In a world increasingly aware of the environmental costs of single-use products, finding sustainable alternatives can feel like a daunting task.
That’s where Refill Goods, a low-waste general store in Plainview, Minnesota, steps in. This unique store, founded by a couple passionate about sustainability, offers a simple yet impactful solution: customers can bring their own containers to refill household and personal care products.
More than just a store, Refill Goods is also a hub for community connection, collaboration, and environmental awareness. In this interview, the founder shares the inspiration behind the store, the challenges they faced, and their vision for a more sustainable future.
Background and Inspiration: Refill Goods
SSGL: Can you tell us about the inspiration behind starting Refill Goods?
Refill Goods, Annie Jurrens
- My husband and I have always talked about having a space to facilitate community and connection. When we realized we wanted to be in our small town of Plainview until our kids graduate from highschool, we decided to look around and see what was missing.
SSGL: What motivated you to focus on low-waste and sustainable products?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We lived in Canada for a short time, in a really remote location. There wasn’t a trash service, just a dump where we would take our trash to. We got to see in real time what happened to our garbage. Having a garbage pile right in, basically a national park, was a really striking juxtaposition that made us more aware of the trash we produce and how long plastic takes to break down.
Business Journey
SSGL: What were some of the biggest challenges you faced when starting your business?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- Some people start retail businesses by first selling at vendor fairs and working their way up to a store front. Having a physical space where people could come was the most important thing to us, products were second. We first had to start in a small closet sized space, then we were able to convert the first floor of a house into a retail space, and now we’re in a more typical retail space. We didn’t realize how much of our capital inventory would take up. Stocking a store is expensive! Walking into any big box store is overwhelming for me now, knowing how much everything costs. The little guys can’t compete!
SSGL: How has your business evolved since its inception?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We are constantly evolving. Since we can’t directly compete with big box stores, we have to offer something different; An experience, a point of connection- Something that makes people want to support our store instead of just ordering off of Amazon.
Product Line: Refill Goods
SSGL: Can you describe the range of products you offer at Refill Goods?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We describe ourselves as a low-waste general store. We stock eco-friendly household and personal care items, as well as many items from local artists and makers.
SSGL: What criteria do you use to select products for your shop?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We first look at a company sustainable footprint and brand philosophy to make sure it’s something we agree with. Then we look at effectiveness, and affordability. We aim to stock items from ethical companies that are as local to us as possible.
Sustainability Practices
SSGL: Can you share any tips for individuals looking to reduce waste in their daily lives?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- Start small. It doesn’t have to be hard. Pick one thing and work on that. One of my favorite switches has been to a stainless steel razor. It took a bit to get the hang of, but now when the blade is dull I can easily replace the blade instead of grabbing another plastic one that will take lifetimes to break down.
Community Impact: Refills Goods Does Good
SSGL: How has the local community responded to your business?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- Our business has been unapologetically queer friendly left leaning and that surprises some in a small town. It has helped us to find our people though. Some people are confused about who we are and what we do, but many people have loved to see a shop like us in a rural Minnesota town. It really has become a hub of community connection and we love it.
SSGL: Do you collaborate with other local businesses or organizations?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- Especially in a small town, collaborating with other businesses is key! On a normal day we don’t often have the foot traffic to just be a store. We have needed to work with other businesses to host events and popups and do interesting things! We also consign with 20 local artists and makers; everything from jewelry, to art, to soap and herb strippers.
Future Goals For Refill Goods
SSGL: What are your future plans for Refill Goods?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We have always wanted to expand to food products. Now we’re in a space where that may be possible. We’re trying to settle into our new space and hopefully get our food retail license in 2025. We want to sell flour, sugar, spices, tea in bulk.
SSGL: Are there any upcoming projects or new products you’re excited about?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- I just had a local person reach out about consigning handmade hats! I’m excited to be able to offer them here. After two years of being open we have a better idea of what people want and what is going to sell. It’s nice to have some data. We’re going to work on more on having refills of the products we have, like Huppy Toothpaste and Good Ass Hairday Dry Shampoo. Our most popular refillable items currently are Nellie’s dishwasher powder and laundry detergent. People bring in empty containers, we weigh them, fill them, and weigh them again. Then they are charged just for the product, not all the packaging.
Behind the Scenes
SSGL: Tell us about any special events or workshops hosted at the shop.
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- My favorite events in the last year have been the Eco Event where we brought together people and organizations that are doing sustainability work in our county. I also loved the Galentines event where we brought small business owners together to make connections and find ways to collaborate. This month we co-hosted our first Pride event in Plainview, celebrating our LGBTQIA+ community members. That was so beautiful and special to be a part of something so meaningful.
Closing Thoughts
SSGL: How can consumers support small businesses like yours?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- Buy from us when you’re able, and tell others about us! Share our information and events and leave positive reviews. Tell your friends, and engage with our content. Small businesses owners are out here working our butts off to try and become sustainable. I think we’ll make it, but it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. We have to have a large dose of optimism and delusion to get this far. I think every day how it would be nice to get a job with a paycheck and benefits. Any encouragement to keep going is appreciated!
SSGL: How can we find you?
Annie Jurrens, Refill Goods
- We’re on Instagram, Facebook, Tiktok and youtube @refillgoods.
- Our website is www.refillgoods.shop
- Our physical address is 30 3rd St SW, Plainview, MN 55964
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