North Rhine-Westphalia: Second-hand hardware store: "Social, sustainable and cheap"

Used, donated goods are sold cheaply in the CapBaumarkt - and in times of inflation there is a lively demand.

North Rhine-Westphalia: Second-hand hardware store: "Social, sustainable and cheap"

Used, donated goods are sold cheaply in the CapBaumarkt - and in times of inflation there is a lively demand. From the garden shed to sanitary items and electrical appliances, everything is included. The employees are mainly paid by the job center.

Witten (dpa / lnw) - Screws, hinges, sanitary articles or even grills, dishwashers and garage doors - in a second-hand hardware store in Witten Hand-Baumarkt used or slightly damaged new goods are sold cheaply. Especially in times of inflation and financial pressure on many people, the CapBaumarkt in the Ruhr area city is popular. "The increase in customers is definitely noticeable for us. The number of visitors and also the inquiries for special articles are increasing rapidly," reports authorized officer Jürgen Scherding.

"Our customers are a mixed crowd. From young adults who are furnishing their first apartment to pensioners who are downsizing for their new home, as well as craftsmen who are looking for inexpensive tools for their companies." It is the first second-hand hardware store in NRW. "At the center of our philosophy is the synergy of social action, the reuse of building materials and tools as well as the reuse and upcycling of used goods," says the website. So: social, cheap and sustainable. Depending on their condition, the goods are 20 to 80 percent below the new price, as Scherding explains.

The range includes used items such as furniture, electrical tools, household appliances, sanitary items or kitchen worktops. New goods with slight damage are checked by the employees before they are offered. Washing machines, refrigerators, bathtubs, parasols, garden pools and lawnmowers change hands at comparatively low prices.

According to the general manager, hardware and small tools are particularly in demand. In the area of ​​B-goods, awnings, summer houses and small electrical appliances are primarily bought. The willingness to donate for hardware store items is very high. The range of donations for furniture also continues to grow. "We receive new donations every day with a wide variety of goods, which can also be picked up by appointment if desired."

The CapBaumarkt was founded in 2008 as a purpose and test facility by the Diakonie Mark-Ruhr Qualification and Employment. Most employees are supported by the job center. People looking for work and training are to be shown new perspectives and paved the way to the first job market.