill merchandise.

On Sunday, loyal members of Club GW will be rewarded with double points on their purchases, further enhancing the spirit of community engagement and participation.

Media representatives are invited to cover the ribbon cutting on September 4 or to schedule pre-opening tours next week to capture visuals of the setup and speak with leadership and staff about their mission.

Event Details

• - What: Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting of Goodwill Industries of the Chesapeake's Laurel Store & Donation Center
• - When: Thursday, September 4, 2025, at 10 a.m.
• - Where: 10350 Guilford Rd., Jessup, Maryland 20763
• - Who: Goodwill leadership, local officials, community members, and the public

In summary, the new Goodwill store in Laurel is set to ignite opportunities and foster community resilience through accessible employment and sustainable practices, paving the way for a thriving local economy. For additional information about services and the grand opening, visit goodwillches.org.