17/08/2026
"I fell out of the habit of refilling."
"I just got so busy."
"I've been meaning to come in for ages."
Life happens (and boy, has a lot of life been happening, lately!).
But two local refill shops have closed already this year.
The first was Ecolnes Refillery Store in Earls Colne in spring, and the other was The Little Ginger Bee Company (pictured) in Hadleigh at the end of July.
I had the pleasure of meeting Toni, the owner of the latter, on her penultimate day of trading. Her shop was lovely, and while I was there she had so many people come in to share their condolences and well wishes.
But, alas, Toni wasn't getting enough regular custom, and with costs going up, she had no choice but to close.
I know of two other refill shops who teetered on the edge of closing recently. You may have seen that my other shop, Clear to Sea, nearly closed for good back in June.
It's hard having to encourage people who I know love the concept, the shop, the products, the team, to come in.
But, this isn't a warning that Unwrapped & Refill is in danger of closing.
It's a reminder to use us or lose us.
Our costs are higher than ever just now, too - and I want us to be thriving, not surviving.
That means we need more regular refillers. For former regulars to get back into the swing of it. And for those who have been admiring from afar to come and start shopping with us.
I know we aren't as convenient as going to the supermarket. But we are part of the community, we support local people, charities and suppliers, and we get to know you as a person, not just a customer. All while competing with the likes of Sains on price!
So come on down.
We are open, as ever, Tuesday to Saturday 10am to 12.30pm, 1pm to 5pm. You can find us at 715 Woodbridge Road, IP4 4NB.
Hope to see you soon, and I wish Toni and all the other refill shop owners past and present the very best of luck with whatever comes next ❤️
