Goodwill Gulf Coast has unveiled its newest and largest center, drawing enthusiastic crowds to Foley. The 50,000-square-foot facility offers far more than just shopping, blending retail, outlet shopping, and community support under one roof. Residents, shoppers, and local leaders gathered to witness the long-awaited opening of this unique site in Alabama’s fastest-growing area. Energy and excitement filled the air as the doors opened to a new era of opportunity for South Baldwin County.

The new center officially opened on Tuesday, September 23, welcoming the public at 200 East Azalea Avenue. Notably, this Foley site is the only Goodwill Gulf Coast location that houses a training center, retail store, outlet store, donation center, and opportunity center all together. The ribbon-cutting included city leaders, Goodwill representatives, and the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce, who all praised the facility’s rapid, one-year construction timeline.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich called the center a “major win” for Foley, thanking Goodwill for “doing God’s work” and investing locally. Frank Harkins, president and CEO of Goodwill Gulf Coast, emphasized that the organization is about more than thrift shopping—in the past year alone, Goodwill Gulf Coast has helped more than 14,000 people find purpose and direction through job training, family support, and comprehensive services.

The Foley location stands apart in Goodwill’s 10-county service region, seamlessly integrating four types of stores and a wide range of support services. With 90 cents of every dollar spent going directly to local programs, the new center continues Goodwill’s legacy of transforming lives and strengthening communities along Alabama’s Gulf Coast. In fiscal year 2024, the nonprofit delivered over 23,000 services to 14,474 individuals, further expanding the reach of Goodwill Gulf Coast’s mission.