Habitat for Humanity Opens ReStore

Habitat for Humanity has opened a retail home improvement store in Lansdowne, offering a variety of new and used hardware goods at prices below those of retail hardware stores.

Despite the threat of a looming Hurricane Irene, people lined up on Aug. 27 for the grand opening of ReStore at 3741 Commerce Drive.

ReStore stocks windows, boxes of ceramic and floor tile, paints and other home improvement materials that have been donated by contractors, as well as new brushes and other hardware supplies.

"Much of the material is leftover, overstock or slow-selling material that is still brand new," explained Mike Mitchell, chief executive of Habitat for Humanity of the Chesapeake.

The facility accepts recycled cabinets that can save renovators a substantial amount of money over new materials—$650 for a 19-piece kitchen cabinet set, for example.

ReStore also sells refrigerators, stoves and other appliances, all guaranteed in working condition, said store manager Jimmy Motsay.

"Just because it's used doesn't mean it isn't good," Motsay said.

The 9,000-square-foot Lansdowne location is the third ReStore location in the Baltimore area. Other ReStore location are located at 8101 Smallwood Road in Pasadena and 505 Kane Street in East Baltimore.

Mitchell said Habitat for Humanity is considering additional ReStore locations, including Hunt Valley and Howard County.

ReStore also accepts donations. "We'll take cabinets, refrigerators, kitchens and bathrooms," Mitchell said. "We'll take pretty much anything. For office furniture, we're pretty much looking for solid wood, no particle board or laminate."

Residents shopping during the ReStore grand opening expressed their approval of the new store.

"It's good for the community," said a resident who asked to identified only as Ed. "After shopping here, I'll probably donate after this."