EBS STAFF
Habitat for Humanity of the Gallatin Valley has expanded its ReStore property in Belgrade to accommodate growing demand for thrift shopping and resale opportunities, with sales doubling over the past four years.
The nonprofit purchased an additional warehouse across the street and remodeled its main building, adding 4,500 square feet. The development was made possible through ReStore revenue, individual donations and a $250,000 grant from the Gianforte Family Foundation, according to a press release from Habitat for Humanity of the Gallatin Valley.
“Our numbers have increased exponentially,” Gale Heide, Habitat’s director of development, stated in the release. “The new property allows us to take in a lot more furniture, which takes up a lot of space but is one of our top sellers. And we’ve become one of the top clothing recyclers in the county.”
Heide noted that ReStore makes affordable housing possible in the Gallatin Valley, offering lower-cost building materials to help homeowners build, maintain and upgrade their homes. The ReStore sells items including furniture, clothing, household items, hardware, tools, decorations and building supplies ranging from plumbing and lighting fixtures to kitchen cabinets. In addition to selling donated items, the ReStore offers a growing selection of lower-cost, new items such as paint, rugs and flooring, according to the release.
“The supply of affordable housing is getting better but we have a long way to go,” Heide stated, noting the recent housing boom which caused an affordability squeeze in the Gallatin Valley. “Our objective is to help working families in Montana achieve affordable housing.”
The release cited a Forbes article from September 2025, attributing a rise in thrift shopping popularity to rising inflation, post-pandemic business closures, consumer sensitivity to sustainability and value, and anticipated tariffs. The expansion of Belgrade’s ReStore will enhance opportunities for Gallatin Valley residents drawn to second-hand shopping for those reasons, and more.
