We used to come here to buy both materials and furniture.
We also used to donate here as well.
We will no longer be doing either.
Restores have always been the thrift stores for the low income /working class DIY homeowner or renter to be able to find ways to fix/upgrade and customize their homes but not have to go broke doing so.
Sadly, who ever is pricing items at this location has lost sight of that. Items are grossly over priced for their brand new current retail priced counterparts, let alone to be competitive with other thrift stores like goodwill or Salvation Army furniture and household items.
Sure, like any thrift store or used store sometimes items get overpriced, but the majority of items carry prices that are fair and affordable.
This is not some downtown LA "antique store" priced for hipsters and interior designers or production set designers... this is a NON PROFIT thrift store meant to better serve the working class community of simi valley.
These are all DONATED items, aka FREE items given to this store, the proceeds are to pay the employees, the overhead, and then benefit habitat for humanity. These items are ALSO supposed to benefit the community by being priced so that people who otherwise couldn't afford these things are able to furnish their homes and apartments and upgrade their quality of life sometimes just to basic creature comforts or necessary repairs (materials sold here as well).
I understand rent may have been raised, I understand this location probably took a major hit during the pandemic, like everyone in our community did, but trying to deal with this by gouging your community on items you get for FREE from others within the community who think they are donating items so that their neighbors may benefit is shameful to say the least.
How can a USED 2x4 at under 8' long with various holes left from old screws and nails, with remnants of drywall be $6.00 when it's $3.46 at Home Depot NEW?!
Dinning sets with scratches and scrapes, and dings and chips that come new for $385 -$699are priced at almost $1000?!
Bathroom sink vanities that are scratched and dented, with worn edges and missing handles are $100 - $200 + dollars more than they are NEW from Home Depot right now!
Frames pictures that are $30 at Salvation Army are $110 here.
Some reviews have mentioned how if you haggle with the owner you can get major discounts.
Responses from this establishment to posts here mention to check back when items are ticketed on sale.
This just shows how disconnected and shameless this place has become.
Our neighbors here in simi who don't have the option to buy new, should not have to subject themselves to haggling just to buy a small sofa for a single mom and her kids to sit on.
Why should they have to be subjected to not being able to walk into a store meant to serve the community and have the respectful experience of purchasing an item without the need to haggle and beg or plead for discounts? What about the language barrier that makes these "haggle discounts" even less available for some?
And as for the response mentioning so called "sale prices" well, they should be just that, SALES, additional savings. Not simply bringing prices closer (not even as low as) regular retail prices.
We will be taking our items to Salvation Army in the valley, or continue to leave reusable materials and appliances on the curb with signs "for free, works!" Vs bringing here.
It's a shame as Habitat For Humanity does such great work, but this Restore does not benefit this foundation or this community with its insanely high prices. read more