SAULT STE. MARIE -- Sault Ste. Marie's Habitat for Humanity ReStore might be closed, but it remains open for business.
The local ReStore launched an online operation this week in an effort to turn some profit while the store remains closed during the pandemic.
"We closed our store down on March 18 to due to COVID-19 concerns," said Katie Blunt, executive director for Sault Ste. Marie's Habitat for Humanity. "But we were still sitting on a lot of merchandise and wanted to move it."
Blunt said the Sault's ReStore is one of eight to launch a website, country-wide.
"We're currently the only one in Northern Ontario to have an online store," she said. "We have tried selling things online before, but we wanted a real, professional site that customers could have confidence in purchasing from."
Blunt said this was one of the few last ditch options the store had in order to operate during the pandemic.
She said its already had to lay off several staff members temporarily, while volunteers are no longer allowed to work during the pandemic.
"There's really not much work to be done around here right now with the store closed," she said. "These we're necessary changes in order for us to try and collect as much as we can, so that when we do finally reopen, we can really hit the ground running with fundraisers."
Blunt said the store is no longer accepting donations from the community at this time, but is still encouraging corporate donations.
