‘First of its kind’ DIY charity shop opens

Habitat for Humanity GB has opened a charity DIY shop, believed to be the first of its kind in Great Britain.

The ReStore shop was officially opened in Romford, east London, on Tuesday (26 November) and will raise money for the charity while giving shoppers the opportunity to access tools and materials needed to improve their homes.

The store, which was funded by the People’s Postcode Lottery, is the first of its kind to open in Great Britain, according to Habitat for Humanity. 

But the charity has more than 1,200 ReStore shops worldwide, with the first having opened in Canada in 1991.

The retail model, which is unique to the charity, will offer new and gently used renovation materials, white goods, kitchens and building materials. 

It will also generate funds for the charity’s housing projects, which provide affordable housing and home repairs for families in need.

The charity shop had a soft launch in August, when it opened with limited stock to raise the profile of the store and drive local donations. 

When asked how much income the store was expected to generate, Habitat for Humanity GB said it could not provide figures at this time.

Habitat for Humanity GB has plans to open a chain of ReStore charity shops across Great Britain. 

The charity said it was actively looking for its second location and was searching within the east London area, with plans to have an update on this early next year. 

Henrietta Blackmore, national director of Habitat for Humanity GB, said: “We are delighted to open Great Britain’s first ReStore, where conscious consumerism drives social impact.

“ReStores generate essential funding needed to propel Habitat’s work worldwide, and the GB team is hugely excited to be part of this social enterprise and further our contribution to creating affordable local housing and sustainable local communities.”