Community crowdfunding helps Wellington refill shop expand
The Little Green Pantry in Wellington is preparing to open the doors to its new larger premises after successfully raising almost £4,000 through a public Crowdfunder and offline donations.
The independent refill shop, which started in as a market stall in 2019 before opening a highstreet shop in 2021, raised a total of £3,950 to support its expansion—made up of £3,060 through Crowdfunder and a further £890 in offline donations from supporters.
The new larger premises, just two doors down the road, will officially open on Saturday 30th May, welcoming customers from 9:30am–4:30pm, marking a major milestone for the growing sustainable business and the community that helped build it.
Since opening its first shop in 2021, The Little Green Pantry has become a well-known hub for sustainable shopping and community action. Together with its customers, it has helped prevent more than 163,000 pieces of plastic from going to landfill, created seven local jobs, and supported more than 20 small businesses by stocking and championing their products.
The business has also hosted swap shops, community events, helps with the Green Festival, and has helped Wellington achieve Plastic Free status through work with Surfers Against Sewage.
“We’re honestly overwhelmed by the support we’ve received,” the team says. “This expansion is only possible because of the people who have supported us over the last few years—whether that’s by shopping with us, donating, sharing the crowdfunder, or simply believing in what we do.”
“The response has reminded us just how powerful community can be. We’re so excited to welcome everyone into the new space and continue growing something that belongs to all of us.”
The larger premises will allow the business to expand its range to include organic fruit and vegetables, chilled and frozen foods, and many more items customers have asked for, as well as improving the customer experience, and creating more opportunities for workshops, events, and community activities focused on sustainable living.
The team is welcoming the wider community to attend the official Grand Opening on Saturday 30 May from 9.30 am–4.30 pm. Visitors will be able to explore the new space, enjoy tastings and samples from stocked products, take advantage of special opening offers, and enter a prize draw as part of the celebrations marking this exciting new chapter for the business.
