Habitat for Humanity Mid-Vancouver Island ReStore has been an institution in Nanaimo for bargain hunters, contractors, home renovators and DIYers alike and 2014 has seen its best sales to date.
In October, the store did nearly 4,000 transaction sales and had the best for sales in its 13-year history. The vitality of the ReStore’s social enterprise structure helped Habitat make its largest property purchase of six lots on Extension Road, which will be the site of six new homes for working poor families in the community, empowering them with home ownership.
“Improvements in the ReStore under the management of Traci Higgins have made a real difference in how we present items in the ReStore and promote what we do have for sale,” said Teresa Ludvigson, Habitat executive director. “The layout of the store has changed to help our loyal customers better access items. Our eight person staff and 50 to 80 volunteers have put a lot of effort into making the store more efficient and customer friendly.”
In 2014 the ReStore will have approximately 35,000 transaction sales and has seen a 20-per cent increase in sales since 2009. The 78 volunteers have contributed 4,000 hours to date. Donors from the community who chose to bring items to the ReStore not only support future builds for Habitat but also keep approximately three tonnes of garbage from the Nanaimo landfill.
“The ReStore is integral to supporting our strategic goal of building 20 more homes by 2020 and a strong sales year like 2014 and the generosity of the community makes that an attainable goal,” Ludvigson said.
Earlier this year, Habitat announced two new partner families for their 15th and 16th homes located at 2360 Extension Rd. The ReStore’s revenues help Habitat secure property and offset building costs.