Middle Tennessee Goodwill stores have reopened, new health protections in place

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — 30 Goodwill stores across middle and west Tennessee have reopened as of Wednesday, Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee announced. New health protections have been put in place at every store, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.

The stores had been closed since March 23 in response to the coronavirus. The decision to reopen stores is followed by Governor Lee's announcement that retail stores could reopen as part of 'Tennessee Pledge,' Tennessee's overall plan for reopening the economy.

"We are pleased to be able to reopen our retail stores, and our employees are very thankful to be back to work," said Goodwill Industries of Middle Tennessee President and CEO Matthew Bourlakas. "The revenue from purchases of donated goods in our stores fuels our nonprofit mission of changing lives through education, training and employment, and the free services we provide to the community are needed now more than ever."

Goodwill store hours are 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. seven days a week.

While stores are reopening, extra precautions to protect employees and visitors are being taken, per guidelines from health officials. To see what these precautions entail, head to Goodwill's dedicated page on reopening.

"The health and safety of our employees, shoppers, donors and clients remains our [number one] priority," said Bourlakas. "We participated in the state's safety planning process on both the retail and nonprofit workgroups and are following the guidelines in Gov. Bill Lee's 'Tennessee Pledge.'"

Despite Goodwill's stores reopening, some Goodwill closures continue. Goodwill has been deemd an essential business; however, the two Goodwill outlets in Nashville remain closed out of caution, and as the best procedure for opening them is evaluated.

Also still closed are Goodwill's career centers; however, Goodwill career coaches are offering free career and supportive services by phone and online. These include resume assistance, job leads, application assistance, job readiness training, mock interviews and referrals to community resources. Anyone in need of employment assistance can call 1-800-545-9231 or visit Goodwill's career solutions page.

Editor's note: A previous version of this story said Goodwill's Nashville outlets were still closed due to Nashville's phased reopening plan. This is inaccurate, and has been corrected.