Retail
Published: November 11, 2024 | Updated: 11th November 2024
The Green Gram community shop is celebrating the first anniversary of its move to Fordingbridge high street.
With new customers visiting every week, the business has seen turnover rise 40 per cent at the new site.
“Our move was definitely the right move for us!” said shop manager Jo Anderson.
“We’ve increased from four volunteers a day to up to eight on busy days, and we’ve increased the number of volunteers working in the shop overall to 50, with a couple more in training.
“We also have young volunteers doing Duke of Edinburgh and school work experience, so we usually have two young people helping on a Saturday now too.”
The shop is still working with local suppliers, stocking Fordingbridge locals Jocasta’s Fudge as well as Forest Edge Roasting Co in Lyndhurst and Wimborne Coffee Roasters.
It sells rapeseed oil refills from The Magnificent Seed in Shrewton near Salisbury and greetings cards by Fordingbridge-based artists Kathryn Coyle (AKA Little Red Boots) and May Summers Perkins.
And members of Avon Valley Shed have produced wood turned items which are displayed in the shop and available in exchange for a donation to the charity.
The Green Gram has also expanded its range of flours, organic oats, oils and vinegars, sweet and savoury snacks, natural cleaning products, toiletries and household items.
Beyond the shop, the team have expanded their outreach programme, working with the likes of The Boys’ Brigade, Scouts and Guides, as well as running two holiday activities funded by Fordingbridge Rotary Club.
“It’s been a busy and amazing year for us,” Jo added, “and we are looking forward to what’s next.
“We’ll be open for the Christmas lights switch on for those people who haven’t found us yet and for those who want to come and say hello.
“We’re also offering extended opening hours on Saturdays from 9am to 4pm throughout November and December.”
Since opening in May 2022, The Green Gram has helped customers prevent over 1,500kg of plastic waste, equivalent to almost 66,000 containers.
