ReStore (Habitat for Humanity) Maple Shade location…read more
This location, different from at least 4 others I've visited, has almost all new items. It's basically like the clearance section of box hardware or furniture stores.
In the warehouse type room, they had a ton of brand new stuff:
Bathtubs: overpriced IMO. They had soakers, corner units, special shapes and sizes, jetted or no, Kohler and other brands, but all fiberglass. Fiberglass standard tubs or soakers were $375 in various brands (jets and other tubs were much higher-priced). I'd prefer a steel tub ($220 to $320 at Depot/Lowe's) because I've had scratch, crack, and various other nightmares with fiberglass. Fiberglass for tubs dominates the market, but they are not made to last and I'm not the type to waste money renovating every few years. Also, jets and pumps break and those tubs aren't fun to clean. Been there, done it all with headache tubs! Plain old steel for me!
Flooring: there were decent bathroom-size quantities of tile in ceramic or natural stone (but any natural stone was 4" square or smaller) and it was all 75% off when I visited. Wood, luxury vinyl or laminate flooring was there, but in quantities of maybe 280 sqft which would do a room or two, not enough to do a house.
Rugs: These all looked like synthetic fiber area rugs, in trendy colors and styles. Sizes varied but 5x8' or 8x10' seemed the average size.
Appliances: smaller stainless units priced $675 or more, some dented and still priced like the others. May be good deals depending on brands. I'd first check out outlets in Delaware with no tax. The ranges, washer/dryers etc. all same thing, basic models, some with scratch and dent or low-end models.
Sinks: not many kitchen sinks but tons of bathroom sinks. All were priced about 10% less than Depot or Lowe's, which is not worth the risk of no warranty or return window IMO. However, it was 75% off sinks when I was there so that's a game changer, and definitely made bargains happen. However, the exact new model basic drop-in white ceramic bathroom sink I got at the Pennsauken store was priced $10 -75% off there, and $35 -75% off at this store. So yeah, prices are higher here!
Windows / Doors: nothing exciting when I was there, though they were having a week-long 50% off sale for these and it was the last day when I visited, so slim pickins, but it's hit or miss.
Furniture: current stuff that looks like floor samples and/or returns. Other locations have a mishmash of used furniture in various styles, vintages, and conditions, but the Maple Shade location has a lot of new furniture. The last thing I need is furniture but I did notice small sectionals were $675 and up. Idk if that is a bargain to people these days or not.
Faucets: they had trendy kitchen faucets for $140 or so. I never heard of the brand. Could've been something from a design store, but that doesn't guarantee quality (as I've learned the hard way). They had 4" center set Kohler faucets for $90! Not a bargain. Kohler IME lasts 5 years, and $90 for the dinkiest, cheapie 4" compact little powder room style faucet is ridiculous! A lot of these shoppers are working class/middle class families who shouldn't be shelling out that kind of money on a 5-year powder room faucet! Especially when that's the cheapest fixture in the bathroom (among other bathrooms in their home)!
Countertops: no loose sink vanity tops, but some faux stone kitchen vinyl tops. I didn't check price though.
I wanted to buy a lampshade, was told it came with the lamp (that didn't match and was scratched ceramic, meaning worthless), no price tag nor sign to give pricing (this happened a lot in this store). Manager kinda thought a minute and said $45. It seemed like he was making up a price because how do I know where this logic came from? The shade was aesthetic but it was a poorly tack-welded steel lampshade with light coating of brass finish (looked like World Market). It was not going to hold up long without repair, so $45 was a no sale. It would help if they put prices on things, or a sign for item category prices like at other ReStores.
As explained, the prices were not impressing me. I overheard other customers remarking about how things were give or take the same price at retail stores, so why chance it at ReStore without a warranty and box store return policy? Good point. ReStore is for a good cause, but having to haul big heavy things home, which might break, at your expense, is a big ask, and it needs to come with a bargain price.
The manager who helped me with prices on a lot of unmarked stuff did tell me there are various discounts for all kinds of people: seniors, first responders, military, etc. so always ask about discounts before you pay.
All in all, I didn't buy anything this trip. If they have more 50-75% discount sales, it's worth checking out if you need something on sale.
Staff was all friendly and store was clean and organized despite very heavy traffic on a Saturday.
