The first formings of a Habitat ReStore popped up six years after Habitat for Humanity of Wake County was founded in 1985.
The 10 Triangle ReStores you know of today began their journey in 1991 as a single warehouse in Raleigh, NC, selling excess building materials from Habitat’s construction work.
The Bargain Center was Wake County’s first glance at the Raleigh ReStore, now recognized as one of the biggest Habitat ReStores in the country.
As the community’s interest grew, so did the store’s offerings. By 1994, the Bargain Center expanded to include furniture, home goods and other donated items from the public on top of building materials. The Bargain Center became the ReUse Center, which would eventually become the Habitat ReStore we recognize today.
In the three decades that followed, Habitat Wake significantly expanded its ReStore footprint. Nine more stores opened across Wake, Johnston, Orange and Durham counties, expanding support and reach to nearby Triangle area Habitats.
Today, these 10 stores form the largest ReStore operation in the state of North Carolina and one of the largest ReStore operations in the country.
The Triangle ReStores continue to provide bargains and treasures in their respective communities, while supporting Habitat Wake’s mission of bringing people together to build homes, communities and hope.
“It’s peaceful working for Habitat,” said Mohammad Khan, ReStore sales associate since 2006. “I like to work for humanity and every human being. Even after I retire, I can come volunteer here.”
Additionally, ReStores seek to be good stewards of the environment by diverting an estimated 5,000 tons of usable items from landfills annually. That’s an average of about 250 dump trucks each carrying 20-ton loads!
Triangle ReStores play a huge role in the success of Habitat Wake, and your support goes a long way in helping us accomplish our mission to provide affordable housing in the community. All Triangle ReStore profits support Habitat’s mission locally in Wake, Johnston, Orange and Durham counties.
How can I support Habitat ReStores in the Triangle?
Shopping
Shop for your home furnishings and DIY needs among our 10 area locations! Habitat ReStores carry a wide variety of both new and donated items, including furniture, building materials, appliances and household goods. Prices drop on donated items the 1st and 15th of each month!
Donating gently used items
Drop off gently used items at any of our 10 locations or schedule a pickup for large items. Not sure what we accept? Check our donation guidelines! We also have a specialized team who coordinates large, complex donations (think estate, corporate or unique bulk loads). Don’t hesitate to reach out to us!
Buying New Cabinets
Triangle ReStores sell new cabinets at an affordable cost, and you can feel great knowing all proceeds from your home or office renovation support our mission to build affordable homes. Fill out a consultation form, or visit one of our three cabinet showrooms today!
Donating at the Register
Every year, the proceeds from donations at our registers fund an additional home for Habitat: the ReStore Round-Up House. We have fully funded four additional Habitat homes and counting through our Round-Up program since 2021. Thanks to the tremendous support of our community, we are soon set to reach $1 million raised since we launched the program a few years ago.
Volunteering
All 10 of our locations are in need of volunteers each week. Volunteers work side-by-side with staff interacting with shoppers, accepting donations, organizing the sales floor and more. You can register for a slot online!
Spreading the Word
By telling your friends, families, faith congregations and coworkers about Triangle ReStores, you can help raise awareness and bring others to support our mission. Follow us on social media to stay up to date on all things ReStore.
The ReStores are powered by our communities, and we are so thankful to have your support and generosity!
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