Goodwill Opens First Cattaraugus County Store in Olean with Grand Opening Aug. 1
The new 24,000-square-foot Goodwill store in Olean brings retail shopping, donation services, free career resources, and workforce development programs to Cattaraugus County.
OLEAN - Goodwill of Western New York is officially opening the doors to its newest retail location in Olean, marking the nonprofit organization's first-ever store in Cattaraugus County.
Located at 2610 W. State St. in the former Valu Home Center building, the newly renovated facility offers more than 24,000 square feet of retail, donation, and processing space, making it one of the largest Goodwill stores in the region.
The grand opening celebrates months of preparation following the announcement of the project earlier this year. The new location represents a significant expansion for Goodwill of Western New York while bringing new jobs, workforce development opportunities, and community partnerships to the Southern Tier.
"We are incredibly excited to expand into Olean," said Thomas Ulbrich, President and CEO of Goodwill of Western New York, when the project was first announced. "This is an exciting opportunity to create new opportunities for individuals and families throughout the region. Every purchase made directly supports workforce development and community programs right here in Western New York.”
The Olean store will employ approximately 20 full- and part-time team members and accepts donations through a covered drive-up area located at the front of the building. Shoppers will find an ever-changing selection of gently used clothing, shoes, accessories, household goods, furniture, electronics, books, toys, and other one-of-a-kind treasures.
Beyond retail, the facility also includes a 1,200-square-foot Career Center, where local residents can access free employment resources, job readiness assistance, resume development, and workforce training programs. Goodwill plans to continue expanding its job training initiatives through partnerships with local employers to help participants gain skills for in-demand careers.
Unlike traditional retailers, Goodwill operates as a nonprofit organization whose mission extends far beyond resale. Revenue generated through donated goods helps fund employment services, career training, credential programs, and other support services that empower individuals to achieve greater independence through work. According to Goodwill, 89 cents of every dollar earned is reinvested directly into its mission and community programs.
The Olean location also emphasizes sustainability by giving donated items a second life while keeping usable goods out of landfills. And as part of its community-focused mission, Goodwill has partnered with the Olean Food Pantry during August, giving customers the opportunity to round up their purchases to the nearest dollar in support of the pantry’s mission to serve area families.
The Greater Olean Area Chamber of Commerce is inviting the public to celebrate the grand opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 1, welcoming Goodwill to the community. Chamber officials say the new store is an important addition to Olean's business landscape and another investment in the region's economic growth.