Goodwill expands stores

FORT MYERS — Goodwill Industries of Southwest Florida recently says it plans to open a store in downtown Fort Myers and will open two more stores in Estero and Naples in September.

The nonprofit organization has been expanding rapidly in recent years, securing retail space for its thrift stores and donation centers in prime locations while rents remain depressed. Goodwill currently operates 25 stores throughout the region whose profits benefit programs to help disadvantaged people.

This is Goodwill's first location in downtown's River District. “The new River District store will feature what we like to call boutique items,” said Robert Randall, Goodwill's vice president of retail operations. “This includes more exclusive brand names than you might see in our other retail and donation centers.”

Click here to read a Business Review story about Goodwill's business strategy and rapid expansion.