Nourish Zero Waste, an ethical, packaging-free, zero waste provisions shop in Topsham, near Exeter, has been named as runner-up in the race to be named Britain’s Best Small Shop of 2020.

The judges referred to it as “clearly an innovative business working hard to engage with the local community.” They said they liked the drive and determination about this business, its pioneering spirit, calling it “cause-driven, honest, authentic, and energetic”. “The proof of the pudding is in the eating,” they added, “in the sheer amount of single use plastic they have managed to eliminate from the local area. The use of technology to make the business smarter and the collaborative approach with others during lockdown is really impressive.”

The first Nourish Zero Waste shop opened in March, followed by a second shop in Magdalen Road in April 2019. Its aim is to offer an alternative shopping experience to people who are keen to reduce their use of packaging and plastics, opt for healthier ingredients and start their journey to a more sustainable way of life.

The two shops offer 240 products that are bought by weight, and 200 non-food items. Customers can buy as much or little as they like. Each sale counts as one piece of plastic and the shop estimates it has saved 150,000 pieces so far. A loyalty scheme rewards customers using reusable containers with a £5 discount, which they can use this or donate to charity. It sources many products from suppliers within a ten mile radius from dried chillis from Woodbury to tea from Dartmoor.

The Best Small Shops competition is managed by the Independent Retailers Confederation (IRC), whose member trade associations represent approximately 100,000 independent retailers throughout the UK between them. The competition celebrates the commitment and creativity of independent retailers on the UK’s High Streets and the central role they play in their local communities. It is sponsored by Maybe*, an engagement platform that helps make social media work for independent retailers.

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