Goodwill Looking to Open Store in Crystal Lake

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is looking to build a used merchandise store next to the Walmart in Crystal Lake.

The company has presented project plans to the city's Planning and Zoning Commission. The 17,031-square-foot store would be built at 1016 Central Park Blvd., currently a vacant lot for sale between Pauly Toyota and Walmart, located near Route 31 and Rakow Road.

The approximately 1.9 acres is part of the Lutter development center. Goodwill Industries needs a special-use permit from the city to open the used-merchandise retail store. Land-use plans call for commerce on the site, according to city documents.

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is a community-based not-for-profit organization that provides jobs training, and placement services for people with barriers to achieve meaningful employment. 

Based in Rockford, Goodwill Northern Illinois is one of 179 Goodwill agencies under the auspices of Goodwill Industries International. Goodwill Northern Illinois’ territory includes an 18-county area in northern Illinois and southern Wisconsin. 

Goodwill stores in northern Illinois and Wisconsin employ more than 250 people. Last fall, Goodwill placed 23rd on America's 25 Most Inspiring Companies list by Forbes, according to a Huntley Patch article. 

Goodwill’s retail operations sell donated, gently used products as well as new items such as overstocks and closeouts from some of the best-known stores in the state.