NOW OPEN – the Gresham ReStore! You can’t imagine how exciting it was to make that announcement this summer. We’ve opened the doors of the largest Habitat ReStore in the Northwest. Why the big deal?
Last year, the combined sales of ReStores in Portland, Beaverton and Vancouver funded the building of 15 Habitat homes. With the additional location, we hope to knock the socks off that stat and ring in a much higher return. More sales means more affordable homes.
Stepping into the Habitat ReStore, it’s furniture you’ll see first. Furniture is our number one bestseller, and that’s why we are dedicating more of the Gresham ReStore’s 27,000-plus square feet of space to furniture. We’ve got the space. What we need is the inventory. That’s where you come in!
When we say, “You don’t have to swing a hammer to build a home,” we mean there are many ways you can support Habitat’s affordable housing efforts. One of those is donating quality new (and used) furniture to the Habitat ReStore. We try to make that super easy. We’re one of the few remaining non-profits that pick up large donations. (Tip: Go to pdxrestore.org to schedule.)
Shoppers are thrilled, and frankly, sometimes surprised, when they discover a new Rejuvenation bathroom vanity, a comfy leather recliner, or a trendy mid-century modern cabinet at The ReStore. Thanks to our amazing donors, it’s those thrills that keep shoppers coming back. You just never know what you’ll find at the ReStore.
“We know that furniture is our top seller and our biggest opportunity for growth,” said Joe Connell, Vice President of Retail Operations at Habitat for Humanity Portland Metro/East. “Help us spread the word and let’s get that nice stuff rollin’ in – at Gresham, and all our stores!”
Over at 610 NE 181st Avenue, the new Gresham ReStore stands bedazzled in the bright new Habitat colors. A growing pool of new volunteers and our resourceful staff are building new connections with shoppers and donors every day.
Some new to the Habitat ReStore are stepping inside for the first time. What will they find? Rough cut cladding features, bold bilingual directional signs along with building materials, chandeliers, sinks, garden supplies, hardwood flooring, tile, doors, windows, salvaged cabinets, appliances, housewares and hardware. It’s a beautiful thing to think of how it all fits together: home, reuse, and Habitat.