Chamber News
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY | The Re:Store Moray
12 December 2024 • Sarah Medcraf
SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY!
We caught up with Alison Ruickbie of The Re:Store
What inspired you to start your small business?
I was inspired to create a sustainable-living refill shop to help reduce single-use plastics and food waste, offering the community an eco-friendly alternative.
What’s the story behind your business name?
My shop is named "The Re:Store," reflecting its mission to restore balance to the earth and oceans through sustainable and ethical practices. It's a shop for all the REs - REduce, REuse, REfuse, REfill, REthink.
What do you enjoy most about running your own business?
I love how the shop has become a community hub - people come here to shop but also to share their stories, highs and lows of life and to find out information about Lossie and Moray.
What’s been the most rewarding moment in your journey as a small business owner?
Seeing the community embrace sustainable living and returning with positive feedback has been incredibly rewarding. I love when so many customers remark on what good value their shopping is - many expect it to be dearer than the supermarket but that's not necessarily the case, many of my products are much cheaper.
What’s the biggest challenge you’ve faced, and how did you overcome it?
Encouraging people to try a refill shop for the first time can be challenging, but creating a welcoming environment and offering guidance has helped build customer confidence. I also believe that consistency is the key - choose your opening hours and stick to them so customers know you will be there when they expect you.
How has being a small business shaped the way you approach customer relationships?
I've always worked in customer facing roles and have taken those experiences and skills forward when starting my own business. It has deepened my focus on providing personalised, supportive service, ensuring every customer feels empowered to make sustainable choices but without putting pressure on themselves. I always say just to do what you can within your budget and timescales so it doesn't become overwhelming.
What lessons have you learned about entrepreneurship that you wish you knew when you started?
I guess I never imagined what hard work it would be for very little pay! Joking aside, the rewards outweigh the negative by far. I have learned the importance of building strong local partnerships with other similar businesses and local independent businesses. Listening closely to customer needs has created a thriving, community-focused business.
What’s one thing you wish more people knew about the products or services you offer?
You don’t need fancy containers to shop at The Re:Store—old margarine tubs or yogurt pots work perfectly. And there are always bags available if you forget your own. Also - it's not expensive! Time after time customers tell me they can't believe how cheap their shop was. You're only buying what you need which means there's no food waste either.
Are there any interesting trends you’re seeing in your industry?
There's a growing interest not just in reducing plastic but in buying locally sourced and less processed products such as the local, organic milk I sell on tap which is non-homogenised & low temperature pasteurised - as close to raw milk as you can buy in Scotland. The Re:Store is a one-stop shop for all things local - stocking a good variety of local produce and products.
What’s a typical day like for you as a small business owner?
It starts fairly early, sometimes collecting stock and I need to be at the shop in time for deliveries to arrive. Cleaning is constant - flour gets everywhere and inevitably there are spills throughout the day which need swept or mopped. I check all the dispensers are full and make a note of any products running low. Between customers I try to get as much admin done as possible which means I don't need to spend so much time doing it in the evenings. My favourite part is always researching and sourcing new products.
What do you do to stay motivated and inspired?
The positive impact The Re:Store has on reducing waste and the supportive community feedback - but most importantly my amazing customers keep me motivated!
Who has been your biggest influence or source of support in your business journey?
Funnily enough - other refill shops! We are all part of a big community across the UK and chat and share ideas regularly. I'm a member of the Lossiemouth Business Association who are hugely supportive.
How can customers best support your business, both during the festive period and year-round?
Customers can bring their own containers for refills, shop for sustainable gifts, and spread the word about The Re:Store’s mission to reduce waste. Just pop in, say hello and find out what it's all about.