Frequently Asked Questions
What is the ReStore?
The ReStore is a nonprofit retail store that sells donated merchandise. While we occasionally buy things like recycled paint, virtually everything you see on our sales floor was given to us by generous people. As the retail arm of Atlanta’s Habitat for Humanity, our mission is to generate as much revenue to support Habitat for Humanity’s mission as possible. In doing so, we help create an Atlanta where all people have access to quality affordable housing in safe, vibrant neighborhoods with opportunities to thrive.
How do we do that? Simply put, we take in donations, process those donations, and sell them for reduced prices on our dog-friendly sales floor. Like stated above, everything we sell goes toward revenue that we use for our overarching mission of providing affordable houses to families in need and ultimately supporting communities in the metro Atlanta area.
Everything you buy from us contributes to the lasting impression Habitat for Humanity makes in Atlanta!
When and where are the ReStores open?
We are so excited to announce that we now have two fully-operating ReStores!
The Atlanta Habitat ReStore is open to the public Tuesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The address is 271 Chester Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30316.
The South Fulton ReStore is open to the public Wednesday – Saturday, 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. The address is 5626 Old National Hwy; College Park, GA; 30349.
Is the ReStore a thrift shop?
Strictly speaking, no; the ReStore is a home improvement retail store and not a place to bargain and negotiate price. Furthermore, we are rarely able to sell clothing and many of the types of things associated with thrift shops.
On the other hand, we do our very best to price our merchandise reasonably and cheaply! There will rarely -if ever- be an occasion where you find something on our sales floor that is cheaper somewhere else.
How often do you receive new merchandise?
We receive new merchandise every day that we are open. We accept drop off donations in addition to offering a pick-up service, so you never know what items are coming through the door! To browse our newest arrivals, visit our New Arrivals webpage.
How do you price things?
Generally speaking, we find the exact item or an item very similar and price our merchandise at around 40-60% of that retail price – depending on the item’s condition, brand, and other factors.
Furthermore, we use different-colored tags that are discounted at varying amounts between 15-50%. Not only are you going to get things from the ReStore that are far less than retail value, you’re likely also getting a discount on top of those prices.
We also offer a 10% discount to all seniors, first-responders, and military personnel. Please make sure to have your ID with you at the time of purchase to receive the discount.
How can I find out about sales you are having?
Our ReStore locations have deals on a variety of items each week!
Storewide sales and other special deals will be announced via our e-blasts. Join our email list to stay up-to-date on what’s new in-store and see our special promotions.
You can also follow us on social media at @atlantarestore on Instagram.
Are your prices negotiable?
We make every effort to monitor the costs of similar products at retail stores, and we typically offer our products for sale at about 50% of the cost of retail (sometimes more). Therefore, since we believe that we are offering our shoppers a deep discount and value for their dollar, we do not negotiate. While there are few occasions that we can adjust prices, we remain vigilantly focused on our mission to generate as much revenue for Habitat for Humanity as possible.
Remember, the ReStore is a nonprofit retail space! Every bit you spend supports Atlanta Habitat for Humanity’s mission to transform local communities.
What is your return policy?
All merchandise is sold “As Is” and there are no refunds or exchanges except on a limited number of appliances. Our merchandise is donated; therefore, we do not offer any warranties or guarantees. We conduct a thorough screening of our donations to ensure only the highest quality items are accepted, but sometimes things may not work as expected. Please come prepared with your measurements and measure the item you want to purchase. Remember the old carpenter’s adage – “Measure twice, cut once.” We have tape measures available for your convenience. If you change your mind after the purchase, you can donate it back to us. Learn More
Does the ReStore deliver?
Unfortunately at this time, our ReStore does not deliver items.
However, we do keep a community board at the Atlanta ReStore near the outdoor shopping entrance that might contain cards of delivery businesses.
Furthermore, if you’ve bought an item that you cannot immediately take home, we’ll hold it for you up to three business days so that you may arrange transportation.
I have something or some things to donate. How do I do that?
Thank you for considering us!
There are a few ways that you can donate. First, if you’re hoping to donate to Atlanta Habitat for Humanity monetarily, click here and follow the prompts.
If you’re hoping to drop something off at our ReStore, click here for detailed donation and loading dock info. Essentially, after reading what we can accept as a donation, all you need do is simply arrive to one of our loading docks during the corresponding hours, follow the directional signage, and let our staff direct you toward the donations process. It won’t take long!
Finally, if you’re hoping to have our associates come to your location and picks things up, click here for the prompts.
What types of items do you accept as a donation?
What do you do with my donation?
We do everything we can to place sellable things on our sales floor. If what we get is in reasonably good condition – free of rips, missing parts, stains, smells, breaks, scratches, scrapes, and so on – then we will price it and get it to our sales floor.
Your donations are tax-deductible as allowed by law, and they are sold to the public at discounted prices. All net proceeds from the sale of your donated items will support Atlanta Habitat for Humanity. Donations to our ReStore are generally not used in Atlanta Habitat homes.
What happens to the stuff you cannot sell?
Like many of our donors, we want to keep as much as we can out of the landfill, and we maintain consistent efforts to recycle everything and anything we can. If there is anything you donate that we cannot sell but we can recycle, we will!
Sadly, some of what we receive in donations may end up in our dumpster. This is why we urge every donor to please thoroughly read through what we can and cannot accept, and in doing so, help us keep the earth a clean and safe environment!
The items I would like to donate are hard for me to move. Do you offer a pick-up service?
Does anything I donate go into Habitat homes? Do you use our stuff to help build homes?
What happens if I bought something and can't pick it up in time?
If you’ve bought something that you know you cannot pick up within three days, you may simply call us at 404-525-2114, leave a message, and request an extension.
If you were unable to make an extension, then it’s likely we have put your item back on the sales floor. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for store credit for the item that you were unable to pick up with the subtraction of a 10% restocking fee. If you have any more questions on our return policy and procedures, give us a call at the above number.
How do I sign up to volunteer?
We are thrilled that you’re interested in volunteer with Habitat for Humanity! Our volunteering efforts have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, so some things may have changed since you were last interested in volunteering with us. For greater detail about volunteering, click here.
If you haven’t already been through orientation, click here to sign up.
You can volunteer with the ReStore by clicking here.
If you’re looking to volunteer with our house leaders on build sites, click here.