Habitat for Humanity ReStore Draws Shoppers

Habitat for Humanity is building its future with the opening of its first ReStore outlet serving the San Fernando and Santa Clarita Valleys in Chatsworth and business is already off to a strong start. The nonprofit’s retail outlets sell donated building materials, furniture and home goods at a fraction of what new items cost. Word of mouth has the store at 9606 De Soto Ave. attracting more shoppers and donations since its June 30 opening, which was attended by a host of local officials including Councilman Mitch Englander, U.S. Rep. Brad Sherman, U.S. Rep. Howard Berman, State Sen. Fran Pavley and State Assemblyman Bob Blumenfield. “We are starting to get really busy,” said Sherijo Damico, senior manager of communications and brand for the Chatsworth store. “We are an upscale thrift shop. We get goods from people in the area and the sales from this store go to building homes in the area. Sometimes we use items from the store in our builds.” The ReStore gets donations from builders, contractors, and stores like Orchard Supply Hardware and Home Depot. “It’s everything from extras they have in the store to items that are slightly damaged or used, to brand new,” Damico said. “And private citizens donate items, as well. People can call and we have a free pickup service that can go to people.” Damico has also begun soliciting donations from area businesses and television shows. The store has received items from “Let’s Make a Deal,” “The Price is Right,” and “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” Damico said. “Ellen gave us sets of washer and dryers valued at around $2,500.” While the store may seem similar to Goodwill and The Salvation Army, Damico points out that ReStores are different. “We don’t want to be them,” Damico said. “Sometimes we get stuff and it’s not good (for us), so we send it over to Goodwill.” The store has 10,000 square feet of selling space and a 5,000-square-foot warehouse, according to Damico. People can expect to get around 40 to 50 percent off retail prices, she added. With seven employees and dozens of volunteers, the store sells appliances and plumbing materials as well as furniture and even bathtubs, Damico said. In fact, she added, it’s almost easier to say what ReStore doesn’t sell. “We don’t sell items like clothes, mattresses, flammable items or paint. And appliances brought in should be five years or younger,” Damico said. Centrally located to serve communities from Burbank and Glendale to Lancaster, Palmdale and Agoura Hills and Calabasas, profits from the store are slated to stay in the community. “Profits from this store go to building houses for low-income families and veterans in this area,” Damico said. “Everyone should have a home. It’s such a nice feeling here; it’s nice to give back.” She said Habitat for Humanity is planning to break ground on 12 houses in Sylmar in about two months, and 97 homes in Santa Clarita in six months. Those projects will rely on donated materials, profits from the store and volunteer labor. Granada Hills resident Shay, who declined to give her last name, visited the store after seeing it on the news. “It’s good,” she said. “It’s actually kind of like a Home Depot.” In addition to the new Chatsworth ReStore, there is a store in Simi Valley. And there are plans for another store in this area within the next two years, Damico said. “We get all kinds of people shopping here. I’ve seen extremely well-dressed people in here shopping and donating, and then people that like to shop for bric-a-brac items. Even small builders come in here for items.” One Yelp.com reviewer already has given the new ReStore four out of five stars. “I’ve sort of become infatuated with these stores ever since I stumbled across the one in Norwalk,” said Kurt S. of Bellflower, Calif. “This now brand new location has the nicest furniture and flooring (and prices) I’ve seen in all the ReStores in the Greater Los Angeles area.  However, the other hardware and decorative stuff is small. The store is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and closed Sunday and Monday.