If you’ve never heard of the ReStore before, prepare yourself to be amazed. Shopping at a Habitat for Humanity ReStore isn’t like the shopping experience anywhere else. Part home improvement store, part home goods store, part resale store, the ReStore has a wide selection that changes daily. Not to mention, you get fantastic new and gently used home improvement items below retail prices. 

Low prices and a unique shopping experience are not the only reason people shop at the ReStore. They shop here because they know the Habitat ReStore is way more than just a retail store. Shopping at the ReStore builds communities and empowers families in Chester County. 

All of the proceeds raised through the sale of items at our ReStore locations help fund the construction of new, affordable homes in Chester County. In fact, our Caln ReStore has raised enough money to build on average, one home every year. Now, with the opening of the ReStore in Phoenixille, the goal is to raise enough to build two homes a year. 

By accepting donations of new and gently used furniture, appliances, cabinets, building materials, tools etc., the ReStore diverts tons of usable materials from landfills each year and most donations are tax deductible. To date the ReStores have saved over 17 million pounds of waste from the landfill.  

Shoppers come to the ReStore for a variety of reasons; some are looking for home renovation material, some hoping to furnish a new apartment, others are just looking for a great deal on housewares. Then there are those who simply cannot afford traditional retail and they rely on the ReStore for a variety of needs. 

One customer said, “I’m blessed every day by this store and what it offers me, I just want to pass it on.”    

Habitat for Humanity of Chester County ReStores are proud to partner with other organizations and businesses in the community. For example, The Junkluggers is an eco-friendly junk removal company who sponsors electronic recycling (e-waste) events at our stores once or twice a year. Items like old cell phones, computers, and televisions are often made of scarce resources and carelessly disposing of them is not only wasteful, but can be harmful to the environment. E-waste events provide a place for you to dispose of unwanted electronics in an environmentally responsible way, with professional e-waste recycling services from The Junkluggers. 

While there are paid staff working at our ReStore locations, most of our help comes from dedicated volunteers who donate their time to unload, organize, price and stage all the items we have on the floor. This year, 45 volunteers have donated almost 800 hours to ensure our ReStores look amazing and offer assistance to each shopper. 

Dave has been volunteering as a truck driver for 8 years. According to him, “My reason for volunteering at Habitat is twofold. I truly believe in Habitat’s mission and by volunteering I am giving back to my community and helping those who deserve a chance to own a home, achieve that goal.” 

It’s hard to believe, but as of 2021, there are more than 1,000 ReStore locations across six countries, all contributing to Habitat’s vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live. Since most of the merchandise for sale in these stores is donated by local residents and businesses, no two ReStores are exactly alike. 

Whether you are a do-it-yourselfer, homeowner, renter, landlord, contractor, interior designer, environmentalist or treasure hunter, you need to make the Habitat for Humanity ReStore your first stop when shopping for your next home improvement, renovation or DIY project.  

Learn more at Habitat for Humanity of Chester County.