A zero waste and refill store based in Stonehaven has opened a second shop at a pioneering retail development in nearby Chapelton.
Replenish, which opened for business in Stonehaven in November 2020, is opening its second store in the Boxes @ Chapelton scheme, which hosts retail units in colourfully redesigned shipping contrainers.
Like the flagship store in Stonehaven, Replenish at Chapelton will stock a selection of locally produced food including dairy produce, bread, soft drinks, cured meats as well as gluten-free and vegan-friendly products.
Customers are encouraged to BYOC – bring your own containers – to stock up on household essentials avalable at the outlet including flour, cereals, herbs and spices and pasta plus laundry detergent and conditioner.
Refill ‘revolution’
Owner Donna Maver said trading at the first store has been better than expected, enabling her to buy an electric delivery van and open the new outlet.
She said: “I opened Replenish in November 2020 during the pandemic and while I was confident the concept of a refill store would be well received it was still daunting.
“Our customers quickly embraced our call to join the refill revolution and bring their own containers to refill with various dried goods, cleaning products and toiletries.
“The demand for locally sourced fruit and veg surpassed my expectations, within a few months of opening we launched our weekly veg box delivery service which was earlier than I had planned.
“Demand has steadily grown, so much so I applied for funding to purchase an electric van for our expanding delivery round.”
Ms Maver said she was attracted to the values of the Chapelton retail scheme.
It was established by the Duke and Duchess of Fife, who are leading the development of a new town of Chapelton on the family’s Elsick estate near Stonehaven.
The boxes scheme is a low-cost means for small businesses to sell products and services directly, forming part of the town’s commitment to creating a supportive and self-sufficient environment.
Ms Maver added: “Opening another shop was part of the plan and I had my sights set on Chapelton.
“Chapelton’s focus on community and sustainability perfectly aligns with my ethos. It is a bustling wee town with lots of events designed to build community spirit and attract visitors.
“Local shops are at the heart of communities. Customers want to shop local to support local producers.
“They also want to make better shopping choices which will benefit the environment and their health while also saving money and reducing waste.”
Beating the cost of living crisis
Refill shops tend to be more expensive than supermarkets which have bigger buying power – but they come into their own by offering cash-strapped customers the ability to buy as little as they need.
“With the current cost of living crisis, being able to buy only what you need is a cost saver,” Ms Maver said.
“The majority of our fruit and veg is loose so rather than having to buy a pre-packed kilo of carrots, customers can buy just one or two saving money and plastic packing going to landfill.
“Plus, how many times have you found a new recipe that calls for a teaspoon each of several spices and those wee jars have sat languishing at the back of your cupboard for years?
“At Replenish, if you only need a couple of teaspoons of a few spices you can buy just that. Just bring your own container.”
The new refill shop will also take part in Chapelton’s popular farmers market which takes place on Saturday.
The Duchess of Fife, director of Elsick Development Company which is leading the build of Chapelton, said: “We welcome Replenish to our boxes and are certain that it will be an instant success as it stands for all the values that matter at the moment.
“We know that residents have asked for this type of store and we are really pleased that Donna and her team are joining us.”
Conversation