Goodwill Bins Des Moines, Iowa Goodwill Outlet
Goodwill Outlet in Des Moines, Iowa, a treasure-hunt Goodwill bins outlet. Visitors dig through clothing, books, shoes, electronics and more in this pay-by-pound outlet with shopping carts provided and restrooms on-site; Smoking, food, and drinks are not allowed. Regular bin rotations mean that no two trips ever feel exactly the same.
Rules and Amenities
We recommend calling ahead or checking the store's website to confirm hours and availability before visiting.
Get ready for some seriously intense competition at Des Moines' only Goodwill outlet, a place that has rightfully earned its reputation as a high-stakes treasure hunting ground for central Iowans who don't mess around.
The intensity is genuinely palpable from the moment you approach the building. This isn't casual browsing territory, and the store's policy of not allowing anyone under 16 inside really underscores its focus on serious, no-nonsense digging.
The pace is absolutely relentless, with a sharp whistle blowing every 20 to 25 minutes to signal arrival of a new row of bins. This is the moment of truth, when regulars a formidable crowd of seasoned resellers and veteran thrifters literally sprint to fresh merchandise. For newcomers, it's crucial to keep your elbows in, stay aware of your surroundings, and focus on your own search instead of getting caught up in the chaos.
To succeed here, you need the right gear and mindset. Gloves and closed-toe shoes are essential for safety, and a tough, oversized tote bag becomes your best friend, since shopping carts are the first thing to disappear and are rarely available after that initial opening rush.
The finds are pure Iowa heritage. Ranging from classic farmhouse décor and sturdy tools to a seemingly endless supply of vintage Hawkeyes and Cyclones apparel that fans go crazy for. Resellers are known to stalk the bins for valuable heritage pieces, especially anything related to John Deere that stuff moves fast.
A pro-tip to beat them to the punch: meticulously check the hard-goods and toy bins, where vintage model tractors and other branded collectibles often get overlooked in all the clothing frenzy.
Be mindful at checkout, as staff sometimes enforce a limit of two large IKEA-style bags per transaction before weighing. For a lower-stress experience, try visiting mid-week afternoons when crowds thin out slightly, giving you more room to breathe and dig for gold.