Goodwill Bins Fairview Ave N St Paul, Minnesota Goodwill Outlet Store

St. Paul’s Goodwill Outlet on Fairview Avenue North is kind of like the smaller, more refined, and slightly more academic sibling to the Twin Cities’ massive northern warehouse. It offers a mighty and rewarding thrifting experience, but it does so in a much more manageable and less overwhelming package. This location is a pretty well-kept secret among those in the know, and it has become a firm favorite among vintage clothing sellers and seasoned thrifters who really appreciate its relatively mellow, focused, and productive atmosphere. The space is definitely more compact than other outlets, which helps to foster a nice sense of community and a much less frenetic dig.

Bin rotations at these Goodwill bins happen on a predictable and reliable 30-minute schedule. The staff enforces a strict but totally fair “one person, one bin” rule during the initial rush for new merchandise. This simple but brilliant policy prevents those chaotic, multi-person pile-ups that you see at other stores and ensures that everyone gets a fair and equal shot at a fresh spot. It’s a small detail that makes a huge difference in the overall experience.

The finds you’ll uncover here are a wonderful and authentic reflection of St. Paul’s unique character. You can expect to find plenty of University of Minnesota and University of St. Thomas gear, charming and quirky 80s and 90s prairie-style dresses, and a fantastic abundance of high-quality, Scandinavian-inspired home décor and furniture that comes from area downsizers and estate clean-outs. It’s a treasure trove for anyone who loves that clean, minimalist, or cozy "hygge" aesthetic.

To really make the most of your visit, you’ll want to come prepared with a few key items. Gloves are absolutely essential for digging. And because the bins here can be surprisingly deep, a lot of the local regulars bring a small, folding stool with them. This simple tool can save your back and knees while you’re rummaging through the bottom layers, where the heaviest and sometimes best items tend to settle. Also, be sure you bring quarters for the pay-by-weight parking meters that are located just outside the store.

The pricing structure is a bit more complex here, with tiered pricing for clothing and other items, but the real unique feature of the St. Paul Goodwill outlet is its themed "Books & Media" day, which is typically held on Wednesdays. On this day, extra bins filled with vinyl records, vintage paperbacks, CDs, and other media are rotated onto the floor, making it a prime hunting ground for collectors and music lovers. With its unique book pricing of $0.49 per inch of binding thickness, it’s a fantastic and affordable way to build a library. It’s a smart, civilized, and highly rewarding place to dig.