Habitat Denver ReStore — Attraction in Denver

Over the last few year,I have literally spent 10's of thousands of dollars, mostly on vintage, MCM, not new items, that needed a lot of TLC to introduce into the home.

It was also an exciting time to visit the ReStore locations around Denver (Denver, WheatRidge, Littleton) as you could absolutely not predict what you'd come across...it was true "thrill seeking shopping".

As of now, I can speak for the Denver Restore, they're inundated with Safievh, Article, and Joybird "Corporate Donations". Most are recognized by the "Red" tag vs the other color labels they use. It's always been generally understood and policy that price reductions take place at "X" intervals; it differs based on the tag..perhaps it was one week for white tag, two weeks for red tags, etc.

As you enter the store these days, you'll find predominately new furniture that was donated by a "Corporate" entity and labeled with red tags.

Many also have the printout from said manufacture attached with the retail price (which is often never what you pay when you account for 1) a minimum 10% off coupon that pops up when visiting the site, 2) no sales tax (dependent on vendor), 3) additional promotions, free shipping and 4) the items are BRAND NEW...with a warranty, not assembled by Restore employees, sat on by who knows how many, and if they have the imperfections seen on many items at present in the Denver Restore Inventory; they'd immediately be replaced with "New" items.

Check the dates of when the labels are printed (and lack of price reductions based on policy). I see new labels printed for the same price, sometimes higher, and the old label removed in order to prevent the price dropping. For example when I return a week or two later to see what the "dropped price" is.

Generally, there was a tag on bottom, and depending on how long it resided in store, you could see 1,2,3,4 or more markdown stickers on top (with dates).

The new mantra of "referencing internet prices" for brand new items is frustrating, clearly different from the items they are selling (and receiving for free), and while it is important to not give things away. It's suppose to be a store that as their company slogan and core values states we will "Save your business or clients the hassle and expense of disposing at a landfill.".

Since 2015, prices have doubled, tripled, quadrupled or risen exponentially to what they were, well beyond inflation, or market rate pricing. Even for furniture pieces which are old, broken, have the potential to be great--but requires hours, many hours, of restoration to bring back to their former glory.

I use to know all the staff by name, visited almost daily or at least three times a week, provided Restore a significant revenue stream for the things purchased. The staff seemed friendlier, interested in the mission, and now I don't recognize any of the staff, the store is now closed more frequently (unrelated to COVID), closes SUPER EARLY (4:30PM) compared to when it use to close.

Some days, there would be nothing, some days there would be a mind boggling amount of things I had vision for. Now there's a steady stream of overpriced goods that make me hesitant to shop there and when I look at the price tags for things; not new things. There so far apart from what I'd pay and what other discount stores are selling things for. It's not even worth the purchase.

I'm looking forward to (without doubt) that Restore will return to what it was. A TOTAL mixed bag. Some things were pricier, but affordable, some were cheap, some were a "treasure find". Now that's not the case and there's little incentive to shop here...which greatly saddens me as I loved the hunt, loved that the money I spent went back to helping build housing for those underserved. Restore...

I've been a dedicated shopper since they first opened their doors and have watched the rio grande location grow and adapt throughout the years into what it is now, which is why I won't ever be back. They have lost their way I think, greed is the downfall of most non profits and habitat is no different. I went in and found a wood lock display with a broken surface mounted slide bolt on it that was more damaged than functional. Hello nmsunly wanted he wood display. The guy at the counter looked over the item (which had no price on it) and acted like he found the items price on his computer screen (this lock was ancient and broken and in the 16 years I've been a locksmith I've never seen anything similar to it) so I knew he was full of it. He called it 20.00... I just about fell over. 20.00 for a broken lock attached to a small post?!?! Give me a break! At the Littleton or wheat ridge store the most I would be charged for something like that is $5. I just walked out and couldn't believe what I had just been through. The owner responded below stating the lock is supposedly worth over 300.00?? I'd really like to know how his manager found that out with no identifying markings on the lock it's self and for the simple fact that it was broken....you know I have a broken down '69 Ford Mustang convertible in my front driveway that's worth 50,000 if it were in pristine condition with no Miles on it but unfortunately because it's a dilapidated broken pos and it's only worth it's weight in scrap. Treat your customers fairly and with the understanding that you're selling donated items. If you're going to directly respond to a comment. Make sure you know what you're talking about too. I would very much like to see where they pulled a $300 value...

I’ve been a very loyal customer, donor and build volunteer with Habitat for 15+ years in the Denver area.

The mission of the organization is very important, particularly in Colorado where housing insecurity due to cost of living increases is a significant community concern.

I’ve bought MANY building materials and furnishings over the years.

I’ve watched as the prices at the Denver store have escalated a great deal, more than keeping up with inflationary increases. This is very disappointing.

While the mission is to help house families in metro Denver, there are many individuals SHOPPING at the Restore for affordable building materials and home furnishings who are shopping there because they are low income and can only afford low prices (and all donated I might add) items to make their household budget work!!

It seems to be robbing Peter to pay Paul if the prices become so unaffordable it removes this valuable resource for low income and/or families getting their start with appliances, couches, light fixtures etc.

Also, many of the used and “corporate” items need some or A LOT of work to get them into working order!! I’ve attached some photos of a recent stop by the Denver Restore for furnishings and materials.

Some great items!! But, some were marked at or higher than retail prices and others (like the hutch in the photo) was over $200 and needed significant restoration (broken latches, broken boards on the back, interior broken shelves). A year or two ago, this piece would have been $20-50 — what’s happened!?!?

I do hope the management keeps their eye on the mission. Another post said they’d like to see the Denver Restore “restored” — I couldn’t...