With five different Goodwill outlets spread throughout the state, Oregon has become something of a thrifting mecca for bargain hunters and resellers who know where to look. Each location tends to draw its own crowd of dedicated treasure seekers, and honestly, the competition can get pretty intense – but that's exactly why the finds here are so incredible. You might be digging around for those classic Pendleton flannels, some quality outdoor gear, or maybe one of those quirky little trinkets that scream Portland weirdness, and there's almost always something worthwhile buried in those Goodwill bins. Plenty of seasoned thrifters actually rank Oregon's Goodwill bins among the absolute best in the country when it comes to scoring deals. Here's a little insider tip I picked up from some regulars: the Medford Goodwill outlet doesn't get nearly the attention it deserves, which means you'll often find amazing stuff there without fighting through massive crowds.
Now, if you've never been to a Goodwill outlet before, here's what you're walking into – forget about those neat little racks you see at regular thrift stores. Instead, you're looking at piles of merchandise just dumped into these huge blue bins, and everything gets sold by weight (usually running under $2 per pound). You're literally paying pocket change for things that could be worth serious money. The space gets shared with all sorts of folks, including those lightning-quick resellers who definitely don't mess around when they spot something good, but honestly, that's all part of what makes it exciting. Your best bet is showing up early, throwing on some gloves, and bringing along a couple of large totes. Good luck snagging a cart though – those things disappear fast, and when fresh bins start rolling out, the whole place gets pretty hectic. Don't get discouraged if your first trip doesn't yield much; these stores get new stuff every single day. Keep showing up with a little patience and some luck on your side, and before you know it, you'll be spotting treasures like someone who's been doing this for years.
