'Ipswich has a self-deprecation problem,' say culture leaders and entrepreneurs at council strategy workshop

That spontaneous moment of commitment has ensured that this beloved independent business continues to serve its community from it's store on Woodbridge Road.

Unwrapped & Refill, established in 2021, reopened under new ownership on Wednesday, 2 April, with eager customers showing their support by turning out in impressive numbers.

From redundancy to shop owner

"I was made redundant in February 2024, and asked Lucy [the previous owner] if there was a chance I could work in the shop one day a week," Beren explains.

Originally from "drab suburban outer London," Beren moved to Ipswich via Norfolk four years ago and has developed a genuine affection for the town and its community. Working at Unwrapped & Refill quickly became more than just a job.

"I thoroughly enjoyed working in the shop, getting to know the customers, and feeling like I was making a difference, however small, in helping the community to make more sustainable choices."

So when the opportunity to take ownership arose, the decision came naturally – if unexpectedly.

A community rallies

The transition to new ownership wasn't a solo effort. Beren speaks warmly of the encouragement received from customers and a group of supporters he dubs "community lenders."

"The shop is beloved by our customers, and there has been strong support to keep it going. They, along with four people, who I call my 'community lenders' – namely Robert Marsland, Joy Allen, Melody Shaw and Sandrine Malfait – have encouraged me along the way, and I am so grateful to them for their vote of confidence."

This community spirit extends to the day-to-day atmosphere in the shop. While Beren acknowledges that shopping at a refill store requires more effort than grabbing packaged goods off supermarket shelves, the social experience makes up for it.

"People are so friendly, and we all end up chatting to one another, which you just don't get at the supermarket, or online shopping."

Sustainable shopping made simple

For the uninitiated, Unwrapped & Refill offers a range of food (both dried and frozen), cleaning products, toiletries and treats – with an impressive 600 products in total. The business aims to source as much as possible from local suppliers and operates on a "closed loop" system, where empty containers are returned to suppliers for washing and reuse.

While Beren isn't planning radical changes, there are plans to reorganise the shop into clearer "departments" to make products easier to find. There's also an intention to phase out the minimal non-vegetarian products over time, reflecting the environmental benefits of reduced meat consumption.

For those curious about refill shopping but intimidated by the concept, Beren offers reassuring advice:

"Start small – pick one item you could easily swap, and go from there. We always have spare tubs, jars and bags for you to use, so don't be afraid to pop in to case the joint, even if you don't have a beautiful set of Kilner jars at the beginning.

"You'll soon find more and more items at Unwrapped & Refill that you can add to your shopping list – and every swap you make makes a difference," he adds.

Teamwork makes the dream work

Beren isn't running the shop alone. Megan, an Ipswich local who was looking for more meaningful work, has joined the team and will be the main "face" of the shop, working at least three days a week.

"We share a similar sense of humour, and we have a good laugh," says Beren. "I think the customers have taken well to her."

Beren will continue to work in the shop on Wednesdays and Saturdays while handling behind-the-scenes responsibilities, and the team is looking to add a "floater" who can work one day a week and provide holiday cover.

The bottom line

In an age of online shopping and disposable consumerism, Unwrapped & Refill stands as a reminder of retail's potential to build community while addressing environmental concerns. While Beren admits refill shopping requires more effort, he points out that their products are often cheaper than mid-range supermarkets while matching them in quality.

With the business already profitable, Beren hints at ambitious future plans: "To entice more customers from across the town to shop more sustainably...who knows – I may open another branch in good time!"

For now, though, the focus is on ensuring that Ipswich's much-loved refill shop continues to thrive under its new ownership – one sustainable swap at a time.