Goodwill on 34th Street to re-open Friday 

Goodwill Industries of North Florida’s newly renovated Gainesville South location is re-opening with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Friday at 3520 SW 34th St.
Goodwill Industries of North Florida’s newly renovated Gainesville South location is re-opening with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Friday at 3520 SW 34th St.
Photo by Lillian Hamman

Goodwill Industries of North Florida’s newly renovated Gainesville South location is re-opening with a ribbon cutting at 10 a.m. on Friday at 3520 SW 34th St. 

After closing last year in June for the renovation, the highly anticipated grand opening will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony, appearances from UF’s Albert and Alberta Gator, beverages from the Honey Nitro + Cold Brew Coffee Bike and $20 Goodwill gift cards for the first 50 people in line. 

“We can’t wait for guests to experience all the incredible changes that are part of this improved shopping and donor experience,” said David Rey, president and CEO of Goodwill Industries of North Florida in a press release.  

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The new 38,000-square-foot building with a drive-thru donation center expanded its sales floor over 17,000 square feet and relocated its GoodCareers Center with a 3,400 square foot re-build inside. Making the career center visible from the sales floor aims to highlight the organization’s mission services. 

Goodwill on SW 34th Street expanded its sales floor over 17,000 square feet. Photo by Lillian Hamman
Photo by Lillian Hamman Goodwill on SW 34th Street expanded its sales floor over 17,000 square feet.

“We’ve been continuously expanding our reach in the Gainesville market, and this facility allows us to serve the community better. We’re excited for what is to come with our GoodCareers Center and TeensWork Alachua program and how many more people we will be able to help.”  

The sales floor’s brighter design intends to modernize the brand’s retail look, while a new backroom doubled in size with a salvage distribution center will accommodate more employees to streamline operations. 

The renovated space will also house TeensWork Alachua (TWA). The program is a collaboration between the Children’s Trust of Alachua County and Goodwill Industries of North Florida to provide students ages 14 to 18 with paid internships, job opportunities and mentorship with local businesses. 

Gainesville South’s renovation is part of Goodwill Industries of North Florida’s larger plan of expansion efforts. In 2024, the organization opened The Corner at Debs Store in Jacksonville. The grocery store provides fresh produce and groceries to residents in the Historic Eastside neighborhoods. A new Goodwill store will also open in St. Augustine this summer. 

Even though the 34th Street location continued accepting donations in the parking lot throughout the months of renovations, the employees were relocated to other Goodwill stores and donation centers during the closure.  

Between the retail store, GoodCareers Center and TWA in the new facility, Goodwill South will employ over 50 team members.  

“Our Gainesville team will continue to make a positive impact in the community,” Rey said. “That is all thanks to the continued support from our retail shoppers and donors to those who have contributed financially to help our mission of removing barriers to employment.” 

Click here for more information on the Gainesville location, GoodCareers Center and TWA. 
 

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