When shoppers step into Habitat for Humanity Peterborough & Kawartha Region’s (Habitat for Humanity PKR) Lakefield ReStore, they’ll hopefully be feeling some boutique vibes.
That’s the goal of a refresh for the ReStore at 3001 Lakefield Road in Selwyn Township, which opened last July. Habitat for Humanity PKR said it’s making the change to reflect the clientele base and the feel of the area in which it’s located.
“We’ve been wanting to try a boutique-style ReStore for a while now, and Lakefield felt like the perfect place to launch it,” Holly O’Connor, communications and marketing manager for Habitat for Humanity PKR, told kawarthaNOW.
“It is a unique endeavour for sure,” O’Connor added. “We’re so lucky to receive donations of stunning antique furniture, unique décor, and even high-end brand-new items from generous local and national businesses.”
“While Habitat ReStores will always focus on affordability — keeping essential items our community needs affordable is something we always keep in mind — we have also wanted to create a space to highlight those one-of-a-kind pieces we receive that deserve a special showcase.”
Habitat for Humanity PKR also hopes the Lakefield store will now be “a go-to spot for our gorgeous, deconstructed kitchens.”
There are many cottage owners in the area who take advantage of Habitat for Humanity PKR’s free kitchen removal service, “and now we have the perfect place to display and sell them too,” O’Connor said.
Habitat for Humanity PKR’s “professional ReStore deconstruction and salvage team” can be called to both cottages and homes to carefully and professionally dismantle major household items such as kitchen cabinets, countertops, appliances, bathroom fixtures, doors, windows, built-in shelving, and more at no cost to the owner.
With the switch to the boutique shop, the Lakefield ReStore is now also the only ReStore in the region open on Sundays, making it easier for weekend shoppers and cottage country visitors to stop in.
“This has always been highly requested and made so much sense with a boutique-style store,” O’Connor added.
The new hours for the store are Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Susan Zambonin, Habitat for Humanity PKR’s CEO, shared a few thoughts about the endeavour in her February update on Habitat for Humanity PKR’s website.
“At Habitat for Humanity (PKR), our ReStores fuel our mission — offering an affordable place to shop, a sustainable way to donate, and a meaningful way to give back,” Zambonin said.
“Since opening our Lakefield ReStore last summer, we’ve seen firsthand how this community embraces sustainability, quality craftsmanship, and unique finds. That’s why we’re thrilled to announce that our Lakefield ReStore is evolving into a boutique-style store, specializing in antiques, vintage treasures, and one-of-a-kind specialty items. This change allows us to bring something truly special to the area, offering a curated shopping experience that fits right into Lakefield’s charm.”
Zambonin thanked the Lakefield community for its warm welcome to the area.
“Your support helps build affordable homes right here in our region. Every time you shop, donate, or volunteer, you’re making a real difference. We can’t wait to welcome you into the newly reimagined Lakefield ReStore Boutique.”
Habitat for Humanity PKR operates three ReStores located in Peterborough, Lindsay, and Lakefield. These non-profit stores sell new and gently used building materials, furniture, and home décor. Shopping, donating, and volunteering at ReStores supports affordable homeownership and sustainability by diverting items from landfills.
The organization says its ReStores diverted 331,730 items from landfill in 2023.
