For nearly 30 years, Spike’s Re-Store has been a cornerstone in the Statesboro community, providing affordable home furnishings and construction materials while supporting Habitat for Humanity’s mission to build homes for those in need. However, the beloved store, named in honor of longtime volunteer Spike Jones, will close set once Habitat for Humanity sells the property, signaling a shift in their operations.
Spike’s Re-Store located at 201 Johnson Street in Statesboro, GA, one of the first Habitat Re-Stores in the county, was established in 1994 under the original name “Habitat Home.” The store's primary purpose was to raise funds to support Habitat for Humanity's home-building efforts. In 2014, the store was renamed in honor of Spike Jones, a Georgia Southern professor and longtime Habitat board member who helped launch the store through his volunteer work.
The decision to sell the Re-Store was not made lightly. As Kathy Jenkins, Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity of Bulloch County, explains, “The board has been discussing this for months. We’ve seen finances get tighter and tighter, and while no one wanted to sell the store at first, we’ve reached a point where we need cash to continue our mission.”
While the Re-Store has played a crucial role in raising funds, the financial reality has shifted. The building and land on which the Re-Store operates are worth more than the store makes in ten years of profit. Selling the property will provide Habitat with the necessary funds to move forward with three homes currently in progress on Henry Street.
“The sale will allow us to accelerate our home-building efforts,” Jenkins says. “Our mission is construction, and our vision is a world where everyone has a decent place to live. As soon as the sale is finalized, we’ll use the funds to move directly into construction.”
Community and Legacy
The sale of Spike’s Re-Store will mark the end of an era, but it’s not the end of Habitat for Humanity’s impact in the community. Jenkins notes that although the Re-Store is closing, the organization remains committed to building affordable housing and advocating for legislative change that promotes housing access for all. “Closing the Re-Store doesn’t impact us negatively. It actually makes us stronger in our mission to move more quickly in building homes,” she explains.
While the sale of the Re-Store is a financial necessity, it has not come without mixed emotions. Dr. Kristina Patterson, a Habitat board member, has expressed reservations about the decision. “I’ve always had mixed feelings,” Patterson admits. “Arliesha [Mikell-Lovett], our Re-Store manager, has done such a good job cultivating a sense of community in the store. It’s not just a shop—it’s a community center where people come to connect and find resources.”
For many, the Re-Store has become more than just a place to purchase furniture or building materials. Arliesha’s dedication to creating a welcoming environment has turned the space into a hub for volunteers and community members alike. “The loss of that community space is really the hardest part,” Patterson adds. “People relied on it not just for the items we sold but for the sense of connection it provided. That’s something you can’t put a price on.”
“She’s such an asset, and we will send her off with glowing recommendations,” Jenkins says. “She will be an incredible addition to any organization.”
"What Will Miss Arliesha Do?”: Her Shocked Yet Faithful Response
As news of the sale spreads, many in the community are left wondering, “What will Miss Arliesha do?” For years, Arliesha Mikell-Lovett has been the heart and soul of Spike’s Re-Store, creating a space that was more than just a store — it became a community center.
When asked about the sale, Arliesha, still in shock, shared her thoughts. “It’s in God’s hands,” she said, expressing her faith in the face of uncertainty. “When one door closes, another one opens. I just have faith in Him.” Though she remains hopeful, Arliesha acknowledges the significant need the community has for a space like Spike’s Re-Store. “This place is more than just a store, it’s a community center,” she added.
Looking Ahead
The sale of the Re-Store may be a turning point, but Habitat for Humanity remains focused on the future. After the sale, the organization will temporarily relocate its offices and will explore new opportunities to reopen the Re-Store in a more accessible retail location. “We’ve looked at options for a new location before,” Jenkins shares, “but nothing has been available. However, we’re committed to finding a space that allows us to serve the community in a retail setting.”
In the meantime, Habitat for Humanity continues to push forward, breaking ground on new homes and advocating for legislative and systemic changes that promote affordable housing. Jenkins emphasizes that community support is as critical as ever. “People can still support us by making tax-deductible donations, participating in our flag program, and volunteering at our construction sites.”
As Habitat for Humanity navigates this transition, the sale of Spike’s Re-Store marks both an end and a new beginning. The legacy of Spike Jones and the impact of the Re-Store will not be forgotten, and the organization looks forward to honoring that legacy while continuing its vital work in the community.
“We really appreciate everything that Spike and Arliesha have done over the years,” Jenkins says. “This is a necessary step for us, but we’re looking ahead to completing Habitat’s mission with renewed focus.”
Spikes Restore will continue to operate until the building is sold. At that point, they will announce the official closing of the store or the transition into a new retail space once that has been identified.
Statesboro Properties has the building listed. CLICK HERE to learn more about purchasing the building.
To learn more about Habitat for Humanity and to get involved, visit http://habitatbulloch.org
