Goodwill NYNJ Launches "Curated By Goodwill NYNJ" Boutique, July 13

NEW YORK, July 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) opened its first "Curated by Goodwill NYNJ" boutique and launched a new shopping concept today in the Upper West Side of Manhattan. Curated opened to the public at 9 a.m. after a ribbon-cutting ceremony with New York City Councilmember Helen Rosenthal (District 6). The boutique is located at 217 W. 79th St., NY, NY 10024. Hours are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday-Sunday.

Last fall, Goodwill NYNJ sponsored "Re-Imagine Goodwill," a contest for students in the Jay and Patty Baker School of Business and Technology at SUNY'sFashion Institute of Technology (FIT) to come up with an innovative project for the 100 year old social enterprise. The contest was part of Vision 2020, Goodwill NYNJ's 3-year strategic plan to proactively address the changing shopping behavior of American consumers and to provide a more convenient shopping experience for customers. "Curated," a team of four students, was named the winner for conceiving, designing, and presenting the best concept. Goodwill NYNJ presented a $10,000 check to the team in exchange for the right to implement their design.

Curated, Goodwill NYNJ's new shopping concept is tailored to the growing resale market with fashion-forward merchandise without the environmental impact of fast fashion. Different featured stylists will hand-pick clothing and accessories for the on-trend look. Curated is a new Goodwill experience in a cool, stylish, and eco-friendly space for those who consider themselves "consciously clothed."

According to WWD, the resell market is projected to hit $41 Billion by 2022. The nonprofit's sub-brand was created under the leadership of Lennox Thomas, Goodwill NYNJ executive vice president of retail, a retail and fashion industry veteran.

Katy Gaul-Stigge, Goodwill NYNJ CEO and President says: "We designed Curated as a distinct shopping experience to introduce shoppers concerned with the waste and pollution that fast fashion causes, to a stylish, affordable alternative. Because Curated is part of Goodwill, conscious shoppers triple their impact. Their purchases create jobs locally, result in positive environmental outcomes for the global community, and they find unique pieces that keep New Yorkers ahead of the trends."

Goodwill NYNJ will launch the first Curated shops within Goodwill stores by the end of 2018. Though Curated will have a different look and feel, its mission is the same: donated goods empower individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain independence through the power of work. Donations of merchandise are accepted at all Goodwill NYNJ locations. Goodwill NYNJ's social enterprise model helped community residents divert more than 136 million pounds of usable clothing and goods from the landfills last year.

About Goodwill NYNJ
Goodwill Industries of Greater New York and Northern New Jersey, Inc. (Goodwill NYNJ) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which operates 37 retail stores throughout the region powered by donations of clothing and household items. Goodwill translates those donations into workforce development services for the unemployed and people with disabilities. For over 103 years, our mission has been to empower individuals with disabilities and other barriers to employment to gain independence through the power of work. Annually, Goodwill NYNJ provides services to thousands of Greater New York City metropolitan area residents  - in workforce, services for individuals with disabilities, and retail training leading to employment to build better lives for themselves and their families. Learn more about Goodwill NYNJ at http://www.goodwillnynj.org  and follow us on Twitter: @GoodwillNYNJ, and find us on Facebook or Instagram: GoodwillNYNJ.

NOTE:
High- and Low-Resolution Images Available Upon Request, including:

• The facade and interior of "Curated by Goodwill NYNJ"
• Goodwill NYNJ CEO/President Katy Gaul-Stigge interacting with VIPs and other guests on pre-opening evening reception

Interview with Katy Gaul-Stigge, Goodwill NYNJ CEO & President, and Lennox Thomas, Goodwill NYNJ EVP Retail, Available Upon Request

Contact: Jose Medellin | jmedellin@goodwillnynj.org | (646) 238-9133 mobile

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SOURCE Goodwill NYNJ