Earth Day, Everyday: Planet vs Plastics
The Re:Store in Lossiemouth isn't just a corner shop or grocery store; it's a movement and a passion for owner and founder Alison Ruickbie.
In our interview with Alison, she shares her journey from retail to eco-entrepreneurship, inspired by a commitment to combat plastic pollution and live more sustainably.
The Re:Store is local business that helps us walk the walk; it embodies sustainability and ethics with each refillable container and locally sourced product.
So here's Alison's story, the impact of The Re:Store is having in Moray, and her vision for a future where eco-conscious choices are the norm.
“Alison, what was your background before the Re:Store and what was your inspiration for the store?”
I have no previous experience as an entrepreneur, business owner. I studied a degree in Aberdeen but then went to live abroad so never actually used the degree, instead finding myself working in local newspaper. I met my husband and we moved around - I mainly worked in retail and customer service.
Previous to Lossiemouth we were stationed in Episkopi, Cyprus. It was an idyllic life, sun, sea….and pollution. The plastic pollution there was hard to ignore, snorkeling I could clearly see from a turtle’s eye view that a bag might look just like a jellyfish.
On our return home to Moray we made a decision as a family to live more sustainably and cut down single use plastic. Finding this hard, the idea of The Re:Store was born.
It was launched by me in late Summer 2019 with the intention of offering an alternative to goods wrapped in plastic. Customers bring their own containers and fill from the selection of dried foods and household liquids. Sold by weight they can buy as much or as little as needed, helping reduce food waste and single use plastic.
“What has been your biggest challenge?”
My biggest challenge came unexpectedly in March 2020. That first week before lockdown was incredibly stressful for all concerned.
Suddenly my lovely wee shop was a magnet for panicked buyers keen to fill up with as much pasta and flour as humanly possible, people filling carrier bags and arguing over who was to be served first. I welcomed new trade to an extent but worried my regulars would miss out. For this reason, I immediately introduced a limit on the weight of goods per person. My son who was helping at the time also suggested we place a table at the door and serve from there which I still have in place. This made the shop safe for my family and my customers.
"What values drive your business, and how does The Re:Store contribute to sustainability efforts in Moray?"
My business is all about sustainability and ethics!
I opened the shop as a result of not being able to find plastic/packaging free products locally. I carry out extensive research before stocking a product to ensure it's sustainable and ethical. My suppliers and food producers all share my ethos and brand values.
According to Zero Waste Scotland 300,000 tonnes of single use plastics are bought by Scottish consumers annually and each household spends £250 on 130kg of single use plastic!
In the 5 years I have been trading, The Re:Store has enabled customers to save tens of thousands of bottles of household liquids such as washing up liquid and over 10000 plastic bags each of porridge, pasta and rice from landfill.
I use suppliers who operate a circular/loop system - when their 20 litre containers are empty, I send a pallet back to be refilled and reused. I believe there is no point in me saving a few 500ml bottles if I then must recycle a huge 20 litre one.
No one individual can live a perfect zero waste life but if lots of people do a little bit toward reducing waste, we can make a huge difference together.
"Who shops at your store, and how have people in the community reacted to your efforts to make sustainable products accessible to everyone?"
It has become clear over the years that the incentive to reduce single use plastic and food waste crosses all age groups and demographics.
My aim is to offer something for all budgets, not to be exclusively organic or high-end therefore not excluding those on a lower budget.
I have been overwhelmed by the support from Moray and beyond – but especially with the support of the Lossie locals who have been so enthusiastic in being able to buy local fresh produce and from the older or single people who come in to buy just small amounts of food rather than being forced to buy larger pre-packed items.
I welcome custom from all over Moray, Aberdeenshire and as far as the Black Isle - the shop is also perfect for self-catering holidaymakers as it enables them to buy exact ingredients rather than having to cart the extras home with them. Plus I have a lovely range of local products and some gifts.
"How did your store grow, and how do you decide what products to stock?"
The growth of The Re:Store has happened organically. I listen to my customers requests and am careful to monitor what sells well and what doesn't. I'm always on the look out for new products, producers and suppliers as long as their ethics align with mine.
“How many local suppliers do you have and what products can they offer.”
Throughout the year I have around 30-50 local suppliers, producers and growers products in the shop. This varies throughout the year according to the seasons.
Here's an idea of the local products found in store:
Local organic milk on tap
Local delicious white eggs
Local kombucha on tap
Local microgreens
Local jams & chutneys
Local honey (3 suppliers)
Local veg when in season
Local insanely good strawberries - coming in May!
Local salad from June
Local porridge & oatmeal
Local rapeseed oils (1 is organic)
Local coffee (3 suppliers,1 organic)
Local sourdough (Wednesday & Fri)
From plastic free purchases to locally sourced products, Alison's commitment to the planet versus plastic battle is clear.
Everyday, we make choices when we shop – and thanks to Alison and The Re:Store, we can make active choices to reduce plastic consumption and to shop with sustainability in mind.
Thank you, Alison, for sharing your journey and doing what you do!