Since 2010, Home Reno Heaven (HRH) has opened its doors to the home renovator seeking sustainable and affordable products and appliances.
The fundraising storefront is owned and operated by the non-profit organization, the Cochrane Society for Housing Options (CSHO); all revenue goes toward self-sustaining housing programs in the community.
Since manager Wilma Gerrits stepped up to hold the position down last fall, the store has undergone something of a transformation and Gerrits is encouraging Cochranites to stop by and have a look.
The new look is a more open, organized space — moving away from a cluttered garage sale appearance or dumping grounds and toward a cleaner aesthetic.
“I have been more selective in the items I accept for the store, thus raising the quality of our inventory,” explained Gerrits.
“We just don’t have the room to store items that are in need of repair or that are too old to be of use to anyone. It has been a difficult change-over, as people were used to just dropping off anything, no matter what.”
Gerrits said she has changed her pricing strategy, remaining firmer on the pricing, while maintaining affordable price points.
“I try to look up the pricing on items to get an idea of what they are worth and then I set a reasonable price for the customers,” she said. “We are not a dollar store, nor are we a garage sale store — we are a business and a non-profit, so the money is needed.”
Corinne Burns, housing coordinator for CSHO, said she is pleased to see the end result of the storefront makeover.
“We now have the exterior fenced area, as well as a smaller back area where doors, plywood and trim are displayed for customers to view,” said Burns.
“Customers will likely notice that the new manager is focusing on accepting only home renovation products and the store is much tidier and safer (less cluttered) for all to shop in.”
Gerrits said she is enjoying her new position as manager.
“Having started here as a customer, then a volunteer, part-time staff member and now the manager, I have witnesses a lot of changes in the store and hope it will move forward and be a great shopping experience for people. That is my goal.”
To learn more, visit homerenoheaven.com; the site includes a link to their products also listed on Kijiji, an acceptable items list for those who wish to donate and a call for volunteers.
