Without the fine price: exquisite glass sets and vases on display at WHAM’s Resale Store.
Sitting in the store’s lamp section was a 65-inch floor lamp in an oil-rubbed bronze finish. It looked brand new. Its round shade in a cream canvas color was exactly what the shopper needed to complement his living area.
Making the find even better was its price – $20 compared to $70 – $100 at Home Depot or Lowe’s. These bargains make West Houston Assistance Ministries’ (WHAM) Resale Store shopping experience the best deal in town. Moreover, the Resale Store thrives on the element of surprise such as a coffee mug from your college alma mater.
Perfect finds and big savings: One shopper found a floor lamp in new condition without spending more at a traditional big box retailer.
Fight inflation with dirt cheap, quality condition items
Pieces of flatware, glassware, gently-used clothing, art, jewelry, glass vases, furniture, electronics, wall art and collectibles fill shopping sections. Browse the organized shelves and something is bound to catch your eye, even if you don’t need it. The prices are so low it that leaving empty handed is sinful. A variety of glass bouquet vases on the shelves look new – priced as low as $2 compared to $10-$30 brand new. The savings get bigger on select days when WHAM will have 30 to 50 percent off sales on most everything in the store.
Stocked up to sell
“We have a large warehouse onsite where we receive and store and clean donated items, sort what can be sold or recycled, and where they are then priced before moving to the sales floor,” said Mercedes Santos-Garay, WHAM’s director of development and communications. A donated item will move from the warehouse to the sales floor in 24-48 hours. “It is very important for us to work with urgency to maintain newness and our stock fresh, and to keep customers coming back daily to check out our great deals and inventory,” said Santos-Garay. Anything that requires power, such as hair dryers, electronics, computers, lamps, and small appliances, are all tested to ensure they work.
Surprise treasures that help its mission
Stock changes daily. You’ll never know what you’ll find. A guitar signed by ‘80s rock band Def Leppard found its way to the store. WHAM also receives frequent donations of musical instruments and collectibles. “One time, we received a gorgeous iridescent vase that was autographed by the artist Charles Lotton, valued at over $5000!” said Santos-Garay.
The store is unable to hold or reserve items. “When you find something, buy it immediately because it may be sold by the time you make up your mind,” advised Santos-Garay.
The Resale Store generates dollars that help WHAM fund its care ministry, food pantry, and job readiness programs. Its donated inventory is so large that WHAM can provide clothing and furniture to help families in need. For instance, a donated dress shirt can be worn for a job interview. The agency uses donated furniture to furnish temporary housing for clients.
All sales are final with no exchanges or refunds. WHAM accepts donated items at its drive-thru donation center Tuesday through Friday from 11 – 4 p.m., and Saturday 11 – 3 p.m. Once a vehicle pulls up, WHAM volunteers or staff unload the donated items which are then stored in its warehouse.
WHAM has delivery services available at a nominal fee for larger pieces, like sofas, sitting chairs, armoires, shelves, wardrobe cabinets, and consoles.
WHAM Resale Store
3100 Rogerdale Rd
713-780-2727 option 1
Tuesday – Saturday, 10 – 5 p.m.
whamministries.org/resale-store
