Goodwill Store and Donation Center

Goodwill Store and Donation Center on Gander Drive is one of Charlottesville's most reliable destinations for affordable, quality secondhand shopping. Whether you're a UVA student furnishing your first apartment, a budget-conscious family refreshing your wardrobe, or a seasoned thrifter hunting for hidden gems, this location consistently delivers a well-organized and welcoming experience. The store benefits from a steady stream of donations from the greater Charlottesville, VA community, which means the inventory turns over frequently and surprises are always around the corner. Beyond the great finds, shopping at this Goodwill supports meaningful local employment and job training programs in the Charlottesville area. That dual sense of purpose — scoring a deal while giving back — is exactly why so many locals keep coming back. With 155 reviews already reflecting real community engagement, this store has clearly earned its place as a neighborhood staple worth visiting again and again.

Store Information

440 Gander Dr, Charlottesville, VA 22901

Phone: +1 434-872-0171

3.9★ average across 187 reviews on Google

Store Hours

  • Monday: 10AM-7PM
  • Tuesday: 10AM-7PM
  • Wednesday: 10AM-7PM
  • Thursday: 10AM-7PM
  • Friday: 10AM-7PM
  • Saturday: 10AM-7PM
  • Sunday: 12-6PM

What They Sell

This Goodwill Store and Donation Center carries a broad and ever-changing mix of secondhand goods spanning clothing for men, women, and children, shoes, accessories, housewares, small appliances, books, media, and furniture. Shoppers frequently discover name-brand clothing, vintage pieces, and gently used home décor at a fraction of retail prices. Because donations come directly from the Charlottesville, VA community, the selection reflects a wide range of tastes and lifestyles — from collegiate basics to upscale labels dropped off by local residents.

The Neighborhood

Located on Gander Drive in the northern Charlottesville, VA corridor, this Goodwill sits in a convenient retail area easily accessible from Route 29 North, one of the city's busiest commercial strips. Shoppers coming from nearby neighborhoods like Hollymead, Forest Lakes, or even the downtown Charlottesville area will find this location a straightforward stop. The surrounding plaza-style setting makes it easy to combine your thrift run with other errands in the same trip.

Parking

The Goodwill Store and Donation Center at 440 Gander Drive is situated in a retail plaza setting along the Route 29 corridor, which typically offers ample surface lot parking directly in front of and adjacent to the store. Parking is generally free and accessible, including dedicated spaces for those dropping off donations. Expect easy in-and-out access without the hassle of street parking.

Shopping Tips

  • Make the most of your visit to Goodwill on Gander Drive with these insider tips:
  • **Shop mid-week for the freshest inventory** — Tuesday through Thursday are often when newly sorted donations appear on the floor, giving you first pick before the weekend rush.
  • **Check tag colors for weekly discounts** — Goodwill rotates colored tags on a discount schedule, so items with the week's featured color are often 50% off. Ask a staff member which color is discounted that day.
  • **Don't skip the housewares section** — Charlottesville's frequent resident turnover, including UVA faculty and students, means high-quality kitchenware, décor, and small appliances cycle through regularly.
  • **Bring measurements if you're hunting furniture** — Pieces go fast and there's no holding policy, so knowing your space dimensions in advance helps you commit on the spot.
  • **Plan your donation drop-off separately from shopping** — The donation center entrance keeps things moving efficiently, but arriving with both a carload of donations and a shopping agenda during peak hours can get hectic. Splitting those trips makes both experiences smoother.

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