Elevating the Social Media of a

Non-Profit Thrift Store

Elevating the Social Media of a Non-Profit Thrift Store

Journey as a Merchandise Lead at Fred & Betty's


Journey as a Merchandise Lead at Fred & Betty's

OVERVIEW

Fred & Betty's is a popular thrift store located in downtown San Luis Obispo. With items ranging from clothing to home goods to media and craft supplies, the store aims to provide an enjoyable and affordable experience for customers. All proceeds benefit a local K-12 school.

After starting out as a retail associate, my manager came to me in need of a visual merchandiser that offers a fresh, creative perspective for the store's social media and marketing. I was eager to take on the challenge and improve these aspects.

ROLE & DURATION

Visual Merchandise Lead

As the person who manages the social media and presentation of the store, I create social media content, advertise store merchandise, collaborate with the manager on new tactics to try, promote sales and events, style table displays, design front window displays, and oversee the general experience of the store.

Duration

April 2023 - Current

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

VISUAL MERCHANDISING

How I approached promoting and improving the store

How I approached promoting and improving the store

THE CHALLENGE

Lack of reel content

Current social media in need of fresh and fun range of content that increases engagement and brings in customers.

Surrounding competition

With new vintage stores opening around town, how can F&B's set itself apart while keeping up with its local competition?


With new vintage stores opening around town, how can F&B's set itself apart while keeping up with its local competition?

With new vintage stores opening around town, how can F&B's set itself apart while keeping up with its local competition?

Decrease in sales

The store has been experiencing a drop in sales. How can we use social media and marketing to encourage customers to visit?

THE SOLUTION

Solution 1

Solution 2

Solution 3

  1. Introduce new reel series

Thus far, I introduced 12 different reel series to keep followers engaged while keeping content fun and fresh. Below are the top 5 series, according to Instagram analytics.

Styling displays

Showing the table display process throughout the store

Store vibes

Sharing what the store offers, goods and good vibes

Outfit inspo

Providing outfit inspiration based on trending aesthetics

What we wear

Giving a glimpse of what the F&B's team wears to work

Craft corner

Demonstrating how to make crafts from the window display

Solution 1

Solution 2

Solution 3

Introduce new reel series

1

Thus far, I introduced 12 different reel series to keep followers engaged while keeping content fun and fresh. Below are the top 5 series, according to Instagram analytics.

Styling displays

Showing the table display process throughout the store

Store vibes

Sharing what the store offers, goods and good vibes

Outfit inspo

Providing outfit inspiration based on trending aesthetics

What we wear

Giving a glimpse of what the F&B's team wears to work

Craft corner

Demonstrating how to make crafts from the window display

Solution 1

Solution 2

Solution 3

  1. Introduce new reel series

Thus far, I introduced 12 different reel series to keep followers engaged while keeping content fun and fresh. Below are the top 5 series, according to Instagram analytics.

Styling displays

Showing the table display process throughout the store

Store

vibes

Sharing what the store offers, goods and good vibes

Outfit inspo

Providing outfit inspiration based on trending aesthetics

What we wear

Giving a glimpse of what the F&B's team wears to work

Craft corner

Demonstrating how to make crafts from the window display

THE RESULTS

High customer satisfaction

Compliments and positive remarks about the way the store looks, table displays, and front window display have been made by customers on a daily basis.

Increased Instagram following

New and fun content showcasing what the store has to offer has led to steady growth in follower count.

Increased community engagement

Hosting events brought in more customers and therefore more support from the local community - customers and fellow businesses.

TESTIMONIAL

I have had the privilege of working with Jae for 2 years. During that time I have gotten to know Jae, I have been consistently impressed by their innovativeness and imagination when executing our displays and front window designs. Whatever the circumstances were, any task given was finished in a timely manner. They consistently surprise me with how artistic they are and how resourceful they can be. They always go above and beyond to ensure that their work is completed to the highest standard, demonstrating a strong work ethic and unwavering dedications to achieving their goals.

I wholeheartedly endorse Jae Conine for their next job endeavor. Their exceptional skills and experience make them an ideal candidate to join your team, where I am certain they will play a pivotal role in enhancing your organization's success.

Sydney Tomlin, Operations Manager of Fred and Betty's Thrift Store

Let's connect!

Let's connect!

Get in touch for opportunities or just to say hi 👋

Get in touch for opportunities or just to say hi 👋

It all starts with an idea💡

Designed and Illustrated by Jae Conine.
Copyright © 2025 Jae Conine. All rights reserved.

It all starts with an idea💡

Designed and Illustrated by Jae Conine.
Copyright © 2025 Jae Conine. All rights reserved.