When Raglan’s beloved SWOP bulk food store closed earlier this year, it left a noticeable void for locals seeking sustainable shopping options. Now, a fresh and exciting chapter begins with the arrival of a new refillery store, Raglan Refill, set to open in January. Driven by a group of passionate community members, this social enterprise promises to revive the bulk-buying spirit, and champion the use of reusables, offering affordable, eco-friendly alternatives that Raglan residents have been asking for.
The idea for the refillery grew out of community discussions following the closure of SWOP and the need for a replacement. Davian Lorson, one of the organisation’s trustees, explained how it all started.
“It started with Chloe Waretini having a dream. She woke up at 3am buzzing with the idea of reinventing SWOP with a focus on food resilience and affordability. Later, she found herself sitting down with Jasmine Hunter (from Whāingaroa Environment Centre) at INDI Raglan and talking more about the brainwave,” said Davian.
At this point Kristy Lorson, Davian’s wife and staunch Zero Waste Advocate, who was sitting at an adjacent table, added some of her thoughts. Later, on her way home, Chloe crossed paths with Gabrielle Parson from Raglan Naturally, who also had plenty to contribute to the concept. Chloe then enlisted Tania Ashman, whose expertise in food security brought further depth to the idea, and things progressed from there.
Eloise Deller, who will manage the refillery, explained that she was approached while managing the now-closed Trade Aid. After discussing the idea with Jasmine, she decided to join the team to help bring it to life. The anticipated opening is slated for January, though the team is still finalising the details.
Raglan Refill will be situated in a newly built unit behind the Raglan Club, next to the Lions Club on Bow Street. The central location is expected to attract foot traffic and foster a cozy atmosphere with neighbouring groups. “It was perfect timing with the new units becoming available,” said Davian. “We’re excited about the potential for synergy in this space.”
The initiative has received overwhelming community support, with a survey conducted by the team revealing widespread enthusiasm for the project. 'We’ve had a lot of great responses from the community,' Eloise noted, adding that people are 'really excited' to see a refillery returning to Raglan.
The team has also sought advice from those previously running SWOP and visited other refillers in the region to ensure they offer a well-rounded selection of essentials. While the range may not match SWOP’s extensive inventory, Raglan Refill will focus on providing everyday necessities.
Operating as a social enterprise, Raglan Refill will follow a model similar to Trade Aid. Eloise will manage the store part-time, while volunteers will play a vital role in daily operations. Sustainable practices are central to the refillery’s ethos, with the team reusing items like a sturdy sandwich board from Margaret Dillon, from Feed the Kids, to display specials and updates, and other equipment and fittings donated from Auckland and Wellington bulk stores.Raglan’s history of supporting bulk food and sustainable living initiatives dates back to Jon WOK’s organic shop (Whaingaroa Organic Kai) and continued with SWOP. Raglan Refill aims to honour this legacy while adapting to the town’s evolving needs.
With the projected January opening fast approaching, the team is busy finalising preparations, fundraising and organising stock. The initiative has already raised over $5,000 through a Givealittle voucher campaign, which allows supporters to pre-pay for goods. The funds will help stock the shelves and cover setup costs, estimated at $10,000.
Local organisations and individuals have also pitched in. Manu Moana, a local craftsman, is building shelves for the shop, while Gabrielle from the Raglan Naturally team has provided valuable guidance. “There's been a huge amount of community support,” said Davian. “Everyone jumps in to make things happen.”
The team is seeking volunteers to assist with daily operations, including retail assistance and food safety compliance. Volunteers are asked to commit just three hours a week, with training provided.
Raglan Refill is already looking ahead, exploring opportunities to expand its offerings based on community feedback. Items such as milk and frozen goods are under consideration, and workshops on social enterprise may also be introduced to inspire others.
For Eloise, an experienced retail manager, and Davian, a filmmaker venturing into retail, the journey of creating Raglan Refill has been both challenging and rewarding. “It’s been really exciting and I've really enjoyed the process,” said Eloise.
With its focus on sustainability, affordability, and collaboration, Raglan Refill promises to be a welcome addition to the town. The team encourages anyone interested in supporting or volunteering to get involved. You can check out their Givealittle page at this link: https://givealittle.co.nz/cause/raglan-refill and can contact them at raglanrefill@gmail.com.
For updates, follow Raglan Refill on social media or tune into local radio for announcements.