Final weekend to use your points: Central Florida Goodwill stores ends loyalty program

C. A. Bridges, USA TODAY NETWORK - Florida
Updated ·3 min read

If you've been hoarding your Goodwill points, you're got this weekend to use them up.

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. ended the Loyalty Rewards Program at its thrift stores in January and March 31 is the final day to use any points you have accrued.

What is the Goodwill Loyalty Rewards Program?

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. is ending its loyalty program as of March 31, 2024.
Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. is ending its loyalty program as of March 31, 2024.

Many Goodwill regions offer customer loyalty programs that allow you to accrue points whenever you make a purchase, which can be used as discounts toward future purchases.

When is the Central Florida Goodwill loyalty program ending?

The program was discontinued on Jan. 31, 2024.

"After that, no new points will be earned or accrued under the existing program," the Central Florida Goodwill site said.

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Will I lose my Goodwill points? How long do I have to use them?

The loyalty reward program at Central Florida Goodwill locations will end Jan. 31, 2024.
The loyalty reward program at Central Florida Goodwill locations will end Jan. 31, 2024.

You have until March 31, 2024, to use any Goodwill points remaining on your account, according to the notice at goodwillcfl.org/shop/loyalty-rewards.

After that, any points you have accrued but have not used will be lost.

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Which Goodwill locations are ending their loyalty programs?

Goodwill Industries of Central Florida, Inc. covers locations in Brevard, Lake, Orange, Osceola, Seminole, and Volusia counties. Note that not all locations offer the loyalty program.

Why are the Central Florida Goodwill locations ending the loyalty program?

The site stresses this is a change to the "current" program, and says, "We look forward to continuing to serve you and developing new ways to enhance your shopping experience." But no announcement has been made about any future programs.

A notice seen at several locations said the change was to "pave the way for a fresh rewards experience in 2024."

The loss of the loyalty reward program comes amidst other changes at Goodwills across the country.

Customers have noticed higher prices and stricter return policies in many locations. Dressing rooms have been removed from stores with varying reasons given, such as lack of staffing, high levels of theft, drug use and vandalism. Or, as Goodwill Industries of Central Florida explains on its FAQ page, customers "overwhelmingly stated they want more treasures to find at the store."

What is Goodwill?

Goodwill locations can be found across the United States.
Goodwill locations can be found across the United States.

"Goodwill" has become almost synonymous with "thrift store."

Goodwill Industries, founded by Methodist Reverend Edgar J. Helmsby in 1902, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing job training, employment placement services, and community programs for people in need.

Goodwill locations often hire veterans and people with disabilities and work to promote public awareness of the issues they face. It is funded by more than 3,200 thrift stores in the U.S. which fall under 150 local organizations.

The Goodwill Florida Association is made up of Goodwill of the Gulf Coast, Goodwill Big Bend, Goodwill North Florida, Goodwill Central Florida, Goodwill Suncoast, Goodwill Manasota, Goodwill Southwest Florida, Goodwill Gulfstream and Goodwill South Florida.

This article originally appeared on The Daytona Beach News-Journal: Central Florida Goodwill thrift stores ending loyalty program in March