MoneySaver: Habitat ReStore opens in Apex
APEX, N.C. (WTVD) -- The Habitat ReStore in Apex held its grand opening Saturday and, so far, it's off to a great start.
"After Saturday's grand opening, we almost emptied this place out. So Saturday, we had to make two trips back with product. So we called up both stores and said, 'What do you have that we can come get,'" explained Habitat For Humanity Wake County Media Relations and Marketing Manager Monique Delage.
Delage said the Apex ReStore is exciting because the non-profit has already been building homes in the town.
"Being in Apex is great," said Delage. "We've been building in Apex for many years. We've actually got 17 homes, and we've got three more slated in the next couple of months."
But homebuilding isn't Habitat's only service. Habitat sells donated and new items in the ReStores. Shoppers say the variety of products is what makes the stores popular.
"I think you can get great deals here," said shopper Pam Morman as she browsed through the Apex ReStore. "Hunting is fun!"
For those hunting for a deal, Delage explained how items are priced: "The rule of thumb is 60-percent off retail price."
The ReStores sell many standard items you would expect at a warehouse.
"You can get rugs," explained Delage. "You can get building supplies, furniture, major appliances, art work, gardening supplies. Really anything for home improvement or crafts. We have lots of crafters that come in here and look for some unique items that they can turn into some treasures."
There are also new items according to Delage.
"We sell several product lines that are brand new. The first is carpets. We also do flooring and tile, new," she said.
The Apex ReStore is the third Habitat store to open in Wake County. There's also locations in Cary and Raleigh. Many items come from donations or deconstruction - another service Habitat For Humanity provides.
"We do three types of services with deconstruction," said Delage. "We do kitchen cabinet removal. We will go in and take out all their cabinets and appliances. There is a nominal fee, but it's a great savings for the homeowner."
Habitat also deconstructs entire homes and wood play sets and decks to resell the materials in their stores.
"Our goal is to salvage 85-percent of that home," explained Delage. "And if we can sell it in the ReStore, we try to find the best means to recycle it. It's really just a thrift store with a mission."
All proceeds from the ReStore go back into the nonprofit.
