Brooklyn Park ReStore coming this fall!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is ReStore?

  ReStore is a home improvement outlet open to the public. People can shop for quality donated home furnishings, building supplies, appliances, and more at a fraction of the original cost. All revenue supports Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity’s work to create, expand, and promote affordable housing opportunities and advance racial equity in housing. With two locations—Minneapolis and New Brighton—ReStore is the Twin Cities' go-to outlet for home improvement materials.
  
  ReStore home improvement outlets began in 1991 with five volunteers in Winnipeg, Manitoba, who committed to rescuing new and used building materials from the brink of waste while advancing Habitat for Humanity’s mission. There are now more than 900 ReStores across the United States.

  ReStore is a devout champion of waste diversion and the principles of the circular economy. Our passion for keeping items out of landfills is a core belief all ReStore supporters share, and it connects with Habitat’s work as a sustainable housing developer.

  Many items at ReStore are donated by individuals, builders, remodelers, businesses, wholesalers, or manufacturers, and donations are tax deductible. Anyone can shop at ReStore.

• Why is ReStore opening another location?

  ReStore home improvement outlets have been a great success for Habitat affiliates, providing essential funds to grow Habitat’s programs. Twin Cities Habitat’s first ReStore opened in New Brighton in 2007, and the Minneapolis ReStore opened in 2016. Both locations have seen tremendous growth over the years, and we see a growing need for a third location in the northwest metro.

  The new 27,000 square foot store in Brooklyn Park will provide another revenue stream to support Twin Cities Habitat’s Build Forward Together strategic plan to dramatically increase the number of families we can partner with.

• Where is the new ReStore located?

  The Brooklyn Park ReStore is located near highways 169 and 610. This location will make shopping, donating, or volunteering at ReStore more convenient for everyone in the northwest and west metro.

• When will the new ReStore open?

  Opening details coming late summer. Check back soon!

• What's happening at the new location now?

  Lindee Construction has starting demo work at the new location. In the coming months, we will begin implementing exterior and interior signage, lighting, and window decals. Eventually, we will fill the sales floor with products!

• Will it function like the Minneapolis and New Brighton ReStores?

  Yes, the Brooklyn Park ReStore will operate just like our other ReStores with a large sales floor and separate donation drop door.  We will offer the same free and priority pick-up services, as well. The new store will employ a Store Manager and several associates and rely heavily on volunteer support.

• Are there opportunities to volunteer to get the new store ready?

  There will be many opportunities to volunteer and help prepare the space for opening. Tasks may include painting the breakroom and office spaces, building displays, pricing product, moving product to the sales floor, and more. Volunteer opportunities will be shared soon!

  And remember, we’ll need volunteer support after the store is open and going forward.

• What products will the Brooklyn Park store have?

  The Brooklyn Park ReStore will feature the same categories of donated products the other ReStores have: appliances, building materials, windows/doors, lighting fixtures, plumbing, furniture and home goods, cabinets, tile/flooring, and more. View ReStore’s complete Donation Guidelines.

• How can I be part of this new ReStore?

  Glad you asked! There are several ways to support the new ReStore:

  • ReStore needs donations to fill the new store. We’re accepting donations at New Brighton and Minneapolis ReStores and starting to set aside items for the Brooklyn Park store. If you’re doing spring cleaning, home renovations, moving, or downsizing, please donate to ReStore. (Please do not drop off items in Brooklyn Park right now; drop off at New Brighton and Minneapolis only.)

  • We will need volunteers to help prepare the space, like building shelving for inventory and eventually organize products on the sales floor. As with our other ReStores, we will be recruiting and placing volunteers who can commit to weekly shifts in Brooklyn Park. We will share the Volunteer Hub link when ready.

  • Spread the news! Please tell your friends, family, neighbors, and community members that a new ReStore is coming. It’s a convenient new option for thrifty, eco-conscious shoppers who love a good deal and want to help the environment. An easy way to do this is to follow/like/share ReStore content on Facebook and Instagram. We’ll be posting progress updates and videos to share.

  • Make sure you’re signed up for Hot Deals emails and VIP texts to get the latest news and info about the Brooklyn Park ReStore. Subscribe and Save today!

  • Make a monetary donation. Every dollar helps us get the materials needed for renovations, building upgrades, equipment, and so much more. ReStore Donation page

• Who supports ReStore?

  Supporting ReStore resonates with people for several reasons. Many people appreciate a good bargain and enjoy ReStore’s low prices. Others like shopping second-hand as a way to help the environment and keep unwanted items out of landfills. Many people support ReStore as another way to support Twin Cities Habitat’s mission. Supporters include DIY enthusiasts, subcontractors, homeowners, bargain-hunters, eco-conscious consumers, local businesses, and more.

• What is the impact of ReStore?

  Each year, revenue generated by ReStore goes directly to support Twin Cities Habitat’s programs, which includes sponsoring the building of FIVE Habitat homes each year! Other ReStore facts (updated annually):

  • 5.9 million pounds diverted from landfills each year (equivalent to 22 blue whales!)

  • 19,956 donations dropped off or picked up each year

  • 79,545 shoppers each year

  • 9,689 volunteers at two metro locations each year

• Is ReStore open to the public?

  Yes, anyone can shop at ReStore! You don’t have to be a Habitat homeowner or have a membership. We are open Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Saturdays from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Stop by and check us out.

• Where can I go if I have questions?

  If you have questions specifically about the new Brooklyn Park ReStore, please reach out to our ReStore team at restore@tchabitat.org with questions. 
  
  If you have questions about what items we accept for donation or how to schedule a pickup, please visit our Donate page.