In Canada, we have a chain of bulk food stores called, Bulk Barn. Bulk Barn shoppers can fill store-provided plastic bags (not recyclable) with dry goods, and recyclable plastic containers with liquids (e.g. honey) and pay according to weight of the product. While the business model inherently reduces plastic packaging, the customers are largely drawn to shop at Bulk Barn due to economic incentives (lower costs) and a one-stop shop for all the dry ingredients one could need. Overall, Bulk Barn lacks a strong brand and could better position itself in the market. That being said, Bulk Barn did launch a new reusable container program recently, which will hopefully minimize customer plastic bag use. (http://www.bulkbarn.ca/en/Home)
Gram, Sweden's first package-free store, is an example of great branding and fundamentally designing a store and accompanying programming and image to shift the way consumers buy. It's important for consumers to understand why their packaging matters. Unlike Bulk Barn, Gram stocks nearly its entire store with organic goods, helping to build the brand. (http://grammalmo.se/about_gram/)
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CommentEmma Chow