City: Portland, OR

Category: Shopping

Telephone: (503) 238-6165

Address: 1943 Southeast 6th Ave.

Description: Goodwill in Portland is something of a phenomenon, a business model for all the other Goodwills in the nation because it is so successful. It became successful because it is clean and bright, with inventive advertising and a cheerful atmosphere. The selection of men’s, women’s, and children’s clothes is extensive and reasonably priced. You won’t waste time weeding out stained shirts and zipperless pants either. The books section is remarkably free of culls and very well organized. The turnover in just one day is fast. Besides clothes and books, there are plenty of domestic items—dishes, fabrics, odds and ends, wall decorations—and a music section with a ton of LPs. Prices are, however, climbing. You will no longer find Coach bags for $4 or vintage pottery for 99 cents. Bargains can be found, but you will have lots of competition, because everyone shops at Goodwill. Goodwill stores are found throughout the city and more are opening every day. Check out the downtown store at 838 Southwest 10th Ave. for the crème de la crème of fashion recycling.