ReStoring Homes

Think of the wish list of items a renovation project generates—tile, lighting, windows, doors, flooring and more. Now envision those items all under one roof, waiting to be sold at a fraction of their normal retail price. That's what you'll find at any of the seven Habitat for Humanity ReStores around the state. Some of the items may be gently used, others may be discontinued surplus from building suppliers, but that's part of the stores' appeal. They offer a win-win situation where you get affordable goods, and the planet gets a few less items thrown into a landfill.

Each ReStore is run by a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate and is designed around the concept of mutual good. The cycle starts with donated materials, either from a building professional, supply store that has excess or a homeowner finishing up a renovation. “Contractors, builders or remodelers who end up with extra building materials, appliances or cabinets are a key source of donations,” says Megan Cole, director of development for Habitat for Humanity of Pulaski County. “It's tax deductible, plus they're glad to know it's for a good cause.”

The stores function much like an ongoing garage sale, where merchandise is different each week, and prices are geared toward keeping sales flowing. On a recent visit to the Benton store, new sinks were priced as low as $25, and unopened gallons of paint were on sale for $5. In Fayetteville, gardening gear had just come in, and tools were priced at $1, while outdoor tables were offered for $30. In Fort Smith, new ceramic tile was going for $.50 per square foot.
 
“We even get things like new custom-made windows or cabinetry, something that might have been special ordered and then never picked up,” says Anita Zisner, manager of the Washington Country Habitat ReStore in Fayetteville. “Those can be a real bargain compared to the retail price.”

The proceeds from purchases go to the local affiliate and help fund the construction of Habitat for Humanity homes in the community. “Everyone benefits, and in the end, we keep a lot of usable goods out of the landfill,” says Cole, noting that in the three years the Pulaski County store has been open they estimate they've saved 560 tons of material. “That shows the benefit of local communities coming together and serving each other."

ReStore Locations Around the State (store hours vary)

Benton
124 S. Market St.
Benton, AR 72015    (501) 315-0011

Bentonville
908 SE 21st St.
Bentonville, AR 72712    (479) 273-3638

Fayetteville
1585 S. West Ave.
Fayetteville, AR 72701    (479) 582-2076

Fort Smith
800 S 6th St.
Fort Smith, AR 72901    (479) 651-0086

Hot Springs National Park
1239 Central Ave.
Hot Springs National Park, AR 71901-6037    (501) 321-4241

North Little Rock
2657 Pike Ave.
North Little Rock, AR 72114    (501) 771-9494

Searcy
210 W. Mulberry St.
Searcy, AR 72143    (501) 278-5530