March 2024 by c phone
There seems to be two responses from The Refillery owners, hard to say which I'm replying to. Both however are in corporate denial about the "plastic free" claim. Shopping bags are not the only plastic. No question there is some plastic used in food production and especially the supply chain. In their shops there are plastic food containers - look at the photos in the other reviews (glass ones too, but sometimes you could see the bulk containers were plastic in the Corstorphine shop), plastic fixtures and fittings, valves, tubes, food dispensers. Happy to accept the business operates a 'reduced' or 'low' plastic approach through avoiding single-use (and all the better for that) but their claim to be "plastic free" is simply counterfactual and misleading. Have you noticed their Trumpesque mentality towards criticism? It must be their critic who has the wrong shop (!), or is inventing plastic in there (!), motivated by unkindness (!). I will not be commenting further but if readers are curious, visit the shops and count all the plastic items, even just those associated with food. It is their claim to be "plastic free", it us up to them prove it or change their branding. I suggest "Reduced plastic shopping".PS It is indeed a pity that the Corstorphine shop had to close through lack of custom, but if The Refillery lacks brand integrity in the eyes of their target market they only have themselves to blame, not us.I'm not surprised they have closed down the Corstorphine shop. It never took off. First, the claim of plastic free shopping is simply untrue, the shop was full of plastic. I have no problem with that personally but it is a falsehood that underpins the brand: no idea how they get off with it! Secondly my perception was that they were too expensive. I could get cheaper organic whole oats from Tesco. Three, they gave me no particular information on provence of foods, I can get more information on the back of the supermarket package! Fourth, and probably most important was the bad attitude of the staff; instead of presenting as shopkeepers who rely on and and appreciate the custom of the public, they presented as slightly superior eco-warriors for whom serving the public was both beneath them and some kind of privilege they are granting us by entering their domain. Truth is, they put people off. I'm an environmental professional, absolutely their target market, but if they couldn't get people like me back into the shop, who could they get? PS They lost out to the much more genuine and customer friendly family-run artisanal bakery down the street.
March 2024 by Hannah Olds
Overall a nice place. Good selection of refills for both home and kitchen. Also very tasty baked goods, with vegan options!Sadly, last time I went before leaving Edinburgh I was disappointed because my total was £10 more than I expected. I was a bit stunned so didn?t process it at the time, but on looking at the receipt they had charged me for all the jars I brought in and refilled! Without asking me if they were mine.. I would have said something if I were also buying the jars.If you?re careful to make sure you?re not incorrectly charged, it?s a great and eco-friendly store that I would recommend.
March 2024 by Sarah Daniels
Very friendly and helpful staff! The shop has plenty to offer and simply inspires to do more and better.
October 2023 by Roland Barker
This place is great if you are seeking natural foods or locally-produced foods. Hard to express the sheer range of items on offer here: certainly bulk items like rice, beans, grains, etc. but also things like local honey, live vinegar. Great selection of locally-made food products like fermented foods and kombucha. Staff very helpful and friendly. You don't need to bring containers, but if you do, you'll save money and reduce waste. Absolutely recommended for anyone looking for healthy, local, natural foods.
October 2023 by serge cornu
This is a wonderful, environmentally friendly, ethical grocery shop where we can just refill cereals, shampoo, detergents, and buy many other products free from packaging. It?s a little bit pricey but, until more people shop there and more businesses operate this way, it?s going to remain a bit dear.
August 2023 by Adam Novara
Best fresh kombucha I've ever tasted
May 2023 by Deirdre McIntosh
Great concept. Buy the amount you need with no packaging. Large selection of spices etc.The peanut butter from the machine is delicious.
April 2023 by Eilidh Falconer
Great products and staff are always lovely and helpful
March 2023 by Ronnie Coats
Surprised with the amount of products stocked , for the size of it, there were plenty of choices on offer .
March 2023 by pp4mnk puppy
The Refillery is a zero waste store located in Edinburgh, Scotland. The store offers a range of environmentally friendly products, such as food, cleaning supplies, and personal care items, all of which are sold without any plastic packaging.The Refillery's food section includes a variety of organic, whole foods, such as grains, nuts, and dried fruits. The store also has a selection of loose leaf teas, herbs, and spices, as well as a range of plastic-free snacks, such as energy bars and nuts.In addition to its food offerings, The Refillery also has a selection of household cleaning supplies, such as washing up liquid, laundry detergent, and all-purpose cleaners, all of which are sold in refillable containers. The store also sells personal care items, such as shampoo, conditioner, and body wash, which can also be refilled.The Refillery's interior is bright and modern, with a minimalist design that emphasizes the importance of reducing waste. The store also has a helpful and knowledgeable staff, who can assist customers in selecting the right products and provide guidance on how to reduce waste in their daily lives.The Refillery is located on Newington Road, in the south of Edinburgh. The store is easily accessible by public transport, with several bus stops located nearby, and also has a bike rack outside for customers who prefer to cycle.Your answer made the 5 ?
November 2022 by Barbara Bray
I used the delivery service for a fresh fruit and veg gift for my Aunt. She was super happy with it and sounds like they had some great meals from it.
November 2022 by Emilia G
Shop at Waverley has INCREDIBLE sandwiches at a good price. None of this chips-and-coleslaw-soft-bread-nonsense. Big lovely ciabatta rolls, breaded vegetables, great sauce, great taste. A full meal. 5/5, would go again. Had a great great donut too.
November 2022 by Heather Robertson
Thank you to the kind fellow at the Waverley shop that gave me a free loaf of bread tonight!! It?s so refreshing to see a brand dedicated to eliminating waste fully practicing what they preach. Can?t wait to pop in and see the new shop ?
November 2022 by Jae Wyld
Lovely bloke behind the counter, sandwich was lush. Great oat milk coffee and strawberry chia energy ball ?
November 2022 by Artem L
Nice shop, but not the cheapest compared to other zero waste shops. During our first visit we found lots of flies around and inside the containers. May visit again if prices are reduced and quality improves.