Back in August 2011, Will County Habitat for Humanity ReStore opened its doors on Larkin Avenue. Since that time, the non-profit store has seen nothing but growth.
"We are 27 percent over last year," Annette Leck, executive director for Will County Habitat for Humanity said.
And as they grow, they are making changes and additions that will help merchandise move faster and bring more customers through the door. About three months ago, the ReStore began a new pricing structure. After items are in the store for a month, the price drops to 25 percent off the original price. Then, a month after that, 50 percent and finally, a month after that, 75 percent.
"That's the major change because things fly out of here so fast," Leck said. "If you like it today, you better get it because it will fly out of here."
She added that there are some things that remain for more than a month, but there are not a lot.
In addition to the new pricing structure, the store has begun providing refurbishing services.
The popularity of the store and its success is a win/win situation for Will County. The money made in the store goes to build Habitat for Humanity homes in Will County.
"It doesn't go anwhere but Will County," Dan Dunn, ReStore manager said. "It's a revenue source for Habitat."
The store relies on donations from individuals and businesses in the community and they often come through in a big way. The new sign out front was donated by Ed Prodehl, of Coldwell Banker Honig Bell. Even with that donation, the ReStore had to pay about $10,000 to get it installed and working. But that cost was lessened by a $2,000 donation from the Shorewood Police Department.
The store has seen donations from local businesses like Red Lobster, who donated everything from decorations to booths when they renovated their restaurants, to perhaps one of the most unusual items from Home Depot.
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