Inverness business announces closure – 4 months after opening
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A zero waste store in Inverness city centre has announced its intention to close due to lack of demand.
Ness Refill opened in Queensgate in mid March, offering 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.
It meant they were only paying for the products and not the packaging.
The shop stocks dried food, herbs and spices, household items including cleaning products, shampoo, conditioner and body wash, as well as locally made products unpackaged such as soaps and moisturising bars, and locally made jam and honey.
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A social media post by Ness Refill stated: "It is with deep sadness that I have taken the decision to close Ness Refill.
"Sadly, despite our best efforts we have not been able to reach out to as many customers as is necessary to make this a sustainable venture.
"We are so grateful to all our loyal customers who have supported us over the past few months and all those who have also followed up on social media. We will keep everyone updated as to a final closing date but meantime we will remain open albeit in a reduced capacity.
"We are also holding a closing down sale with 10 per cent off every purchase."
The announcement was met with some sympathy from commentators on social media.
Fern Mellor said: "I am so very sorry to hear this. I’ve absolutely loved shopping with you and will be really sad to lose your innovative, eco-friendly store. The team at Ness Refill have been simply outstanding when it comes to customer service. Thank you all for trying – I wish things could have worked out differently."
Anna Borczyk said: "It's a shame that its closing so soon. I've just found out about this shop and was so happy to go and shop there.
"I would never know the shop existed if I wouldn't walk the street. I already told my friends and many of them [were] prepared to go shop here as well. In my opinion, you did not wait long enough to find out how successful you could have been if you had spread the word about more. Very disappointed!"
Donald Cameron stated: "So sorry to read this. Although I have never shopped there for the reason I never knew the shop existed.
"Great idea and one I would support if not in the centre. Unfortunately, the town centre area is becoming cost prohibitive to shop in due to the increased parking charges and car parks that are privately owned. There are some great farm shops surrounding Inverness that supply local sustainable produce, could this be an alternative outlet for your business?"
