It's reassuring, yet disheartening, to know that my 'moral conundrum' about Goodwill's pricing isn't an isolated feeling. Many fellow thrifters are echoing the same concerns, asking, 'Why is Goodwill changing its pricing strategy?' The shift is undeniable. I remember when thrifting at Goodwill was about finding truly affordable gems, a necessity for building a 'wardrobe' when I was starting out. Now, walking through the aisles, I often encounter items priced shockingly high – like that $40 purple sweater or the $100 green dress I mentioned. It makes you wonder, are they truly upholding their 'non-profit' mission? One theory often discussed is the influence of online reselling. It feels as though Goodwill itself is adopting a reseller's mindset, looking up items online and pricing them close to retail, even if they're used and sometimes 'stained/pilled.' This strategy directly contradicts the spirit of a thrift shop meant to offer 'accessible' goods to communities. Where's the 'goodwill' in selling a used dress for $100, especially when there are no 'fitting rooms' to even try it on? This focus on maximizing profit, even from donated goods, raises serious questions about their charitable intent. The original post also touched on how employees 'look run ragged,' and I've heard stories about their own pricing policies being controversial. It begs the question: if the organization is struggling internally or shifting its priorities, how does that impact the customers who once relied on them? The rise of 'polyester junk from Shein' selling at premium prices further highlights this disconnect. So, what's a thrifter to do? While my decision to potentially stop shopping there might not make Goodwill go out of business, I believe it's important to 'share your experiences' and consider alternatives. Exploring smaller, local thrift stores, consignment shops, or even online marketplaces might offer more genuinely affordable finds. We need to support places that truly align with the original spirit of thrifting – providing good quality, used items at prices that are fair and 'accessible' to everyone, especially those in need. It's time to redefine what 'goodwill' means in the thrifting world.