Big Discounts Coming with ReStore on Jamestown Rd.

By Desiree Parker Tuesday, February 07, 2012

Habitat for Humanity is opening a ReStore at the old Fresh Market location in Colony Square Shopping Center on Jamestown Road this spring.

ReStores sell new and gently used home improvement items at big discounts, between 50 and 90 percent off retail prices. The stores accept donated goods and use all the proceeds to help local Habitat affiliates build homes for low-income citizens. The new ReStore, which will sublease its newest location from the Fresh Market, is the second on the peninsula.

“The Fresh Market is excited about our partnership with Habitat for Humanity in Williamsburg,” said Brian Wittman, the Fresh Market’s North Zone Operations Vice President. “We are committed to being an active part of the communities where we do business and look forward to working together with Habitat in a variety of ways to support the excellent work that they do.”

The new location will feature doors, windows, cabinets, furniture and more. The ReStore in Newport News has served over 250,000 customers, received donations from over 35,000 households, relied on the help of thousands of volunteers and kept tons of recyclable material out of landfills.

Over the last nine years, the Newport News store profits have helped build over 125 affordable homes.

“Providing low-cost building materials to individuals, contractors and landlords allows the public to maintain and improve their property, thus improving the community,” said Alexis N. Swann, Habitat Board President.

“We are excited to open this second store in Williamsburg where the need for reasonably priced building supplies and affordable housing is in such great demand.”

“We cater to everyone - landlords, renters and property owners who want to fix up their homes at prices 50 to 90 percent below retail,” said Suzy Kennerly, director of Habitat ReStore in Newport News. “And, everyone wants to do the ‘green thing’ by donating to the Habitat ReStore instead of filling up the landfills.”

Steve Russell, manager of the new Williamsburg store, is looking for volunteers to help receive donations, assist customers, answer phones and help locate new donations. Russell will hold organizational meetings every Tuesday in February at 10 a.m. and every Thursday at 5:30 p.m. to get information to people who are interested.

The Williamsburg ReStore will start accepting donations this Saturday, then on Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store can pick up larger donations. Visit the ReStore website for more information.