Family Legacy Continues: Eco-Friendly Refillable Store Opens in the Cotswolds

In a bold move towards sustainability, mother-daughter duo Stamena and Leny Dimitrova are thrilled to announce the opening of their second eco-conscious store, Refillable, in the heart of Tetbury, Cotswolds. Following the successful launch of their first sustainable grocery café in Bath back in 2020, this new venture signifies a commitment to an eco-friendly shopping experience in another beautiful South West location.

Exploring sustainable shopping options in Tetbury

Initially launched amid the challenges of the pandemic, the Bath café began with a modest selection of just 134 products focused on reducing plastic waste. Today, four years later, they have expanded their inventory to over 1,500 environmentally friendly items, prioritizing local sourcing wherever possible. Refillable Tetbury, located at 21 Market Place, is set to open its doors to eco-conscious customers at the end of this month.

Stamena expressed her gratitude, stating, “The unwavering support and enthusiasm of our community in Bath has been our greatest source of strength.” She emphasizes the importance of community engagement in driving their sustainable journey.

They are excited about the potential for growth in plastic-free shopping experiences in both Bath and their new Tetbury location. This venture reflects their vision of creating sustainable spaces where customers can shop without the burden of single-use packaging.

Embracing the Cotswold Community

The decision to expand into Tetbury came after a fruitful fact-finding trip last August. Leny noted, “We have always loved Tetbury and saw an opportunity to invest in this vibrant community known for its independent trade and commitment to environmental preservation.”

Beautiful landscapes of the Cotswolds

Their aim is to forge connections with local producers, ensuring that, whenever feasible, their products reflect the spirit of the community. The emphasis on local collaboration not only supports the economy but also aligns with their mission to promote sustainable living practices.

Stamena’s entrepreneurial spirit dates back to her life in Bulgaria and South Africa, where she launched several businesses before moving to the UK in 2016. Her daughter Leny, who embodies her mother’s passion for entrepreneurship, takes pride in her background as an early entrepreneur, starting her pet-sitting service at just 15 years old.

Leny recalls, “In Johannesburg, we mainly bought naked foods, fresh produce, refilled pantry foods, and deli items. We brought home very little plastic, and we realized we could offer the same here.” This personal experience has fueled their passion for creating a refillable grocery concept in the UK.

The Journey to Sustainable Shopping

The dream took shape when a local grocery store in Bradford On Avon was slated to close due to the owner’s retirement. Recognizing this as an opportunity, the Dimitrova family saw potential in transforming the space into a sustainable grocery store. However, upon further examination, they realized it was too small for their needs. They eventually discovered a more suitable location in Bath, which they renovated into a thriving eco-friendly establishment.

Inside a modern sustainable grocery store

The upcoming Refillable Tetbury will initially focus on grocery offerings that prioritize sustainable and local products, completely free from single-use plastics—a promise they intend to uphold. By the spring of 2025, customers can also look forward to the opening of a bistro on the upper level, providing a space to enjoy healthy meals while shopping.

As this family-run business continues to thrive, it reshapes the narrative around grocery shopping, encouraging consumers to reconsider their purchasing habits and the impact of packaging on the environment. The Dimitrovas invite local residents to join them in this sustainable journey, reinforcing that every small step contributes to a larger goal of environmental protection.

“We’re not just selling products—we’re fostering a community dedicated to sustainable living,” Leny emphasizes as they prepare for the grand opening.

Stay tuned for the highly anticipated opening of Refillable Tetbury and witness firsthand how shopping habits can transform with sustainability at the forefront.

For more information about their journey or to plan your visit, check out their Company Website.

Engaging the community in sustainable practices

The success of Refillable is a testament to what can be accomplished when passion meets purpose. As the Dimitrova family expands their eco-friendly legacy, they hope to inspire other communities to embrace sustainable shopping practices and foster a healthier planet for future generations.