Holmstad's Home Store in Batavia plans half-off furniture sale

BATAVIA – To make room for more items, a half-price furniture sale is planned from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21 at The Holmstad's Home Store in Batavia, where proceeds help provide amenities for residents of the retirement community and support the Benevolent Care Fund.

A hidden gem for shoppers, the store is open each Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and has its own entrance off Fabyan Parkway, resident Gini Perry said. She and her husband, Jim, helped found the store about 10 years ago, and he keeps the website updated with photos of the donated items on display, ranging from linens, tablecloths and china to silverware, toasters, art, posters and collectibles.

In addition to the shop on the main level are large basement rooms that accommodate the many gently used furniture pieces. Gini Perry said the Home Store only accepts items from residents.

"Usually, when they move here, they bring the best of what they have," she said. "It's usually very nice furniture, little mementos. They have a variety of things.… People that come are very surprised to see what's here. We have some lovely furniture."

There are coffeepots and a few kitchen essentials. Gini Perry said they are selective when it comes to accepting cookware and related items for the shop. A supply of walkers also is available.

"We get college people looking for reasonable furniture for college dorms," she said. "And we like to see somebody that moved into an apartment and usually we can get [them set] up with a whole apartment."

The Home Store is an all-volunteer operation, said Gini Perry, explaining how the proceeds are used.

"It supplies entertainment for the residents," she said. "We have people come in and give concerts and lectures and all kinds of different things. It helps provide the money for that. And it also goes to the Benevolent Fund. That fund provides money for people who for unforeseen reasons [are financially strapped]."

The website provides directions: from Fabyan Parkway, turn south onto River Rock Road, which is the second Holmstad entrance west of Route 31. From River Rock Road, immediately turn left into the parking area. Gini Perry said signs point the way to the Home Store entrance.

If you go

WHAT: Holmstad's Home Store half-price furniture sale

WHERE: 700 W. Fabyan Parkway, Batavia, west of Route 31

WHEN: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 21

COST: Prices vary

INFO: holmstadshomestore.com; call store manager Chuck Davis at 630-818-7462