If you love hunting for hidden treasures at unbeatable prices, the Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store and Donation Center in Long Island City, NY is a place you need to know about. Located at 47-47 Van Dam St, this massive bin-style thrift store draws shoppers from all over the city and beyond.
Pricing is based on weight, so the more you find, the more you save. Whether you are a seasoned thrifter or a curious first-timer, this place offers a one-of-a-kind shopping adventure that is hard to find anywhere else in New York City.
The Bin Shopping Experience You Will Not Find Anywhere Else in NYC
Forget neatly organized racks and price tags on every item. The Goodwill NYNJ Outlet Store runs on a bin system, where everything is tossed into large rolling containers and priced by the pound.
It is raw, unfiltered thrift shopping at its most exciting.
Shoppers pay between $1.99 and $2.29 per pound depending on how much they buy, making it one of the most affordable ways to score clothing and household goods in the entire New York area. The more you fill your bag, the cheaper each item becomes.
Reviewers consistently say they never leave empty-handed, even on slow days. The thrill of not knowing what you will find is exactly what keeps people coming back week after week to this unique Long Island City location.
Massive Size Means More Digging and More Discoveries
One thing almost every shopper agrees on is that this store is enormous. With row after row of bins stretching across a warehouse-style floor, you could spend hours working your way through everything without seeing the same item twice.
The sheer volume of donated goods means the selection changes constantly. Clothing, shoes, linens, housewares, toys, and random collectibles all end up here, donated by people across the New York and New Jersey region.
You genuinely never know what might turn up on any given day.
One reviewer recalled finding handmade quilts, lace tablecloths, and quirky vintage pieces all in a single visit. The size of this store is honestly its biggest selling point, giving every shopper a real shot at uncovering something special buried beneath the surface.
Pricing by the Pound Makes Every Find Feel Like a Win
Here is something that sets this store apart from every regular Goodwill you have ever walked into: nothing has an individual price tag. Instead, everything you want goes into a bag or basket, and you pay by the pound at checkout.
The current rate is $2.29 per pound for purchases under 50 pounds, and $1.99 per pound if you go over 50 pounds. That means a small haul of three pounds of clothing could cost you less than seven dollars total.
One shopper shared that they grabbed seven pieces of clothing, which weighed just three pounds, and paid only six dollars. For budget-conscious shoppers, students, or anyone who loves stretching a dollar, this pricing model is genuinely hard to beat anywhere else in the city.
Hours and Closures You Should Double-Check Before Visiting
Planning your trip carefully can save you a lot of frustration at this location. Several recent reviewers reported showing up during listed hours only to find the store unexpectedly closed, with no online update to warn them ahead of time.
According to Google Maps, the store operates Tuesday through Saturday from 9 AM to 6 PM, and Sunday from 11 AM to 5 PM. However, recent visitor reports suggest the actual closing time may sometimes be as early as 4 PM, and some days the store has been closed entirely without advance notice.
The smartest move before making the trip is to call ahead at +1 718-392-0125 or check the official website at goodwillnynj.org to confirm they are open. A quick phone call could save you a long, wasted journey to Long Island City.
What to Bring So You Are Fully Prepared for the Bins
Walking into a bin store unprepared is like showing up to a camping trip without a tent. Experienced shoppers at this location have a specific packing list they swear by, and following their advice will make your visit way more comfortable and productive.
Gloves are a must since you will be digging through piles of used clothing and household items for extended periods. A face mask is also recommended by multiple regulars, especially if you are sensitive to dust or strong odors.
Hand sanitizer is another smart addition to your bag.
Most importantly, bring your own reusable shopping bags because the store does not provide them. Reviewers also suggest wearing comfortable shoes since you will be on your feet moving between bins for potentially hours.
A little preparation goes a long way toward having a genuinely enjoyable experience here.
Navigating the Competitive Atmosphere Like a Pro
Let us be honest: this store has a reputation for being intense. Multiple reviewers describe a competitive atmosphere where experienced regulars move fast, claim bins quickly, and can make newer shoppers feel overwhelmed or pushed aside.
The key to surviving and thriving here is staying calm and focused. Rather than chasing the newest bins when they roll out, consider working through the older ones that most people have already passed by.
Plenty of great finds get overlooked when shoppers are rushing.
Going during weekday mornings tends to mean fewer crowds and a calmer environment overall. One reviewer even noted that prices are sometimes lower during the week.
Patience and a relaxed attitude will serve you far better than trying to compete with the most aggressive shoppers in the room.
Clothing Finds That Make the Hunt Totally Worth It
Clothing makes up the bulk of what flows through this store, and the variety is genuinely staggering. Donated items come from households all across the New York and New Jersey area, meaning you might stumble across designer labels, vintage pieces, or quirky one-of-a-kind finds tucked beneath everyday basics.
One shopper shared that some of their all-time favorite closet pieces came from this exact location. Another found sunglasses and a Hello Kitty stuffed animal during a single visit with their teenager.
The randomness is part of the charm.
Since everything is priced by the pound, even scoring a high-quality jacket or a barely-worn pair of jeans costs only a fraction of what you would pay anywhere else. For fashion lovers on a tight budget, the clothing bins here can feel like striking gold on a lucky day.
Household Treasures Hidden Among the Everyday Clutter
Clothing gets most of the attention, but housewares are equally plentiful at this outlet. Blankets, handmade quilts, lace tablecloths, ceramic dishes, and random decorative pieces all find their way into the bins on a regular basis.
One visitor specifically called out the impressive number of blankets available during their trip, noting there were so many it was almost funny. Another found beautiful handmade quilts and lace tablecloths that would have cost serious money at any antique shop or home goods store.
For anyone furnishing an apartment on a shoestring budget or hunting for unique home decor, this section of the store is absolutely worth exploring. The trick is getting there early enough before other shoppers scoop up the most appealing pieces.
Weekday mornings tend to offer the freshest selection before the crowds arrive.
How the Bin Rotation System Actually Works
Understanding how bins get rotated at this store will completely change how you shop here. In the past, the store did full rotations every two hours, swapping out all the old bins for fresh ones from the back.
Shoppers would wait behind a white line near the entrance and then rush in together.
More recently, reviewers report that the system has shifted. Now, new bins come out in smaller groups of three to five at a time, placed into whatever row has open space.
Customers are no longer required to wait at the line, which has made the floor feel more chaotic during rotation moments.
Knowing this helps you plan your strategy. Rather than waiting anxiously for new bins, experienced shoppers recommend staying productive by continuing to search existing bins where less competition exists and good items are often still hiding.
Going Early Gives You a Real Advantage
Timing your visit can make or break the entire experience at this store. Shoppers who arrive right when the doors open at 9 AM on weekdays consistently report finding the best selection before the crowds descend and the most competitive regulars claim their territory.
One reviewer who was initially very skeptical about finding anything ended up grabbing seven items in a single early visit, paying just six dollars total. Going in with low expectations and an open mind during off-peak hours is a combination that tends to pay off.
Sunday hours are shorter, running from 11 AM to 5 PM, which compresses the shopping window significantly. Weekday mornings offer the longest, calmest window for browsing.
Plan to spend at least 45 minutes to an hour if you want to work through a meaningful portion of what is available.
Donating Your Items to Support the Goodwill Mission
Beyond being a place to shop, this location also serves as a donation center where community members can drop off gently used clothing, housewares, and other items. Every donation helps fund Goodwill NYNJ’s job training and employment programs across the region.
The donation entrance is separate from the shopping floor, so dropping off is generally a quick and straightforward process. However, a few reviewers noted mixed experiences with the donation staff, so going in with patience and a calm attitude is always a good idea.
If you have bags of clothes taking up closet space, shoes that no longer fit, or household items collecting dust, bringing them here is a meaningful way to give back. Your donated goods directly support people in the community who are working toward employment and financial independence through Goodwill programs.
Tips for First-Time Visitors Who Want to Make the Most of It
First visits to a bin-style outlet can feel overwhelming, and that is completely normal. The environment at this Long Island City location is noisier and more chaotic than a typical thrift store, but once you find your rhythm, it becomes genuinely fun.
Start by walking the entire floor before grabbing anything so you get a feel for where different categories of items tend to cluster. Bring your own bags, wear comfortable clothes you do not mind getting a little dusty, and set a loose budget for yourself before you walk in.
Most importantly, manage your expectations on the first trip. You might find five amazing things or you might leave with nothing, and both outcomes are totally okay.
The more you visit, the better you get at spotting quality items quickly. Every experienced regular here started out as a confused newcomer just like you.
Why This Store Keeps Drawing Shoppers Back Despite Its Quirks
With a 3.6-star rating and hundreds of reviews ranging from glowing praise to honest frustration, this store clearly sparks strong feelings in everyone who visits. Yet one thing nearly every reviewer agrees on is that they always manage to find something worth taking home.
The combination of rock-bottom prices, enormous inventory, and the genuine thrill of the hunt creates an experience that regular thrift stores simply cannot replicate. There is something deeply satisfying about pulling a gem out of a messy bin that nobody else noticed.
Yes, the atmosphere can be loud, the system feels unpredictable at times, and the hours require a quick phone call to confirm. But for shoppers who love the chase, those small inconveniences are a fair trade for the deals waiting inside.
Call ahead, bring your gear, and go in ready to enjoy the adventure.
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