Habitat for Humanity's ReStore closes Jackson Road storefront and reorganizes warehouse
Helen Ziegler, of Dexter, looks on as her husband Sam pretends to take a nap as he tests out a chair and ottoman for sale at ReStore, at 170 Aprill Drive, on Friday, July 19, 2013. ReStore recently closed its Jackson Road storefront and reorganized the Aprill Drive location with the additional inventory.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
ReStore is a resale shop that raises funds for the organization that opened in 2006. It will no longer operate out of the storefront on Jackson Road. Instead, all merchandise will be located in the warehouse, 170 Aprill Drive in Scio Township.
An antique dresser for sale is positioned at the front of the ReStore warehouse.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
ReStore opened the storefront, at 3909 Jackson Road, as an extension of its warehouse in 2011 with the intention of increasing visibility and showcasing special items that were often lost in the large warehouse.
“We’re always looking for ways to operate more efficiently so there is more net profit to support Habitat for Humanity,” Whipple said. “When the new fiscal year started July 1 we decided the storefront had been open for a while and we could reinvent ourselves into a one-stop shop. Renting the store is no longer necessary.”
The store, which offers 85 percent donated items and 15 percent new, retail items, closed July 1-4 to reorganize and remodel its warehouse.
“There was so much to do in terms of shifting our furniture and lighting sections,” Whipple said. “But doing so allowed us to make better use of our space.”
A portion of the 16,000-square-foot warehouse has been sectioned off to function similarly to the storefront and will showcase items of interest.
A grand reopening will be held Friday-Sunday in conjunction with ReStore’s seventh anniversary in Washtenaw County.
The event will feature door prizes, free popcorn and pop and discount coupons. There will be a 15 percent off store-wide sale with the exception of a few products.
Net revenue from the ReStore is invested back into Habitat’s homeownership program locally. The store relies on volunteers and donation of products and materials.
ReStore is open 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.
Chelsea Hoedl is an intern reporter for AnnArbor.com. She can be reached at choedl@mlive.com.
Comments
jns131
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 6:59 p.m.
They have good stuff but it is hard to tell how much it costs and finding someone who knows how much it is. Otherwise, yes, it is a good cause. Glad to hear Ypsi is handing over homes to help with those who need a home. Just hope the ones who get one? Keep is neat.
J. A. Pieper
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 1:15 a.m.
I just went to the store front today, and found it was closed. Glad to know that it is just because of a reorganization! Love shopping at Habitat for Humanity, great finds, interesting items for everyone. Will check out the Aprill Drive store tomorrow!
tommy_t
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 10:57 p.m.
Good stuff and good people there!
jcj
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.
"The storefront and warehouse are literally 300 or 400 feet apart. Closer to a mile.
jcj
Sat, Jul 20, 2013 : 12:12 a.m.
I guess I owe everyone an apology! I thought the place down 1 mile west where the plumbing place used to be was the store front. My Bad.
drewk
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:34 p.m.
No, it's like 400 feet away. You pass the storefront when you turn onto Aprill Drive. It's at the East end of the shopping complex.
jcj
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.
It won't help anyone find it if they are looking 300-400 ft away!
dconkey
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:34 p.m.
I never knew they had a store front. I have always gone to the April Dr. location. I thought that was their only location.
An Arborigine
Fri, Jul 19, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Great place and great cause!