As 2024 comes to a close, we talked with Cody Broadhead, manager of the Park City ReStore, about recent highlights at the store. Read on for ReStore’s year in review, along with exciting plans for 2025.
Year in Review: ReStore Highlights for 2024
In this past year, ReStore has celebrated some of its highest sales months in the store’s history, which Broadhead attributes to the dedication and hard work of the ReStore team. That impressive feat meant that the store has contributed even more to Habitat’s home-building projects, which help local families find stable, affordable housing.
Interactions with people at ReStore were another highlight of this past year. “Every connection, whether with customers, donors, or volunteers, contributes to the sense of community and shared purpose that defines our mission,” Broadhead says.
He remembers a family from outside the store’s service area who came in to help another family whose home had burned down. ReStore’s logistics lead, Robert Balfour, guided them through the project, and the ReStore was an affordable source for the materials needed to rebuild the family’s home.
Some customers left a lasting impression just by being themselves. Broadhead shares a story about a customer named Howard who regularly visited the store as a form of retail therapy after a stroke. The ReStore staff enjoyed seeing Howard’s positive spirit and cheered him on in his progress toward recovery.
Finally, it’s not only the local community who makes donations: When ReStore received a large donation of new children’s books, the team took half to sell in the store and, because there wasn’t room to stock the remainder, donated the other half to a ReStore volunteer who supports various children’s charities so that she could distribute them to those groups.
Amazing Donations & Exciting New Initiatives
Donations are an essential part of ReStore’s year in review. The store receives high-quality, gently used pieces from individuals and corporations, from couches and dressers to doors, home decor, clothing, and paint supplies. In 2024, the store introduced affordable brand-new mattresses to its items for sale. The ReStore team refers to shopping there as “treasure hunting” because you never know the amazing things you might find. Like materials for a rustic-cabin-style home!
This past year, Broadhead and his team were involved in seven deconstruction projects in which ReStore collaborates with homeowners and contractors to maximize the value of a donation. The contractor carefully removes the items from the home to ensure they’re in the best condition for resale, and the homeowner receives an appraisal for the items donated. In one case, items from a rustic-cabin-style home were sold as a whole to create a stunning new home built at a fraction of what the materials would have cost if purchased new.
Broadhead considers this project a “win on many levels,” as it kept quality materials out of the landfill, provided the homeowner with a tax benefit, funded Habitat’s programs, and gave a local family a beautiful home. “It was a wonderful example of how donations, both big and small, can have a lasting and positive impact on the community,” he says.
The team has improved operations this year by streamlining how they process donated items. They’re also working on creating a covered donation bay to protect donations from rain and snow – and to make dropping off items more comfortable for people donating in bad weather. Finally, another new feature for 2024: a rewards program that gives loyal customers access to special sales, discounts, and invitations to exclusive events.
What’s Next in 2025
In the new year, Broadhead and his team plan to enhance both their processes and services to better support customers, donors, volunteers, and staff. “Our goal is to be an integral part of this wonderful community,” he says, “and we’re committed to making our store a more convenient and enjoyable place for everyone.”
The team also plans to increase their partnership with Realtors, contractors, and local businesses to divert more materials from landfills – and bring more great products to ReStore shoppers, all while supporting future Habitat homeowners! “For us, success is measured by the number of families we’re able to help,” Broadhead says, “and we’re committed to continuing this important work in 2025 and beyond.”
Get Involved with Park City ReStore
As this year in review has shown, ReStore has grown a lot. The store is busier than ever, so they’re seeking new employees and volunteers who share the team’s passion for Habitat’s mission. As you help people find quality products at affordable prices and support Habitat’s programs, you’ll be doing it alongside a dedicated staff. “They’re not only hardworking but also a joy to be around,” Broadhead says, “making the work environment both productive and fun.”
If you’re interested in working or volunteering at ReStore, stop by the store at 6280 Silver Creek Drive or visit the website to learn more. You can also find current job openings on our website.
