Published: 6/05/2024
Bramley Wholefoods went from pioneering as a zero-waste shop to evolving into a hub for wholesome, natural foods with eco-friendly options. They’ve been at the forefront of sustainable living in Leeds for the past 5 years.
Please tell us about you, your customers, your staff, and your business.
It’s just the two of us that work in the store which is the only shop in our area like us! We used to be a zero-waste shop, but with zero-waste shops closing down we felt we needed to make a change, so we’re now a Wholefoods/Natural Foods focused store that happens to also do some eco products and refills on the side. So far the area we’re based in has been welcoming to the change! Our customers are lovely and supportive, with regulars and new customers every day! We wouldn’t be here without them.
What inspired you to open your shop?
We started as a zero-waste shop, with the main aim being that people could shop with us without having to worry about any plastic whatsoever, and any single-use packaging being 100% recyclable and compostable. We were the first ones in our area with a few popping up over the next few years. Sadly during coronavirus, all these other stores closed down.
What are you most proud of about your business and why?
We’re proud that it’s still going after 5 years! It’s been a long road and a lot has changed, it started as the dream of two sisters who worked hard and started a zero waste shop from nothing in Leeds city centre to having a second shop in Bramley at the same time and now it’s just the store in Bramley run by one of the sisters and her husband.
What’s your local area/ high street like?
Our local area is a great community, with people looking out for each other every day. We’re based on a small outdoor shopping centre strip, with a few locally run small businesses as well as some well-known brands. These shops bring lots of different people to the centre every day.
What sets your store apart from others in the area?
We are the only store that focuses on Wholefoods and natural foods, and you can’t refill your washing-up liquid bottle or shampoo bottle anywhere else for miles! You can shop with us and come away with absolutely nothing for your bin, which is such a good feeling! We also aim to have our prices as low as possible to compete with supermarket prices so we’re affordable to the community.
How are you and your other local independent high street retailers fairing?
After a rough few years, overall, the businesses in the area are fairing okay. There have been a few closures where a business wasn’t quite right for the area, but new businesses have come in their place and seem to be flourishing well.
What kind of products can we buy in your shop?
As a Wholefoods store you would probably know what to expect, natural simple foods, like nuts, dried fruits, pasta, rice, beans and pulses, herbs and spices, with the eco store side to it where we stock eco-friendly refills, treats, reusable products and so much more!
What are the bestsellers at the moment?
Our best-selling products are probably our household and bathroom refills, ranging from washing up liquid to shampoo and body wash. Our vegan pick and mix is also very popular and attracts a lot of people in.
Sustainability is important to us, how does your business support sustainability?
We were originally a zero-waste shop, and our priorities, when it comes to choosing products, haven’t changed. We avoid plastic wrappers, aim for compostable, or buy in bulk to sell loose. Since rebranding to a Wholefoods store, we have begun to allow a little plastic (as long as it’s recyclable), if it’s the only way we can get something suitable for vegans and coeliacs, but this is always a last resort! We also aim to buy UK-based brands where they also make their products within the UK, to reduce the carbon footprint of our products.
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