Really weird for a restore. Some items definitely priced to help people but a lot of their offerings go against the concept or what the business is built on. They have 10+ vintage/ antique furniture pieces listed over $500 each. They simply do not care when addressing the extreme markups this place has compared to other locations. Basically nothing affordably priced furniture wise in the entire store even a dented up scratched ikea end table was $45 there… just don’t understand how the people who set those prices sleep at night knowing that the goal of that store was originally or provide low cost furniture and help those who can’t afford new items. It’s a shame really.
Came in to purchase a couch, was told because I couldn’t take it today I cannot buy it. Wanted to pay today and pick up next day. Still no, per manager. What a terrible policy.
Used to avoid, but much better now and highly recommend!
I was pleasantly surprised when I was back recently, in an age where a reasonable thrift price is nigh impossible to find this one particular ReStore has really gotten it together. Night and day difference from the way it used to be and most of the other places I've been to- prices are actually quite good for a place that clearly takes a lot of pride in accurately figuring out what donated items are before setting them out, the floor and registers are clean, even the organization seems to be improved. The building HAS to be under new management or something and it's entirely for the better.
It's crazy to think that now this place is something I'd earnestly recommend to friends, but the transformation is so pronounced I both recognize how good of a spot it is and really want to see it do well. Will be back in the future for sure!
I usually stop by at least once a week since I live very close. Initially, pricing on the items were very reasonable as they should be since the whole purpose of the RE store is to sell used items at a considerably less price than a typical furniture box store, and get inventory out as quickly as possible so the proceeds can go toward building more affordable homes. However, I've noticed that the prices have gone up-a lot! To the point where you ask yourself, if it makes sense to just go to a typical furniture store and buy brand new. There's no incentive anymore, save for possibly stumbling across an obscure, hard to find, vintage piece, to continue shopping there. Make the pricing competitive again so you can get the inventory out the door!
A decent selection of furniture and friendly people put as others have noted some of the prices are high. For instance a generator the same size as mine and only single fuel is $200 more than I paid new and is sold as is.
I wanted to buy a chair and they have no one to help load it.
I am a fan of the various different ReStores that Habitat for Humanity runs. Firstly, the organization just wants people to live in houses, which is awesome. Secondly, each ReStore is a bit of a reflection of the region it serves. You see different things at different ReStores, and the Habitat for Humanity of Greater New Haven is representative of many things. Some finer details of this ReStore stand out.
One detail is the careful displaying of products. Like any thrift store-esque business model, multiple products from various ages of differing qualities are collected and sorted. This complicates a shopkeep's duty to be able to sell these products effectively. The products have to be displayed in an orderly fashion, but they also have to be considered for their age, their value, and their sell-ability. This ReStore is considerate in many ways, one is that their lamps are tested and a sticker/label is placed on the lamp to certify that the lamp works.
The products are also displayed in an orderly fashion so that you can go through the store in an orderly pattern. This can save you time if you are just going there to kill time before getting a haircut. Whatever the case is, this ReStore has considerate employees and an orderly way about things. Highly recommended for this reason.
For those not familiar with Connecticut, I am slowly realizing that this state is not just some northern version of New Jersey. A state that you have to drive through to get Somewhere Else. The ReStore is an exemplar of showing me that, as I began to see the various levels of quality and finery in the store. The ReStore in Wallingford sits between New Haven, a small but fierce metropolis, and Hartford, a state capitol city that is also struggling to find it's place in a media environment. A media environment that feeds off of identifying Areas of Toilet Use, rather than the grit and determination stories that make me want to be a better person.
As I get off of my soapbox, I want to reiterate that this Habitat for Humanity ReStore is a great place to see all the various items that residents of the area donate. And that this store supports a great ideal in our communities, that people deserve homes. I thank you for reading this review, and giving it a home in your brainspace for a moment. I hope you continue to support Habitat for Humanity, because this is a group of wonderful people that wants *everyone* to have a home.
Finished my child’s apartment pretty inexpensively. Got a nice dresser, mirror, comfy sofa set, coffee table, sofa table, large dining room set and kitchen table for under a grand.
My dad basically comes here every week- that's not an exaggeration lol. It is a great place to get used furniture, fixtures, lights, so many items that get donated and are for sale. Great selection week by week. If you want it you need to buy it before it's gone!
Love it!! but their prices are going up on furniture!! Sometimes you get lucky. I often pick up items for our nonprofits and I'm happy with quality. The air could use some filtering as with all thrifts! Go habitat!!!
Used to love shopping here, bought a good amount of furniture, but last couple years every time we go in prices are ridiculously high. I hope things change for the better
The staf was exremely helpful and the selection was surprisingly varied. I bought a whhote metal bed frame for my newly painted bedroom, a captains chair, and a bed frame for my son all for under 100. The store was clean and well maintained. We will be going back for an electric stove and a dresser.
Well, prices have again become SKY high at this store! Leather arm chair? $580! Beat up mid century dresser with missing veneer? $290. It’s a packed mess in there and I found out today that ANYTHING good at all gets put on eBay and not offered in the store!! How’s that as a nice slap in the face of your customers?
Donate to a better habitat. Or a better charity. This behavior shouldn’t be encouraged.
As someone who has visited restores all over the US this is by far the least worthwhile. To me the restore represents re-using construction materials and goods to make money for habitat for humanity as well as keep stuff out of the landfill. The materials & stuff are priced so that they don't move quickly. I see a lot of the same goods every month I stop in and there is only ever a handful of people there. My experience has been high volume in and high volume out & busy with customers. This store seems to be set up like a Tiffany's rather than a forward thinking way save our planet and make some money for a non-profit. I hope they make connections with local contractors and start moving more volume through the store.
Love these stores, Stratford, Ct and Wallingford Ct. Always find nice things to repair my Property. Cabinets, doors ,trim, sinks,tools, tiles, chairs, lighting, windows,crown mouldings. Plan on going to the other stores next year.
This store is very nice! If you are looking for used furniture or other used items this should be your first stop! I feel it’s much nicer then goodwill or the Salvation Army. The store is clean and the proceeds go to a good cause. Great place to donate your unwanted stuff as well
Had some interesting items for building. A few cabinets, doors, and windows. Furniture was in decent shape, along the lines of goodwill. Prices slightly higher but proceeds go to a great organization.
Are you kidding me?? Just visited this ReStore which is nothing like the others I have shopped at.
There is very, very little selection of anything and the prices are almost - sometimes MORE - then what is charged by retail stores. I was extremely disappointed at wasting the gas to drive up there. Don't bother!
Interesting! Lots of home & furnishings (indoor & out) and housewares. Kitchenware, dishes, glassware. Treasure hunters' dream... No junk, damaged or broken stuff here. Prices all over the map ... Some stuff deeply discounted to move it. Great antiques and quality items. Super friendly staff. Clean & organized store. Support Habitat for Humanity! Reuse, repurpose, reduce, recycle.
The absolute most disorganized and uninterested people. I tried to buy a wicker dresser, FULL PRICE AND IN CASH, but the lady refused to discuss any pick up times besides “tomorrow at 10”. Some people are still working but she refused to work with me. Seeing it available the next week still, my husband tried to contact the store owner and the lady I dealt with. The lady I dealt with said it was available still and then 20 minutes later said it wasn’t though it’s STILL AVAILABLE ONLINE. The owner hasn’t replied. What a joke. These stores are complete profit since all items are donated and they just don’t care. I’ve made sure to report them to habitat for humanity.
I have shopped here numerous times. This last time I came in there was a lady that was completely rude. I had purchases ready to be brought and I asked about a bathroom for my young daughter and myself who is 8 months pregnant. I have used the bathroom in the store previously and have never been given a hard time. I was told "we have a bathroom but you cant use it". I can understand not offering it to people who just come in to use a bathroom, but to refuse a bathroom to a paying repeat customer is a little ridiculous.
Since changing hands, this store has become very expensive. The used items range from household to building supplies but the help has no knowledge of were to find things as they keep moving the items in the store around such makes it frustrating to find and the staff are always too busy on their cell phones or chatting to help.
They have nice items in the store it would be nice if they would mark them down sometimes. Bridgeport has stickers on their items and it'll tell you when the prices will be marked down North Haven doesn't
This store has a good variety at times however this restore in wallingford is very expensive compared to other restores and thrift stores. When they first opened prices were more reasonable. I'm not sure what happened but think it is when the new woman took over running it. An example is a small, old, blemished, faux wood bookcase for $30. REALLY. I can go to Target and get it brand new for $40 or on sale for $30.
The selection is mediocre, and the prices are much higher than other thrift stores, and even other ReStores. Don't waste your time here. You can find better deals elsewhere.
If buying something used or donated isn't your thing move on. Otherwise definitely check this place out. While I prefer a brand ne was couch I saw wonderful furniture in great shape. Appliances ,double ovens, stoves range hoods , microwaves that go above cooktops, windows, blinds ,locks and passage way handles (in the box) dishes, cutlery, even new shower hoses/ shiwer heads with hose. These are a few examples. Now remember if something sells it sells and it's not there this isn't a stocked department store. So going back and forth is advised me I found something I actually wanted to get which for wine glasses simple $0.75 each so I brought eight my friend I was with got shower hoses cutlery and glassware and bring your own shopping bag that you would to the grocery store remember everything is donated and it makes for carrying out items you buy easier on your end definitely nice place with nice staff
This store used to be a place I went every week....i now go once every six months...the women who took the store over is very nice but fails to understand that lower prices means more turn over in product...she has upped the prices by any easy 35%...she has prices on things too high!! It's cheaper at Walmart....then when u ask why ...well it's for charity...thank you but I have my own charity I donate to .....they must get a grasp on reality and LOWER THE PRICES!! Stop taking it personal with each item that comes in ...it's all donation remember get ride of it already so new items can come in ....almost every person I speak with says the same exact thing about this store once the new women took it over...am I wrong???
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