Hadleigh eco-convenience store The Little Ginger Bee Company puts the planet and customers first

A new eco-convenience store has opened in a Suffolk town that promises to put consumers – and the planet – first.

The Little Ginger Bee Company opened in Hadleigh’s High Street on Saturday, October 29, and stocks a variety of cosmetics, foodstuffs, and assorted goodies for the conscious consumer.

Opened by former car industry worker Toni Kelly, who decided to turn her passion for nature into a business, inspired by a prior part-time job in Kersey.

Lockdown gave her plenty of time to think, and she decided for a change of scenery - deciding to open her little dream in Hadleigh.

The 48-year-old said: “Everyone’s been lovely. We’ve had a strong initial reception, a lot of interest, and some lovely comments.

“My goal with the shop isn’t to become rich. I want to pay my bills, and offer convenience to the public, and encourage people to shop consciously.

“Everything in the shop is vegetarian and vegan-friendly – I’ve been vegan myself for three years – and much of the packaging is either compostable, or made from recyclable materials.

“I want people to come in and not have to worry whether something is eco-friendly.”

Toni is trying to ensure every possible allergen is accounted for in her stock, and also stocks a variety of organic products.

However, she is hesitant to stock organic products for the sake of it, as she said it can be quite expensive, and she wants everyone to be able to buy her goods.

Much of her stock is sourced locally, from farmers or independent or women-led businesses.

Other goods come from far and wide across the country.

The shop was primarily set up as a refill shop where customers can bring existing containers in and receive a top up of cooking oil, cleaning products, snacks, shampoo, soaps and more, all of which are vegan-friendly.

She also stocks cosmetic products, bath bombs and salts, herbs, organic seeds, dried fruit, snacks and grains.

Toni even wants to try to source gluten-free options for those that desire them.

Customer feedback will help her update the shop, and she described the business as very much work-in-progress.

If demand for a product is high enough, she will consider it, provided her stipulation that all brands adhere to a circular economy, the idea that they should be reused or recycled.

She’s always looking for more local suppliers.

Toni added: “I want something more than a business - I want something that will actually have an impact, both on the community and the environment.

“I live in Bentley, but I’ve had my eye on Hadleigh and this shop for a while.

“When it came up on the market, I jumped at the opportunity - I think this is just the right town for this kind of business, as it’s still driven by independent businesses.

“I hope this is the start of something magnificent, and the local community has been incredibly supportive as I take the next steps in my career.”