As the cost of school supplies continues to outpace inflation—lunch boxes up 27%, notebooks 20% and scissors 14%—many families in South Philadelphia are looking for ways to keep back‑to‑school expenses manageable. The Goodwill store on Oregon Avenue is emerging as a local resource for those seeking affordable options.
Low‑cost clothing and accessories
Store manager Amanda Grullon says the store carries children’s clothing starting at $3.99. Sweaters, jeans and coats are available for $5.99 to $7.99, with brand‑name items such as Hollister, Levi’s, Zara, Nike and Under Armour often found at those prices. “You’ll see high‑end boutique brands for just $7.99,” Grullon told Action News.
Backpacks and lunch bags are also budget‑friendly. An Eagles‑green Jansport lunch bag sells for $3.99, and backpacks can be purchased for $5.99. The store’s rotating inventory means shoppers can find new deals each visit.
Classroom supplies and books
Teachers and parents can stock up on notebooks, paper, scissors and other classroom essentials at reduced prices. Goodwill offers books for less than $1 and a variety of art and science supplies. The store’s “treasure‑hunt” atmosphere encourages multiple trips, as new items are added daily.
Student discounts and promotions
Goodwill’s corporate communications vice president, Juli Lundberg, highlighted a weekly student discount day. On Thursdays, anyone with a student ID receives 15% off their purchase. The store also runs a text‑message program, Club Goodwill, which provides a 20% coupon for the day of sign‑up. Additional markdowns are common on Sundays.
Supporting job training and education
Beyond the immediate savings, purchases at Goodwill help fund the organization’s broader mission. Donations and sales fuel job‑training programs, career services and initiatives that help individuals earn high school diplomas and gain employment skills. Lundberg emphasized that shoppers are directly contributing to “changing lives through the power of work.”
Practical tips for shoppers
Grullon advises shoppers to approach the store with a flexible mindset, planning multiple visits to uncover the best finds. The store is open seven days a week, and new merchandise arrives regularly, making each trip a potential opportunity for additional savings.
For families, teachers and college students looking to stretch their budgets while supporting a nonprofit that invests in the community, the South Philadelphia Goodwill offers a practical solution amid rising school‑year costs.
Original reporting: Allentown News – 6abc Philadelphia — read the source article.
