Project Overview
Big Bin Dealz is Wytheville, Virginia’s first bin store shopping experience, offering deeply discounted merchandise through a rotating price model. I partnered with the business to design a website that would introduce an unfamiliar concept to the local market, build trust with first-time visitors, and support multiple shopper types — from casual bargain hunters to goal-driven resellers.

My role: UX-focused Website Designer
Deliverables: UX strategy, information architecture, visual design, content structure, lead capture strategy
Timeline: Ongoing (launch + iteration phase)
Platform: Squarespace

The Challenge
Bin store shopping was completely new to this community. Early conversations revealed confusion around:

• What a bin store actually is
• How pricing works
• What kind of products shoppers could expect

At the same time, a second, highly valuable audience emerged:
 resellers — local boutiques, online sellers, and community organizations searching for specific product categories at deep discounts.

The challenge was to design an experience that could:

• Educate first-time shoppers without overwhelming them
• Support repeat visitors with fast access to key information
• Serve both casual browsers and efficiency-driven resellers
• Build trust while maintaining the excitement of discovery

All within a single, cohesive digital experience.

Goals & Success Metrics
Experience goals

• Clearly explain the bin store concept
• Reduce confusion around pricing and shopping flow
• Build trust with first-time visitors
• Support resellers looking for specific product types

Business goals

• Drive in-store visits
• Create a repeat communication channel
• Build a scalable foundation for future marketing

Success indicators

• Engagement with educational content
• Email sign-ups for weekly deal updates
• Increased clarity and confidence from first-time shoppers
• Early interest from reseller audiences

Understanding the Audience
Primary user groups
Local shoppers
 Families and individuals looking for fun, affordable finds and a new shopping experience.

Resellers & community buyers
Small boutiques, online sellers, and local organizations seeking consistent access to categories like toys, clothing, health and beauty, and household items.

Key user questions uncovered through observation and client insight:

1. What is bin store shopping?
2. How does it work?
3. Can I find the types of items I’m looking for?

These insights shaped a mobile-first, clarity-driven experience focused on reducing friction and increasing confidence for new users — while enabling speed and efficiency for repeat visitors.

UX Strategy & Information Architecture
To support both discovery and efficiency, the site was structured around progressive education and segmented value.

Homepage flow
What it is → How it works → What you’ll find

This sequence allows users to build understanding before being asked to take action.

Structural principles

• Clear separation of concepts to reduce cognitive load
• Intentional spacing to improve scannability
• Fast access points for resellers seeking specific value

Designing for Long-Term Engagement
Rather than relying solely on social media, I introduced a direct communication channel through email capture.

Email strategy
Visitors can subscribe to receive weekly updates on Big-Ticket Treasures — especially valuable for resellers looking for certain categories.

This positioned the email sign-up not as marketing noise, but as a useful tool:

• for shoppers → excitement and anticipation
• for resellers → efficiency and opportunity

Key UX & Design Decisions
Balancing white space and content
I prioritized essential information above the fold, using intentional spacing to reduce overwhelm and guide attention. This helped first-time users quickly understand the concept without feeling flooded.

CTA strategy
Rather than pushing actions immediately, CTAs appear after context — once users understand the value. This respects user readiness and improves the quality of engagement.

Visual hierarchy
Photography, graphics, and video were carefully balanced so visuals support the story instead of competing for attention. Each element reinforces clarity rather than decoration.

Lead capture placement
The email sign-up is framed as a value exchange, not a demand — offering timely, relevant information instead of generic promotions.

Usability & Accessibility Considerations

• Clear, readable typography
• Strong contrast for visibility
• Mobile-first layouts
• Simple language for first-time users
• Touch-friendly buttons
• Straightforward forms for fast sign-up

These choices ensure the experience feels welcoming, efficient, and accessible to a broad audience.

Results & Early Impact
The redesigned experience positions Big Bin Dealz not just as a shopping destination, but as a resource hub for both everyday shoppers and resellers.

The site now supports:

• Faster understanding of the bin store model
• Greater confidence for first-time visitors
• Ongoing engagement through email communication
• A scalable foundation for seasonal campaigns and promotions

Reflection & Next Steps
This project is currently in its iteration phase, with upcoming enhancements including:

• Adding a “What You’ll Find” merchandise education page
• Launching an FAQ informed by real customer questions
• Refining email strategy based on subscriber behavior
• Testing CTA placement to improve engagement
• Expanding onboarding content for resellers
• Using blog content to support SEO and education

What This Project Reinforced
This experience reinforced the importance of designing not just for aesthetics, but for:

• Clarity — reducing confusion in unfamiliar experiences
• Confidence — helping users feel comfortable taking action
• Connection — building long-term relationships, not just one-time visits