FAQ
Never been to a refill shop before? Don't worry!
It really is much easier than you might think. I've answered some of the questions I get asked most often below, but if there's something I've missed, just ask!
🌿 New to refill shopping?
What should I bring with me?
Use containers that you already have... jam jars, ice cream tubs, Tupperware, wine bottles, pop bottles. Anything goes, as long as it's clean and has a suitable lid!
Do I have to bring my own containers?
We'd love you to bring your own, as reusing what you already have is the whole point. But we do have paper bags and jam jars if you forget yours
What sort of containers can I use?
Absolutely anything goes, as long as its clean and you have a lid! It doesn't have to be instagrammable!
Do my containers need to be clean and dry?
Yes. For food hygiene we want clean containers that are dry. A little water and your food will spoil.
What happens if I forget my containers?
Don't panic! We have paper bags and jam jars in case of a refill emergency!
How does refilling actually work?
We weigh your container when it's empty – this is called the tare weight. Then you fill your container with your goodies. Once you've filled it, we weigh it again and the scales take the tare weight away from the total. This means you only pay for what is in the container, not the container itself. But don't worry we have scales that work all that out for you. Super snazzy as a number dyslectic I couldn't do this without them!
Do I have to weigh my containers?
Yes, We have scales in the shop that do this for you.
How much do I have to buy?
As little or as much as you would like. That's the beauty of a refill shop. If you are trying a new recipe and it only needs 40g of pumpkin seeds, buy 40g of pumpkin seeds.
Can I just buy a small amount to try something?
Most definitely!
Can I bring containers that aren't completely empty?
You can do it, but you're responsible for the product already in the container and should be confident it'll be used before it deteriorates. I can't guarantee the shelf life of a product once you've mixed old and new together.
What do I do if I don't know what container to use?
Just ask. Although I can't see a problem with using any clean container. Obviously not a paper bag for liquids!
Can you help me with my first refill?
Of course! I help people who have been coming to the shop for years. I tend to do liquids anyway as they can be the trickier refill.
🛍️ About the shop
What can I refill at Simple Life Unwrapped?
Pantry staples, personal products and cleaning products. We also have natural cleaning ingredients like citric acid.
What food do you sell?
Pantry staples, we have dried fruits, pulses and grains, nuts, pasta and rice, cereals, baking ingredients, teas and coffee beans, herbs and spices, seeds, and my fav, snacks and choccies.
Do you sell organic products?
Yes, where we can. Ideally I'd have everything in the shop as organic, but I'm also aware of price points. This is one of the factors I consider when deciding whether to stock an organic product.
Are your products vegan/vegetarian?
Yes. Everything in the store is either vegetarian or vegan.
Do you have plastic-free alternatives?
Most definitely. We don't sell products in single-use plastic packaging. Where there is a reusable option, we opt for that too.
Do you sell cleaning refills?
Oh yes, washing up is a great place to start with when it comes to cleaning refills.
Do you sell bathroom and personal care products?
Yes, we have a great selection of products, all tried and tested by me and the family.
Do you sell things that aren't refills?
Yes, as unfortunately not everything is available in refill format....yet! We have a great Deli section and front of house area where you can get things like reusable tea bags, coffee cups, toothbrushes and all other goodies for your sustainable journey
Can I see what you stock before I visit?
Most definitely. We have a pantry list for all the refill items and then collections of other goods. You can also visit us on Google Maps and take a virtual walk around the shop.
Are your prices comparable with supermarkets?
Yes! And because you can buy exactly the amount you need, refilling can actually save you money and reduce waste. You're not paying for lots of packaging or buying more than you need.
Do I need to know how much I want before I come in?
No! You can decide when you're in the shop. If you're not sure how much you need, just tell me what you're making or how many people you're cooking for and I'll help you work it out.
Can I buy as little or as much as I need?
Oh yes, most definitely. If you need 10g of something, then that is ok with us.
Can I bring my shopping list?
Absolutely! In fact, I recommend it. Especially on your first visit, a shopping list means you can wander around and see what we have without trying to remember everything you need.
📍 Planning your visit
Where are you?
We are on Much Wenlock High Street, opposite Reynolds House (a big black and white mansion with balconies), in between The Talbot and Wenlock Cellars.
Where can I park?
The High Street does have some on street parking. Then we have several car parks available. Here is our Town Councils website for further information.
Car Parks – Much Wenlock Town Council
What are your opening hours?
Monday 10am - 4pm
Tuesday 10am - 4pm
Wednesday Closed
Thursday 9am - 4pm
Friday 9am - 4pm
Saturday 9am - 4pm
Sunday Closed
Closed Bank Holiday Mondays
Are you wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, due to being in a medieval Grade II listed building, the shop isn't wheelchair accessible. If you're unsure whether we can accommodate your particular needs, please contact me before visiting and I'll do my best to help.
Can I pay by card?
No problem!
🛒 Ordering & other services
Do you offer click & collect?
Yes we do, only for the non refill items. You may prefer to use our drop off and collect service instead.
Do you offer a drop-off and collect service?
Yes, its a popular way to shop for people short of time. More details are here on our website.
Drop off and Collect – The Simple Life Unwrapped
Can I order online?
Yes you can, our refills are not available online at this moment in time.
What happens if you don't stock something I'm looking for?
Please let us know. We have a Suggestion list from customers which helps us with our new release products so we can get what our lovely customers want and need
Can I make a suggestion for a new product?
Of course!