The Galleries: a gold standard community shop
The Galleries Community Shop (just outside Bath) is a gold standard example of how to build and run a community shop. This is now one of the most successful community shops in England. And also has a café for locals and walkers (who can fill up their water bottles while there).
Community shops are owned and run by members, usually with a paid manager. Then local people volunteer each a few hours each month, from cleaning and stocking shelves to manning the till.
Run a community shop? Many seeds, flowers, plants (and plantable cards) are toxic to pets, so learn what not to sell. Never face indoor foliage to gardens, to help stop birds flying into windows.
If selling zero waste brands, offer some unscented versions (for pregnancy/nursing and xylitol-free dental care (to keep pets safe)
Despite challenges from supermarkets and food costs, community shops tend to last longer. As they are more than just shops, they are part of the community. So very few close down, in hard times. This one also offers essential community services like prescription collection.
As well as selling local food and plants, it also sells:
- It’s wheelchair-friendly and dog-friendly with toilets, bike racks, free wi-fi and a community defibrillator onsite. It’s also near bus and train routes.
- The Reverse Credit Scheme is a bit like the old-fashioned tab. This means that people can buy things without cash, and this is also a good way to send older children to the shops, as they don’t have to carry cash. And means older people don’t have to carry cash either.
- The Post Office has all usual services like receiving pensions and paying bills, and will also receive parcels for local residents to collect. There are also lockers for receiving and sending parcels.
- It also runs local exhibitions to support local artists.
- And has free grocery bags and umbrellas to borrow, if you forget or are caught in a sudden downpour!
