Goodwill’s Network of Retail Stores Preps for Re-Opening!
Ohio Valley Goodwill’s network of Retail Stores in the Greater Cincinnati area have been busy during the past six weeks busily preparing for the re-opening of its locations in adherence to the Health and Safety guidelines required by the Ohio Department of Health in response to COVID-19. The organization’s network of 18 stores have been closed since March 24th in conformance to the Governor’s directive as a non-essential business. Goodwill’s team however took advantage of the time to deep clean all of its retail settings including display racks, shelves, floors, register areas, bathrooms and to install some health-related safeguards including plexiglass shields at all check-out lines. “Our priority now and at all times is to do everything we can to try to ensure the health and safety of our employees as well as our customers,” said Jeff Eastham, Operations Director. “When our shoppers return, they will have a new experience when they enter the store. Our retail team members will be wearing face coverings; we will be encouraging six foot social distancing in our aisles and at the check-out lane; shoppers will be given a newly disinfected cart when they enter the store and shoppers will note regular cleanings of the store several times a day. Our intention is to keep our shoppers and our retail team members safe,” added Eastham.
President/CEO Joe Byrum inspecting the installation of safety shields at the checkout lane
The organization, which has been a business leader in the Greater Cincinnati community for 104 years, depends heavily on the revenue generated through its network of retail stores to provide employment, training and personal enrichment programs for adults with developmental disabilities and our nation’s veterans. Typically, the organization welcomes more than 1.2 million shoppers into its network of retail stores and as a result, was able to serve 3,389 individuals last year. In 2019, Goodwill’s economic impact was $69,716,075 and governmental assistance saved was $6,751,168. The six week long closure of its retail operations and related business lines has been financially devastating to the organization and Goodwill is very much looking forward to welcoming back shoppers in the near future.
Watch for more news about the organization’s Re-Opening efforts and “Celebrate You” campaign in the coming weeks on our weekly Facebook Live broadcast, “Thursday at One,” at www.facebook.com/cincigoodwill and on social media. Thanks to everyone in the Greater Cincinnati community for their understanding and support during this very difficult time. We look forward to seeing all of you soon.
