Utah's got just one Goodwill outlet, and it's located right in Salt Lake City. Being the only "bins" location in the entire state, it's become something of a pilgrimage destination for Utah thrifters and resellers. Set up in this warehouse-style space, this Goodwill outlet lets you buy items by the pound, which is still a relatively new concept around these parts – you'll see this interesting mix of curious first-timers and seasoned pickers who already know all the ropes. The vibe at Salt Lake City's outlet tends to be generally friendly and family-oriented (you might actually see multiple generations thrifting together), but it definitely gets competitive when those fresh bins hit the floor. People form lines around new bins and, once the staff gives everyone the go-ahead, it's absolutely game on: hands start diving in, scooping up clothing, rummaging around for electronics, and unearthing all sorts of random treasures.
Here's some local advice I've gathered: show up early if you possibly can; not only will you get first pick of everything, but it's also cooler and way less crowded right when they open. Bring gloves – between old ski gear and dusty pioneer antiques, your hands will definitely thank you – and a mask isn't a terrible idea either if you're sensitive to dust. Carts are usually available, but they can disappear quickly when it gets busy, so having a backup bag really helps out. The community of regulars is pretty welcoming overall; don't hesitate to strike up a conversation or ask someone a question if you need help. And if you don't find exactly what you're looking for initially, remember that Utah's donation stream stays pretty strong (big families tend to equal lots of donated stuff). New bins come out throughout the day and definitely daily, so each visit can yield something completely different from the last time. Stick with it, and you'll likely strike gold (or at least something cool and vintage) at the Salt Lake City Goodwill bins.
