I have been shopping at the Goodwill in Rockingham several times a month for quite some time. I have always enjoyed coming here. I have made friends with employees and other customers, and there are employees here who have genuinely made me laugh and made my shopping experience enjoyable.
However, I recently had an experience that left me extremely concerned.
While shopping in the clothing department and looking for a jacket, another customer and I overheard a conversation taking place a few racks away. The conversation involved two longtime cashiers, Arielle and Savannah, along with a new manager and a new employee.
When I looked over, I realized that the new manager and new employee were two individuals I had previously worked with at another company. Based on my personal experience there, I was very surprised to see them now working at Goodwill, particularly in these roles. This raised some concerns for me about the hiring process and the direction the store is taking.
What concerned me even more was hearing employees openly discussing and speaking disrespectfully about an assistant manager who has been with the store for several years. Regardless of what may be happening internally, conversations of that nature should not be taking place on the sales floor where customers can clearly hear them.
I have personally had positive experiences with the assistant manager who was being discussed, and I have had many wonderful conversations with her. Hearing the way she was being spoken about was very disappointing and, honestly, appalling as a longtime customer.
I am not writing this review to attack anyone. I am writing because I genuinely care about this store and the shopping experience it provides. I have enjoyed coming here for years, and I have met some truly wonderful people through this Goodwill.
But lately, I have noticed a significant change in the atmosphere, and this recent experience has made me question whether I will continue shopping here as often as I have in the past.
I sincerely hope Goodwill leadership will take these concerns seriously, look into what is happening on the sales floor, and ensure that professionalism, respect, and a welcoming environment remain a priority for both employees and customers.