Back-to-School Shopping Gets a Second Look: Goodwill Helps Families Save More and Waste Less

As back-to-school shopping ramps up, families are looking for smarter ways to save. With prices still high, many are turning to secondhand shopping for affordable clothing, school supplies and dorm essentials.

Goodwill Omaha’s 16 stores sell donated goods for shoppers who want to stay on budget, find their own style and support the community. From jeans, backpacks and sneakers to dorm décor, small furniture and kitchenware, Goodwill offers a one-stop shop for back-to-school needs. Shoppers can also browse thousands of items online at shopgoodwill.com.

“Families aren’t just looking for lower prices—they’re looking for value, sustainability and ways to stretch their dollars,” said Shantel Featherson, vice president of retail advancement. “That’s exactly what Goodwill delivers.”

Secondhand Is In: What’s Driving the Trend

• Budget pressures: Families are using resale and thrift to offset higher prices.
• Gen Z demand: Younger shoppers are choosing secondhand for style, savings and sustainability.
• Unique finds: Thrifting helps students find one-of-a-kind fashion and dorm décor.
• Less waste: Buying secondhand keeps usable items out of the waste stream.

Shop With Purpose

Goodwill also encourages community members to donate gently used clothing, electronics and household goods. Those donations are resold to fund local job training, career placement and other critical services.

Every purchase and donation supports Goodwill Omaha’s mission, including career training, high school diplomas, programs supporting individuals with disabilities, job placement services and more. Last year, Goodwill Omaha:

• Provided over 100,000 services for people in need.
• More than 2,800 individuals served.
• Supported individuals earning 558 credentials or certifications.

Back-to-School Event – Saturday, August 15, 2026

With affordability, sustainability and community impact in mind, Goodwill gives families a smarter way to get ready for the school year—saving money while supporting neighbors in need.

All sixteen Goodwill locations will give away $25 gift cards every half hour from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and Goodwill’s 201 N. 78th St. location in Omaha will host a styling and fashion show, along with activities to help shoppers pull together the perfect look.

• Fashion show with Develop Model Management at noon
• Styling help from models
• T-shirt making