Habitat for Humanity of Greater Pittsburgh ReStore

I’m so sad that this store closed :(. I got a ton of awesome stuff for my apartment here! There are supposed to be relocating; does anyone know where to?

Having worked in the arts and not-​for-​profits all of my life, ‘Thrift Stores’ have really been my ‘Macy’s’ all of that poverty level life. From Goodwill’s to local ’cause’ resale stores, like opera resale shops, have become my necessary shopping destinations.
When I lost my best friend to cancer, and she left me an inheritance, I bought my house… and needed ‘stuff’ for both renovation purposes, and just ‘stocking’. So I made the rounds from Goodwill, Salvation Army, Red, White and Blue, etc, and found a lot of good things that I needed, but then someone told me about ReStore. How had I never heard of it?
Well, the main reason would be that the Eedgewood Towne Center had kind of suffered that Strip Mall slow death over a decade ago, and it just wasn’t anywhere in my travel route. Well, having heard of ReStore through word of mouth… it certainly is now.
Like any resale shop, it certainly is hit-​or-​miss, but that’s to be expected.
Now, many of our resale and ‘Thrift’ stores have frankly gotten a little out of control with their pricing. Frankly, some of the stuff they price could be bought brand new in other stores for pretty much the same price. So, taking into consideration, old and used with no guarantee for long-​term working condition for $ 25 or brand new for $ 25, which one would I be going for?
Then there come the individual business politics and ’causes’. Goodwill is not a non-​profit. They just get free stuff donated, and make profit from it. Salvation army discriminates left and right, being a religion based program. Even Construction Junction claims ‘non profit’ status… but what is their ’cause’ (that has never been made clear) and what justifies having an old organ donated and selling it for $ 1300? They’re terrific if you need architecturally specific items, but where does their money go?
ReStore has a very eclectic and ever changing inventory, ranging in quality levels, from Antique bonanza finds, to a bin of free ‘crap’. I have found winner rugs, light fixtures, an antique dresser, an entire patio set, framed prints and other various items, all for VERY reasonable prices. The antique dresser was in very good condition… for $ 9. Two large framed prints of New York City scenes which would have been at LEAST $ 20 at Goodwill, were $ 5 each at ReStore.
So not only is their inventory priced to sell, but the money goes to Habitat For Humanity… building homes for people without requiring them to convert their souls, or other socio-​political ‘requirements’ for services. An actual ‘good cause’.
The store itself is huge, and the staff has always been very nice. They’ll help you to the front of the store, or to the back door loading dock without grunts or sneers. They will even deliver something too big for your vehicle to your home for $ 50. But this really is only justifiable if we’re talking ‘refrigerator’. Somehow paying $ 20 for a glass topped patio table doesn’t really justify a $ 50 delivery fee. Call a friend with a truck.
Their hours are odd, open only Tuesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm. but they are a much better ‘worth the trip’ kind of resale store, with the proceeds going to really help people.

I understand and appreciate the mission of the store, but it is not being run in a way that benefits anyone. It is cluttered and disorganized, overflowing with merchandise. Mainly because the prices are so outrageous that no one wants to pay them. 100+ dollars for something that I have to sand and refinish is insane, especially when it is not even high quality or an antique. I saw pushes with overflowing stuffing selling for more than a hundred dollars. Drop your prices, unload some inventory and make a profit for those in need.

this is the best/​biggest restore i have been to. i went to the salem, oh store, new kensington, pa and beaver falls, pa stores. the restore in irwin on 30 is closed as of ⁴⁄₁₃. this restore has large selection of doors, windows, toilets, tiles antique, misc, appliances, china dishes, tools, etc… some things really cheap like 10 cents — to about $ 20. ========across from kmart braddock pittsburgh pa

How can you go wrong with a place that sells everything from hardwood flooring to couches, golf clubs to punch bowl sets?
Habitat ReStore is a part of a nationwide effort of Habitat for Humanity. They use items donated to them that can’t be used in houses and sell them to raise additional funds for the organization.
Since inventory is donation based, it changed constantly, but there is a huge variety of items, most in very good (some even new) condition.
They take charges, but there is a $ 10 minimum (no minimum for debit purchases).
This store is especially great for people completing do it yourself home repairs or those furnishing their first house or apartment.
I was there to volunteer but ended up making a purchase. I know I’ll be back (both to volunteer and shop)

This is one of those places that must be spread by word of mouth. The think it’s time for Unilocal to get that word out.
First off the hours are only Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to 3 PM. The other days they are cleaning, pricing and prepping the store.
It’s kind of like a Goodwill meets a mom and pop hardware store. Great place to go look for a piece of furniture you might need or a fixture for the bathroom. I went in looking for a light fixture for my bathroom and the prices are amazing.
Huge area to look through so make sure you have time to browse, you don’t want to look over something that you may need. Inventory is based on what they get. So products change constantly. I ventured throughout the whole area and what I saw was enough to make sure I stop back in for any of my hardware needs. They have everything you can think of for your last minute fix you need at home. Furniture ranges from desks to dressers. They have doors, TVs, appliances (at times), carpeting, etc.
Be sure to stop in here. It is for a great cause.