Goodwill Goes Gangbusters on Opening Day

It wasn't Black Friday in New Lenox, but the opening of the Goodwill resale store had all the makings of the popular shopping day.

By 8 a.m., the parking lot was overflowing with cars, many parked in the mud next to the lot. Hundreds of anxious shoppers waited to bust through the doors.

"It's been constant, all day," marketing director Laura Sanders said. "They know there's going to be great value and great selection."

That was the sentiment of most shoppers, many who came just to see what they could find. People came from suburbs throughout the Chicago area.

"In this day and age, we've got to get a bargain," said Wilmington resident Dawn, who didn't want her last name printed.

The resale store offers a selection of clothing, books, toys and household items, and it joins a number of other businesses in the New Lenox Town Center development that's anchored by Walmart. The store also has a drive-thru donation center where you can drop off items.

Which other businesses are filling out the Walmart development?

Sanders said the store should resonate with residents who appreciate that goods are being resold instead of dumped in a landfill.

On Friday, shoppers got a free reusable bag with any purchase, while supplies lasted. That deal runs through the weekend. On Saturday, March 10, shoppers will also be treated to free Starbucks coffee.