Inverness BID Small Business Focus Q&A: Join the re-use revolution with Ness Refill
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Small Business Focus in association with Inverness BID
Q How would you describe your business to a stranger?
A Ness Refill is a zero waste store in the centre of Inverness. We offer customers the opportunity to reduce single-use plastics and excessive packaging, encouraging them to bring their own containers and fill them up from the wide range of products on offer which means they are only paying for the products and not the packaging.
We stock dried food, herbs and spices, household items including cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner and body wash. We also carry locally made products unpackaged such as soaps and moisturising bars, and locally made jam and honey. We encourage the community to get involved. If they have any jars, containers or egg boxes, drop them off and we will re-use them.
Q What inspired you to start the business?
A I wanted to offer the opportunity to buy products without the usual packaging and to buy in quantities they wanted rather than buying large packages as this not only potentially costs more but can end up with food waste. We end up with more product than we need and it gets forgotten about or goes out of date in a cupboard. Buying only what you need when you need it does away with this completely. In the current financial position, people are more aware of the cost of items and buying only what you need gives people the chance to save some money.
Offering people the chance to bring their own containers allows people to do their own small bit to help the environment.
Q How has your business developed?
A We have added many more different items including local organic fruit and vegetables as many customers were asking specifically for this. We have sample days allowing people to sample locally made products and other items. We have a party pack hire service allowing you to hire a party set for a children’s party. We are looking to add a vintage tea party set in the coming weeks.
Q What are your plans to develop your business in the future?
A Initially to stock more items, develop a website where we could offer click and collect, and possibly local delivery, increase our social media presence, and make more people aware of our shop and the service we offer. This may include pop-up shop sessions. We are also looking to develop our own brand using our own recipes.
Q What lessons have you learnt from your time in business?
A Listen to customers and try to provide the items they ask for. It is very important to make people aware you are out there and have a service to offer, making sure our social media is added to regularly and keeping the content interesting.
While the shop started out as one idea, already this has changed and in the coming months this will change again. But that does not mean that the initial starting point was wrong, it just has to evolve as we grow and develop.
Q What’s your vision for Inverness city centre?
A To see some more independent shops offering a wide variety of products and hopefully some locally made products in the mix.
Q Can you tell us something interesting about yourself?
A My hobbies are baking and taking the dog for walks.
