If you’ve never been to this terrific thrift shop in the town of Catalina (north of Oro Valley) here’s your chance over the summer. Founded 11 years ago and named by one of the founders Ann Leonard for the goose that laid the golden egg, this store is now in its 2nd location at 15970 N. Oracle Rd. (just north of E. Armstrong Lane) on the east side of Oracle Rd.
I finally had some time to drive 21 miles from midtown Tucson to this location and talked with general manager Stephanie Urdiales, who has been there for 10 years and is very enthusiastic about what they do. Golden Goose has 5 employees and 350 volunteers (the “Goose Gang”), who pick up thrift items from donors (6 days a week), sort & label them, & sell them (for reasonable prices) in their store. And they had virtually everything you could need for your house or wardrobe, including patio areas outside of the store for furniture, sports equipment, specials, etc. Inside there’s rows of clothing, housewares, children’s toys, decorative items, alphabetically sorted books, lamps, jewelry, pictures, and much much more, with visible signs overhead for easy shopping.
Stephanie also informed me that what they can’t sell in their store are donated to the Salvation Army, or recycled elsewhere.
Store hours are Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m, closed Sunday and Monday.
Website: www.goldengooseaz.com, phone 520-825-9101. There’s even a 20% off coupon online for you to download & use. Other discounts of 25 to 50% off were offered to me on a small flyer when I walked in — as their daily discount. For example khaki shorts on the SW patio were only $1.00 each today, and children’s toys/puzzles/games, candles, computer stuff, clothing & sporting goods were 50% off.
Proceeds go to basically two organizations: Impact of Southern AZ (“mproving lives and inspiring futures by providing services that help individuals and families”), and SaddleBrooke Community Outreach, which helps needy schoolchildren in neighboring communities in Pima, Pinal and Gila Counties. What an amazing partnership between these two agencies and the Golden Goose thrift shop, which is a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization.
Their website says their proceeds go to:
Food Bank – Clothing Bank – Senior Nutrition Program – ESL Classes – Youth Programs – Kid’s Closet – Teen Closet – Scholarships Tri-Communities Food Bank – Summer Enrichment Programs – Meals on Wheels – Senior Center
Help support the good work that the Golden Goose Thrift Shop does, and find some “treasures” for yourself in the process. And congratulations to the Golden Goose for reaching their 11th anniversary of “laying many golden eggs for their community”.
Another trip by me to the Golden Goose, and got several items — a handbag, some summer khaki shorts (only $1 each, what a deal), plus a few household items and a leather bound journal for my son. Check out their new deals daily/weekly, plus they have lots of special discounts Tuesday to Saturday.