Small Business Spotlight – June 2019: Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Springfield
Organization name: Habitat For Humanity ReStore of Springfield
Year founded: 1998
Describe what your organization provides for its customers:
Habitat for Humanity ReStore of Springfield Mo. is a nonprofit home improvement store and donation center that sells new and gently used furniture, appliances, building materials and more to the public at a fraction of the retail price. The money that is generated from the sale of the items supports the Habitat for Humanity Mission, by helping local people gain strength, stability and self-reliance through housing.
Give us a brief history of your organization and what makes it unique:
In 1988, Habitat for Humanity of Springfield was born, and the organization opened its original ReStore on West Chestnut Expressway in 1998. Due to the support of the local community the ReStore outgrew the West Chestnut Expressway location. During October of 2007 the ReStore moved to 2410 S. Scenic Drive, with over 32,000 square feet of retail space. Today there are over 850 ReStore across the country with each supporting their local Habitat for Humanity affiliate. We have received favorable comments from our customers who have visited other ReStore locations across the U.S. and we are proud to say they feel the Springfield ReStore is one of the best.
What’s the most exciting recent highlight for your business?
During April and May we reached out to our community and asked for usable appliances, cabinets, furniture and other items to be donated to the ReStore. The response from the public has been extremely positive. This support from the community has allowed to continue to provide our customers with vast array of merchandise at reasonable prices and in turn provide funding for our mission.
Where do you hope to see your business in 12 months?
Continue upward growth in quality donations from area residences and businesses to fund the Habitat for Humanity mission
What advice would you offer to someone starting their own small business?
Be prepared for long hours and hard work. Don’t expect to be successful right out of the gate but plan to succeed. Be flexible and make adjustments as needed. Build a great brand and create customer loyalty.
