In July, Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana (SELA) purchased the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store located at 5770 Read Boulevard in New Orleans East. This acquisition marks the establishment of “Goodwill East,” a multifunctional space that will house a retail store, outlet store, opportunity center, workforce development services, warehouse operations and more. Expanding Goodwill Industries SELA into Goodwill East will allow the organization to provide essential programs and services to individuals in the community.

Steeg Law was privileged to represent the Goodwill Industries SELA in this transaction, which involved extensive title review, analysis of restrictive covenants, and an extensive purchase agreement and due diligence process.  We were very fortunate to work on this incredible project that will serve the community by providing the important services described below.

Key highlights of Goodwill East’s development include:

• The creation of 75 new jobs initially, with some positions offering wages of up to $30 per hour.
• The retail store will offer a wide range of gently used, affordable merchandise, providing residents with a convenient shopping experience.
• The outlet store will offer surplus or unique items at discounted prices.
• The opportunity center will serve as a hub for workforce development, empowering individuals to gain the skills needed to secure meaningful employment.
• The warehouse operations will support the organization’s recycling efforts, promoting sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• The establishment of Goodwill East represents a significant step toward achieving the organization’s mission of changing lives through the power of work.

The acquisition of the former Lowe’s Home Improvement store was made possible in part through a generous $10 million grant in 2020 from “Yield Giving,” an organization founded by McKenzie Scott.

About Goodwill Industries of Southeast Louisiana

Since 1947, Goodwill has helped thousands of individuals with disabilities and other barriers onto a path toward reclaiming their independence. The organization operates three divisions: contracts, retail and workforce development. Each contributes to the community and well being of others in an important and diverse way.

Goodwill serves 23 parishes throughout Southeastern Louisiana. Goodwill Industries SELA provides training, job placement and career support services to help people with disabilities and other vocational disadvantages develop the skills needed to secure sustainable employment and change their lives through the power of work. The organization’s programs include:

• Computer Labs
• Disability Services
• Ex-offender Re-entry Program
• Good Transitions Foster Care Services
• GEAR Job Readiness Program
• Set Up a Mission Tour
• Veterans Housing Program

Learn more about how you can support Goodwill Industries SELA >