The ReStoration Corner

That's right. We said it. It's almost here!

The demand and need of a home improvement outlet in our community is evident with over 18,000 donations a year and over 58,000 shoppers a year at ReStore. Year over year growth has resulted in one thing for our New Brighton location... We must expand! 

If the demand for heat this winter increases as many energy analysts are predicting, your pocketbook may be taking a hit this season. But never fear! The ReStore team is here with some tips and home hacks that might just save you some green and keep you warm until spring arrives. 

About five years ago, Julie O’Neil and her husband bought a house only blocks away from her old home. They decided to flip this new home and were about to start the search for the right materials when someone suggested the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore. From that moment on, Julie became one of the store's biggest fans and expert shoppers.

Sadie was a first-time contender in the Freestyle Flip Upcycle Challenge and she won! After a short conversation, it was clear why everyone loved her creation. Sadie had a ton of experience with upcycling, designing, and creating things from recycled items so this wasn't her first curtain call.

Back in August, ReStore announce its second Upcycle Challenge where people competed in upcycling and transforming items found on the sales floor. Each participant was given up to $50 worth of merchandise or material. The goal was to use your creativity to build anything you could imagine. No limits! Sadie had heard of the first ReStore Upcycle Challenge and decided this time, she was in!

Guest blog post by Dunwoody College students.

Last month, a group of students from Dunwoody College volunteered at the ReStore in Minneapolis. Our group is called Kate’s Club, which is named after Kate Dunwoody, one of the founders of our college. Kate Dunwoody was a philanthropist and a champion of women’s rights in the late 1800s in Minneapolis. Kate’s Club is a group of women students who keep Kate’s legacy alive by doing community service on campus and in the community.

Business donations to the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore keep the store well-stocked and the inventory fresh. ReStore operates on donated products and all revenue supports Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s work building, rehabbing, and repairing homes for local families. Many businesses choose to donate overstock, mis-orders, discontinued items, or storeroom cleanout.

Gayle and her husband Bill have been loyal ReStore shoppers for over eight years now.

"I’ve always been someone who enjoyed repurposing things, so I originally came out to see what the store was all about," Gayle said.  "It’s very organized and clean, and there’s so much variety. I’ve always felt like this was a place that was a really good fit for me. That’s why I come back over and over again!"

When the winter holidays roll around, it's often time to spend big bucks on gifts for friends and family. Well, you don't have to break the bank or spend any time in long lines at big box stores. With a little elbow grease and a trip to ReStore, you can whip up some homemade gifts for under $5 each.

Inventory management is a big part of running a successful business. But sometimes overstock is unavoidable and businesses have a choice to make regarding what to do next. One option that’s a win-win is donating those items to a charitable organization—like the Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity ReStore.