Habitat for Humanity ReStore

Habitat for Humanity ReStore Mississippi Capital Area is a nonprofit retail store that sells new and gently used home improvement items, playing a vital role in supporting Habitat’s community home-building mission. Recently, ReStore faced declining revenue that threatened its ability to sustain these projects. To address this, our team identified two key customer segments: Bowen Build, contractors and handymen aged 30–65 seeking quality building materials at discounted prices with perks like bulk discounts and loyalty programs; and Tess Hunter, creative shoppers aged 18–50 looking for unique vintage finds and inspired by social media trends. Understanding these markets guided our recommendations for both retail and warehouse layout improvements to better serve their distinct needs.

The team implemented a comprehensive reset plan, organizing the retail space to highlight furniture, books, and home goods for everyday shoppers while dedicating sections for contractor essentials. The warehouse adopted a new “T.A.C.S.” system—Test, Assemble, Clean, Sort—to streamline inventory management, which involved a temporary store closure to optimize restocking efficiency. On the marketing front, the team audited ReStore’s digital presence and benchmarked best practices from successful peers, recommending website enhancements and a vibrant social media content calendar with engaging weekly themes. Partnering with local DIY influencers and crafting event outreach strategies aim to boost visibility and draw new customers, ultimately strengthening ReStore’s vital role in advancing Habitat’s mission and enriching the Jackson community.