Restore, the Council-managed shop that stocks and sells a wide range of restored, quality second-hand household furniture and electrical goods at an affordable price, is opening on Saturday mornings from 9am until 1pm in response to local demand.

Restore has been an unmitigated success since it began operating from purpose-built premises at Banbridge Community Recycling Centre in June 2009. The pioneering project was developed by the Council with the aim of extending the life of many large, perfectly reusable items of household furniture destined for landfill. Since it opened, the Council has salvaged an estimated 35 tonnes of unwanted furniture.

Council Waste Management Officer, Barry Patience, explains why Restore has been a huge hit with householders throughout the Banbridge District. He said: “Goods are going out the door as fast as they are coming in, and that’s because we stock high quality furniture at a very low price. All our goods are sold with a warranty, which offers customers added peace of mind. We’re now opening on Saturday mornings to give customers who don’t have the time to visit during the week a chance to pick up a bargain from our wide range of discounted goods.”

Restore stocks a wide range of household furniture and white goods, including beds and bedsteads, bikes, cookers, chests of drawers, dishwashers, garden furniture, mirrors, pictures, tables and chairs, three-piece suites, toys, tumble dryers, washing machines and wardrobes.

Stock is sourced via the bulky waste collection service or donated directly by the public. All profits from the sale of the refurbished, second-hand furniture are being ploughed back into Restore.

Restore is not only helping to reduce landfill costs for the district, it is fulfilling a valuable social role by creating training opportunities for local people. Restore staff are learning vital skills that be will help them secure long term careers in retail and electronics.

To date, Restore has been widely promoted through word of mouth but the Council has recently employed a new member of staff to help promote the facility to a wider audience.

In addition to the extended Saturday morning opening, Restore is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm.