Apr 28, 2025
Goodwill of the Finger Lakes established its first retail location in Ithaca, New York, this spring, for sustainable shopping and a convenient donation center to keep gently used items in circulation. The new 15,000-square-foot thrift store occupies the former Ollie’s Bargain Outlet at 723 South Meadow St. and doors opened to the public at 9 a.m. Friday, April 25, following a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The first 100 shoppers who entered the store on April 25 received a $10 Goodwill gift card.
"This strategic expansion has been a long time coming and is our first location in Tompkins County, allowing us to reach new shoppers and better serve the region through our unique social enterprise model," Goodwill of the Finger Lakes President and CEO Jennifer Lake said. "We’re thrilled to be joining a community renowned for its entrepreneurial spirit, high-caliber educational offerings and vibrant culture, and we look forward to bringing our unique thrift shopping experience to the Ithaca community as we
open our doors in April."
A new market for Goodwill of the Finger Lakes, the Ithaca store marks the organization’s 13th retail location across its footprint. Goodwill operates an expansive retail and donation network, serving more than 20 counties across upstate New York, including 26 locations from Greater Rochester to Syracuse, providing shoppers with an assortment of high-quality secondhand and new goods.
The store’s expansive footprint will offer customers an unparalleled shopping experience, introducing thousands of budget-friendly, sustainable apparel and household donations, seasonal merchandise and new goods daily. All in-store purchases benefit Goodwill’s community-based 211 LIFE LINE/988 hotlines. Goodwill also operates several impact programs that address critical needs within the region, including Goodwill Vision Enterprises and Goodwill Learning Academy and other workforce development
opportunities.