AN organic clothing and toy shop in Alcester will soon be selling zero-waste food alongside its other ethically-sourced products.
Molly’s Cotton Tails has answered growing calls from customers to sell food in a sustainable manner while using minimal packaging.
Customers will be asked to bring their own containers, fill them up with whatever food they want to buy – such as pasta, rice, cereals and nuts – and then pay at the counter.
The shop is expecting the food to be sold from the middle of October.
It already stocks clothing for children and adults made from organic cotton, as well as eco-friendly toys and zero-waste cleaning products.
Its commitment to the environment has earned the business a loyal set of customers – one even moved away to Italy but still buys from the shop.
Owner Sara Palmer: “While some people might think selling food is quite different to selling clothes and toys, it’s that sustainable ethos that our customers care about.
“I think it will be an extra string to our bow, and who knows, if we go into another lockdown, I think being able to sell food will help keep locals afloat.
“Our customers have been so loyal to us over the years so this is a way of thanking them for their support.”
Sara founded her business through looking to buy sustainably sourced clothes for her daughter, Molly.
An off-the-cuff comment from Sara’s godmother, who said Sara should be selling clothes instead of buying them, inspired her to start the business.
She named the shop after her daughter, opening on Alcester’s High Street four years ago.
Sara added: “We’re not quite at pre-lockdown levels of business yet but we’re not doing too badly either.
“The people of Alcester have been amazing. So many of them are supporting their local shops, which is fantastic to see.”
Alcester Mayor Coun Gill Forman praised Sara for continuing to deliver products online during lockdown.
“Molly’s Cotton Tails is a small Alcester business with a big reach,” she said.
“They’re a fantastic asset to the town and we wish Sara all the best for the future.”
