Visits to the Habitat 53º ReStore have increased substantially since it opened its doors last year.
ReStore sells building materials and household items in good condition to help offset the cost of the Habitat for Humanity house being built on Steventon Boulevard.
The store, located near the former armoury, was originally only open Saturdays, but the high demand has created enough interest to open Sundays, too.
Last year, fewer than 80 people would make their way through the building on a busy Saturday. Already this year numbers have increased to well over 110 on the weekends.
ReStore manager and coordinator Kathy McCormick says numbers have grown each week with area shoppers taking a browse.
“It’s hard to believe it was by popular demand,” she said, “But numerous people were talking about it.
“It’s been such a wonderful response.”
Materials
Walking through the doors of ReStore, shoppers are greeted with building materials such as lumber, screws and nails, as well as windows, doors, bathtubs, appliances, tools, flooring, carpet and seasonal items.
“The list is endless,” said McCormick, adding that shoppers see something different each time they visit.
Items are continuously being dropped off to be sold.
“It’s exciting,” McCormick said. “You never know what’s coming.”
ReStore has the feeling of a community yard sale.
“It’s rewarding when people see something that they really love and they go away really happy,” McCormick said.
As shoppers are picking up new items for their own home, McCormick says they are not only helping to build the Habitat home, but helping the community at the same time.
“It’s helping to keep things out of the landfill and these items are getting a second life,” she said.
“It’s rewarding all the way around.”
ReStore will be open for the remainder of the summer with profits going toward the construction of the new home for a low-income family.
