The Eco-Friendly Business Refill Stop Passes Its 5 Year Mark

In the first of a series of stories on local business, NewWest.tv went to the Refill Stop in downtown New Westminster. It's on Carnarvon Street, just adjacent to the New West Sky Train Station.

Susan Millar – Local Journalism Initiative

Her store has just made the 5 year mark, which is to be celebrated at any time, but particularly in these unstable times, as we have moved through the pandemic to now, high inflation and economically unstable times.

Journalist Susan Millar talked to owner, Jessica Brown, all about her store. Jessica is a staunch believer in people using eco-friendly, low waste products, so you'll get a bit of a tour of her store. 

Her initial idea for the store was that customers refill their bottles with everyday products such as soap, dish detergent, shampoo, and various cleaners among others. The idea being that rather than buying a new bottle every time you need these basic necessities, you refill your original bottles. These products are the mainstays of her store.

She also works hard to buy local and 50% or her products are just that. Another 20% are from BC and the rest from global markets. She has a some shelves full of crafts made by local people.

In the same business space, her husband Ken, has for sale a good collection of vinyl records in a wide variety of genres - from folk to blues, from classical to rock, and more - another great business in the re-use market. He sells new records too. Viewers get a quick look at this business called Re-love.