In a significant expansion, mother-daughter duo Stamena and Leny Dimitrova are set to open the second location of their eco-friendly store, Refillable, in the heart of the Cotswolds. This sustainable store, situated at 21 Market Place, will launch at the end of the month, marking another step in the Dimitrovas’ journey to provide sustainable shopping options throughout the South West.
Since its inception in Bath during the peak of the pandemic, Refillable has grown from offering 134 eco-friendly products to over 1,500 items. The store focuses on providing single-use plastic-free, locally-sourced products, making it a popular choice for environmentally conscious customers. In response to the positive feedback from their community in Bath, Stamena and Leny felt it was time to expand their footprint and bring their sustainable offerings to the Tetbury area.
Community-Centered and Environmentally Conscious
“We’ve been deeply inspired by the enthusiasm and commitment of our Bath community towards sustainability,” said Stamena Dimitrova, co-founder of Refillable. “The support of our loyal customers has been our driving force. After thorough research, we realised it was time to bring our concept to another community committed to eco-friendly practices. Tetbury felt like the perfect choice.”
The Dimitrovas’ vision has always been rooted in environmental responsibility. Their Bath store, which was once a dilapidated space, was transformed into a vibrant shop that provides sustainable options for everyday items. With this new Tetbury location, the family plans to continue prioritizing local products and fostering partnerships with nearby producers.
A Journey Driven by Passion for Sustainability
Both Stamena and Leny share a passion for sustainability, rooted in experiences from their international backgrounds. Stamena, originally from Bulgaria and later based in South Africa, gained business experience across various industries before moving to the UK in 2016. Her daughter Leny followed shortly afterward, bringing with her a background in hospitality and an early entrepreneurial streak, having launched her first pet-sitting business in Johannesburg at the age of 15.
“Since moving to the UK, my mother and I were shocked by the amount of single-use plastic in mainstream stores,” Leny explained. “Back in Johannesburg, we primarily bought fresh, unpackaged foods. We felt that there was an opportunity to bring the same concept here, in the UK.”
Their first foray into sustainable retail was inspired when a local grocery store in Bradford on Avon closed. Though initially a smaller setup, the duo quickly realised that the demand for plastic-free and refillable products called for a larger space, which they found in Bath. From there, Refillable quickly grew into a destination for those looking to embrace eco-friendly shopping.
Building a Sustainable Future in the Cotswolds
The Dimitrovas’ mission is not only to provide sustainable products but also to contribute positively to the communities they serve. “We’re excited to join the independent trade scene in Tetbury,” said Leny. “The Cotswolds community has a strong commitment to preserving the environment, and we look forward to supporting that by sourcing products locally and promoting sustainable living.”
Refillable in Tetbury will initially offer a range of plastic-free grocery items, with the goal of adding a bistro by spring 2025. This addition will create a space where customers can enjoy fresh, sustainably sourced food and drinks. The new store’s layout will allow customers to shop, dine, and relax, providing a holistic eco-friendly experience.
A Vision for a Greener Future
With the goal of opening additional locations across the South West, the Dimitrovas envision a network of Refillable stores that support both environmental sustainability and community values. By prioritising refillable and plastic-free options, they aim to make eco-friendly shopping accessible to more people, empowering communities to embrace a greener lifestyle.
“The passion for sustainability we’ve seen from our customers, both new and returning, is inspiring,” said Stamena. As we open our doors in Tetbury, we’re filled with optimism for the future and thrilled to extend our commitment to plastic-negative shopping to both Bath and Tetbury.
