The vision of our 501(c3) nonprofit organization is that ALL people have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential through the power of work.Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee is based in Nashville, Tenn. The agency serves 48 counties throughout Middle and West Tennessee, operating 30 retail stores and two outlet stores, about 53 Donation Express Centers and 13 Career Solutions Centers. The nonprofit is one of Tennessee’s largest employers of people with disabilities with more than 45 percent of our workforce reporting some type of disability or disadvantage. Although affiliated with Goodwill Industries International in Rockville, Md., we operate independently through our own governing board of directors. Goodwill accepts gently-used items that donors no longer want, need or use. Those items are sold either in our retail stores or online at onlinegoodwill.com. Revenue from the sale of donated goods helps fund job training services and programs provided by Goodwill Career Solutions. In addition to retail sales, Goodwill depends on several other revenue sources, including state and local grants.
Many customers reported rude and unhelpful behavior from staff, with some feeling harassed while shopping.
Pricing Issues
Numerous reviews highlighted concerns about rising prices, with some items being more expensive than new alternatives.
Store Cleanliness
Customers expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the store, particularly in dressing rooms and overall organization.
Product Selection
While some customers found great deals and unique items, others noted that the quality of items has declined.
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Jo Beth Watson
Dec 29, 2025
5.0
Found shoes for a friend.
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Create display name*
Dec 13, 2025
2.0
So freaking expensive now. They get their items literally for free. And yet they raise their prices when there is clearly no needed reason to other than to make more money. I wish they wouldn't. I wish they could just keep their prices lower unlike the rest of the world who isn't able to due to inflation
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Judy Aspen
Dec 7, 2025
1.0
Staff is rude. No notice before close. Changing rooms are FILTHY as is the rest of the store. The woman who stocks the shelves will run out in front of you & cut you off like she’s in a rush all of the time. I won’t be coming back.
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Sarah Maese
Dec 6, 2025
1.0
Store doesn’t give any notice of closing like every other goodwill I’ve ever been to does, the manager just gets on the speaker & says “We’re closed now, start making your way up front.” & while me & my husband are sorting through our things as fast as we can she comes to harass us telling us we have to go up front right now & that we’re the last ones in the store, which was a bold faced lie because once we went to check out there were 2 other customers after us. When my husband told her she needs to give more of a notice, her answer was “We’re not supposed to.” Another lie as EVERY SINGLE Goodwill I’ve ever been to will give a notice 30 minutes before close & 15 minutes before close. Manager just straight up sucks at her job, if you want customers to be out of your store at close, you have to tell them you’re closing soon, it’s common sense for everyone else but she doesn’t have that. We were out 10 minutes after close & would have been anyways without the harassment. Store is dirty, dust bunnies everywhere. Jennifer at the counter is very nice though.
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Benjamin Muse
Nov 29, 2025
3.0
I'm a common size, so it doesn't surprise me that there's not usually a lot there that fits me. My wife, on the other hand, can fill a buggy for her and still leave things behind. The two stars missing is because I've been seeing more and more things there that are priced higher than a new one at the store. For example, I saw a hook there yesterday for hanging flower pots. Still in the packaging from Walmart, it had $1.92 printed on the front. You flip it over to see the Goodwill price... $3.99. Sorry, I'm not paying more than twice as much as what it cost from Walmart. Especially when you got it for free. I'm becoming less and less of a Goodwill fan.
Frequently Asked Questions About Goodwill Retail Store
How do I decide what to donate?
Follow the "One-Year Rule": If the item has not been worn, used or played within the past year, it has probably served its usefulness in your household.
What is the return policy?
Items can be returned for store credit within 3 days of purchase with receipt.
What items are suitable for donation at Goodwill Retail Store?
Follow the "One-Year Rule": If the item has not been worn, used, or played with in the past year, it is likely suitable to donate.
What is Goodwill Retail Store's return policy?
Items can be returned for store credit within 3 days of purchase with a receipt.
What are the operating hours of Goodwill Retail Store?
Goodwill is open Monday through Saturday from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM, and on Sunday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM.
Where is Goodwill Retail Store located?
It is located at 575 S. Jefferson Ave., Cookeville, TN 38501-0915, United States.
What payment options does Goodwill Retail Store accept?
They accept Apple Pay, Cash, Discover, Mastercard, and Visa.
Is Goodwill Retail Store accessible for customers with disabilities?
Yes, the store has wheelchair accessible entrance, parking, and restrooms.
How does Goodwill Retail Store support the community?
Proceeds from sales help fund job training services and programs at Goodwill Career Solutions, supporting employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Are there donation centers near Goodwill Retail Store?
Yes, Goodwill Donation Express Center is nearby, making it convenient to donate items.
What dining options are available near Goodwill Retail Store?
Nearby dining options include Kero's Cafe, Revolver, Arby's, Midtown Social, and Jefferson Street Station, which can be great for a meal before or after your visit.
Are there community services or employment assistance centers near Goodwill Retail Store?
Yes, the Cookeville Career Solutions Center and Goodwill Career Solutions Center are close by to assist with career counseling and employment resources.