ReStore reaches $1 million in annual sales

The Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore off Route 9 outside Lewes is celebrating reaching more than $1 million in annual sales this past year. All proceeds from the ReStore support the Habitat for Humanity Sussex County organization and its mission.

Sussex County Habitat for Humanity is a nonprofit organization that works to provide good homes for those in need. The organization believes everyone deserves a decent place to live, and its mission is to make that idea come to life for local families.

In Sussex County, the average cost of a family home is more than $475,000, which means every 1 in 3 households pays more than 30% of its income for housing.

Due to the state of the housing market, Habitat for Humanity wishes to help families now more than ever. The resale thrift store is one of the many ways Habitat for Humanity raises funds for its mission. 

The store supports Habitat for Humanity’s housing programs including affordable housing, home repairs, financial literacy, energy-efficient upgrades and community cleanups. Each program helps to support families in need of housing services in the Sussex County area.

With $1 million reached in sales this year through the ReStore, the organization is able to build two houses for Habitat families. The ReStore alone has made a huge impact on Habitat families this past year.

The store has an average of 46 volunteers per month helping on a regular basis, together volunteering about 10,000 hours per year. 

Volunteers help with donations, loading trucks, shelving and other responsibilities. 

Donors and shoppers also have a special place in the hearts of the Habitat for Humanity community because, without donations and willingness to seek out old treasures, the store would not have reached its $1 million goal.

“We aren’t just a thrift store, we’re a thrift store with a mission,” said Cathy Basenese, ReStore director.

The ReStore takes in and sells almost anything in gently used condition, with the exception of beds, bedding, linens and clothing. In the store, shoppers can find everything from lamps and couches to DVDs and vintage notebooks.

Each item has an initial starting price that descends by 25% every two weeks. This gives shoppers a chance to shop within their price range and allows products to move quickly. 

Large items in the store such as couches or dining room tables can be held for customers for up to two business days in the event that buyers cannot take their item home the day of purchase. 

The ReStore does not provide delivery services, but staff will help customers load and unload products if requested. 

The resale thrift store is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday, and donations can be made anytime from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For more information, go to sussexcountyhabitat.org/restore.