TriadHomes.com

Habitat for Humanity of Greater Greensboro’s ReStore is sporting a new look and giving shoppers more room to browse courtesy of a remodeling project completed this past summer.

The changes allowed the nonprofit to open 1,000 square feet of space in the now 19,000-square-foot warehouse area where construction materials are displayed, according to Bill Gault, director of ReStore operations. It’s a well-traveled destination for people working on building or remodeling projects, and for homeowners making repairs to rental properties.

Another 1,200 square feet was opened in the main showroom, where hardware, lighting, appliances, furniture and other items are sold. The expansions required ReStore employees to shift departments around, opening space to make the selling area more inviting for shoppers. In addition to those changes and cosmetic touch-ups inside, all while the store stayed open for business, new signs were added outside.

The organization is celebrating the upgrades, as well as the store’s eighth anniversary, which was officially Nov. 4, with an event today.

But the real celebration may be for customers who have more room to shop. The expansion brought the total selling area to around 33,000 square feet of the 38,500-square-foot building. And another 1,200 square feet of space will be opened within the next few months.

“We try to use every bit of space in here for selling,” Gault says.

Though inventory depends on the quantity and quality of donations, the warehouse section was literally filled to the ceiling this past week.

There were kitchen cabinets, closet doors, storm doors, quarry tile, curtain rods, vanity cabinets, kitchen and bathroom sinks, stain and molding. Also for sale were staircases donated from a builder and composite decking from a corporate donor.

Gault says many people may start their shopping at the ReStore, and then go to the major retailers if they can’t find what they need.

And customers need to come prepared because there isn’t a return policy.

“Measure twice and buy once,” he advises.

Items in good condition and popular pieces like kitchen cabinets “only last a few days,” says Gault, who has 33 years of retail experience, including eight with Lowe’s Home Improvement Warehouse. But the inventory changes often. “Every day there’s something different in here.”

Price is the main draw. For instance, the quarry tile is on sale for $1.50 a square foot, compared to the price of $3.50 that Gault found a wholesaler charging.

Hardware items — such as cabinet knobs, handles, hinges and backplates — are among the top sellers at only $1 each.

Since all items are donated, the ReStore is able to offer bargain prices.

“We usually save (customers) about half,” Gault says.

Heather L. Modlin can be reached at 373-7144 or hmodlin@news-record.com.