Among the storefronts lost to the COVID pandemic was Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore in Goleta, a staple for DIY home-improvers and contractors looking for good deals among its used but still usable building materials, furniture, and interesting objects. The nonprofit’s retail outlet will be opening its doors again this summer, this time in downtown Santa Barbara. Strangely enough, it’s taking the spot last occupied by another Habitat — Habitat Home & Garden — at State and Gutierrez.
“That is a fun quirk of this story,” said Susan Renehan, of the Southern Santa Barbara County Habitat for Humanity, noting that the two stores are not associated. Habitat Home & Garden had decided to consolidate its stores in San Luis Obispo, leaving the property at 400 State Street vacant last October.
Said Renehan, “This was just the right space with a beautiful front of house where people will be excited to shop and also a space where we can accept donations, and sort and prep for the floor.”
The ReStore had originally shared a Goleta parking lot with M. Special and the occasional weekend pizza-oven cart, and it had also housed Habitat’s offices. Renahan said, “It became clear during the pandemic that we couldn’t operate, couldn’t be open, and couldn’t accept donations. At the same time, we paid a significant monthly lease as well as our staff. If we couldn’t operate as a retail store, it just became unsustainable.” The ReStore closed its doors in August 2020 after an everything-must-go sale at the warehouse…