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Atmosphere
Atmosphere
Practice: Maintain a high level of cleanliness and order
Where: Urban Ore, Restore Home Improvement Center, ReSource, ReNew Building Material and Salvage
Description: Maintain facility cleanliness, particularly inventory, through reliable and routine maintenance and cleaning. Package similar small parts in individual bags.
Suggestion: Group products by category and package/display like products where appropriate (e.g. drawer pulls, hinges). Use display cases for high-value or unique products.
Pros:
- Ease of finding products
- Increase customer self-help
- Increase efficiency in stocking and providing customer assistance
- Enhance staff pride in facility appearance
Cons:
- Time- and resource-consuming
- Potential to develop a sterile feel similar to a traditional hardware retailer
Feature: Display images and examples of customer projects
Where: The RE Store (WA), The ReBuilding Center
Description: Inspire customer project ideas by displaying examples (images, schematics, actual pieces etc.) of other customers’ and professionals’ (artists, tinkerers, builders) projects.
Pros:
- Innovative product use
- Creates community connection
Strategy: Produce Art shows and social events
Where: The RE Store (WA)
Description: Promote reuse business through community engagement projects. Art shows provide a low cost means of showcasing local talent and innovative material reuse. Educational events can effectively advocate organizational mission and help achieve marketing objectives.
Pros:
- Community connection
- Increased PR and marketing
Cons:
- Time and resource commitment
Strategy: Create a culture of creative problem solving to sell/move excess materials
Where: The ReBuilding Center
Description: Employees are encouraged to think creatively about material acquisition and subsequent product reuse. Develop a culture around innovative product reuse. Provide examples of innovative material reuse concepts in the facility to inform customers.
Pros:
- Enhanced employee/customer connection
Cons:
- Low value material stockpile can grow if plans for reuse are unsuccessful
Discussion
