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Times are tough, but fortunately there are new options to save in Queens. Goodwill NY/NJ has opened its first outlet store, and it's in Long Island City.

The 17,000 square feet store joins Goodwill's 36 retail chains in the region. The outlet store offers unique values however, because many of the products are sold by the pound at wholesale prices.

"It is very, very, very affordable," said Alfred Vanderbilt, a spokesman for the company. For example, the price for textiles ranges from $1.29 to $1.69, with shoes, belts and ties in the same range. Stuffed animals go for a buck and glassware only costs 39 cents.

The merchandise in the new outlet store has come from donations to Goodwill Industries and has been judged by the store as fit to be resold. Many of the items have gone through Goodwill's retail stores without being sold and have arrived at the new location as a "court of last resort," said Vanderbilt.

The items are used and sold "as is." Obviously use your judgment and make sure to thoroughly wash any items you purchase.

If the items do not get sold at the outlet store they are still salvaged by resellers who may recycle the material or sell it in other countries.

"Goodwill's operating philosophy is that it is our responsibility to take whatever the public gives and makes something out of it," said Vanderbilt. "They could've thrown it into the garbage but instead they gave it to us."

Goodwill Industries, a federal non-profit organizations, uses the profits from these donations to fund a wide variety of programs to "bring people into the dignity of employment in spite of any background or disabilities they may have," said Vanderbilt.

The NY/NJ Goodwill organization is based in Astoria serves more than 136,000 people a year. In 2008, Goodwill said it placed close to 13,000 individuals in jobs, including almost 2,800 people with disabilities.

The new store, which includes a donation and all purpose recycling center, is located at 47-47 Van Dam St., between 47th and 48th Ave. Hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday.