Over a decade ago, Carson Pirie Scott & Co. partnered with nine local Goodwill organizations to host the first Goodwill Sale at its department stores in Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, and Minnesota.  Today, the partnership has grown to 12 states and encompasses 28 Goodwill organizations, 139 department stores, and five furniture galleries under the Saks umbrella.  On June 27, the company will be awarded with the Goodwill Industries International Business Partner Award. 

During the semi-annual Goodwill Sale, shoppers who donate clothing receive a coupon for a 20 percent discount on any purchase.  Carson Pirie Scott worked alongside Goodwill from the start to develop innovative marketing ideas to promote both the retailer and build mission awareness for Goodwill.  As one of Carson’s most publicly recognized events, the company aggressively markets the Goodwill Sale in its large-scale newspaper, and television and radio advertising during each sale.  In addition, there are merchandise-specific advertising, promotional catalogs, and placement of Goodwill human-interest stories.

“The Goodwill Sale increases the quality of our store merchandise and boosts our retail revenue, which represents 61 percent of total operating budget,” says George W. Kessinger, President and CEO of Goodwill Industries International.  “Collaboration between Goodwill and the business sector is central to carrying out the goals of Goodwill’s 21^st Century Initiative of helping 20 million people and their families achieve independence.”

Over the years, the Goodwill Sale has realized estimated retail sales of $10 million for Goodwill Industries of Southeastern Wisconsin (Milwaukee).   Further, an estimated 10 million items have been donated to all participating Goodwills through this unique partnership, generating up to $34 million in total revenue.

The Business Partner Award is given to a business, company or organization that has invested significant resources into building the capacity of member Goodwill organizations across a wide geographic area.