On Saturday 9th October, Hampshire-based refill delivery service, Local Zero, held their brand-new shop’s launch event. But it was not without its difficulties!
Local Zero recently took over the sustainable refill shop, at The Weyhill Fairground. Their launch event had been months in the planning (and been delayed due to The Queen’s funeral). But finally, the day was here – the team were ready and raring to go, only to find the shop, neighbouring café and village hall had all been broken into, by vandals. Shocked, but undeterred, the Local Zero team sprang into action, cleaning up, tidying and trying to find a way into the shop, as the door handle has been damaged and wasn’t able to be used.
However, like any solid team Local Zero did not let this stop them from putting on a fantastic event. There was an undeniable buzz in the air, from the get-go (and that wasn’t just the bees from Kirk House Farm Honey!) Everybody was in high spirits; the sun was shining and this was all accompanied by the scent of freshly cut roses from Featherstone Flowers. A quintessential countryside occasion.
Local Zero were joined by their partners; Featherstone Flowers, Kirk House Honey, Enjoy! Chocolate and Oaktrack Smallholding. All partners were selling produce and giving attendees a taste of what Hampshire has to offer. Featherstone were helping young and old alike put together beautiful floral creations. The sun shone and the tea and cake was flowing (kindly provided by The Fairground Café). All produce from the partners is available to purchase in the shop, so it really was a “try before you buy” experience.
Also on offer were Local Zero recipe kits – featuring a gorgeous curry to try and then feed your family for £5. Saving money, saving waste and saving the planet! Local Zero are definitely opening the eyes of our local community to how easy and cost-effective shopping sustainably can be!
One event attendee said, “It’s been a wonderful event, it’s great to see how much local produce Hampshire has to offer. I will be back with my refill jars, very soon!” David Hall, Local Zero’s Managing Director added, “We are delighted to have opened the first walk-in shop to complement our sustainable delivery service. Making a difference on climate change requires thousands of people to make small steps. It feels like we’ve made some giant leaps today!”
Now that is how you launch a shop to the local community – with style and sustainability!
The team and attendees all agreed how wonderful it was to see everyone band together and make the event such a roaring success! Team Local Zero hope to see you all at the shop soon!
The Local Zero shop is open 10am-4pm, Monday to Saturday, at The Fairground, Weyhill, Andover SP11 0QN next door to the Fairground Café or you can order online by visiting www.local-zero.co.uk
