Press release from Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity:
The opening of a used furniture store on Biltmore Avenue in 1990 marked a new chapter for Asheville Area Habitat for Humanity (then named WNC Habitat for Humanity). Though Covid-19 prevents a big celebration, the milestone is important to mark because the local Home Store was one of the first Habitat retail stores in the country, today it is one of the highest performing ReStores out of 800+, and most importantly, it continues to provide funding for Habitat’s home building programs.
The Home Store evolved over the years, adding staff, engaging volunteers, and purchasing trucks to pick-up donations. After a capital campaign to renovate an old carpet warehouse in Biltmore Village donated by the Pearlmans, the Home Store relocated to 31 Meadow Road in 2003, where it remains today. With triple the retail space, a huge basement for processing donations, a covered parking area and donation drop-off lane, and offices, Meadow Road represented the next chapter. Sales increased exponentially enabling the affiliate to serve twice as many families.
The thrift store scene flourished in Asheville and the Habitat Home Store became a destination. In 2005, a volunteer started a bi-monthly Silent Auction, which became a signature feature and developed a loyal following. In 2008, a Deconstruction program was added, offering homeowners and contractors an affordable option for removing kitchen cabinets, appliances, bathroom fixtures, and more – and ensuring they’d be reused instead of tossed in the landfill. And before long, it was time to again either move or expand.
The Building a Way Home capital campaign made it possible to expand at the Meadow Road location. The covered parking area was converted to strictly retail space and a parking lot was added. The adjacent Southern Railway building was purchased allowing the administrative offices to move next door and the Upper Showroom sales floor to expand. Next door, in addition to offices, conference rooms were built out and a large warehouse was remodeled to house Habitat’s home building materials. A grand re-opening of the remodeled store was held on September 10, 2011. It was then that the name officially changed from Home Store to ReStore.
In addition to celebrating 30 years in Asheville, the affiliate is celebrating another anniversary – the 1 Year anniversary of its second ReStore location in Weaverville. Located on Weaver Blvd., a major retail thoroughfare, the store has been bustling since the day it opened. Though smaller than the flagship store, it offers much of the same product – furniture, housewares, art, building supplies, appliances, and more.
Proceeds from ReStore sales help fund Asheville Habitat’s building programs and cover administrative and fundraising expenses. Along with Habitat homeowner mortgage payments, the ReStore is a sustainable funding source for the organization. Learn more at https://www.ashevillehabitat.org/restore/.
To see a photo essay of the evolution of the Asheville Habitat ReStore, click here.
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