As we wrap up (and unwrap) 2025, I’ve been thinking a lot about what this shop actually represents.
It’s not just ounces refilled or products sold, but shifts in old habits and mindsets, and a community that keeps showing up to work towards something better. It’s a middle finger to Big Plastic and the status quo. It’s something I can be proud of. Something WE can be proud of.
I do have some stats and figures though because I kinda like to nerd out on the numbers and if we don’t post about it – does it really exist?
The Big Picture
In 2025, over 454,000 ounces of everyday products were refilled in this little shop. That’s about 28,400 pounds of product moved through a system designed to reuse containers instead of tossing them. To put that in terms Gainesvillians can understand, it’s equivalent to 189 average sized Florida alligators.
And I bet you’re asking: how does that equate to plastic NOT ending up in the landfill? Well, I’m so glad you asked because now I can tell you that in just 365 days we prevented close to 57,000 8oz or similar plastic bottles from ending up in the landfill. Go us!
What You Refilled Most
The top five refill favorites this year were maybe a little predictable.. Laundry detergent. Dish soap. Pantry staples…
UNexpected Surprises
And there were some overachievers that surprised us too:
Low-waste doesn’t have to be complicated. It’s practical AND makes you feel good.
Your Most-Asked Question at the Refill Counter
“No packaging is great, but does it actually work?”
Short answer: yes.
Longer answer: our refillery products are tried and tested, and in most cases have now been refilled thousands of times. IF something doesn’t perform as it should, we’ll replace it. Simple as that.
More Than a Refillery
A lot happened besides refills:
- 52 weekly puzzle and board game swaps, where something old became something new (to you)
- A spring seed swap and fall trinket swap, celebrating more community and reuse
- A mutual aid food pantry fundraiser, where together we raised and donated $1000
- And countless jars donated to be used again and again (we don’t keep count, but it was A LOT)
It’s your participation that makes all of this work.
Supporting Small Biz
Every purchase also supported small business of all kinds. Family owned, minority owned, women owned, and/or local. From candles and coffee to honey and herbal products, your dollars aligned your values with your daily life. Good job!
Carrying This into 2026
If there’s one thing that’s “in” in the New Year, it’s this:
Progress over perfection. Always.
And I know that it’s a little taboo to talk finances, but I want you to know that at the end of 2024 I was asking myself if it was worth it to keep going. Things were not really looking good. I promised the project one more year and I made some adjustments and hired some people I couldn’t technically afford. And it is my delight and pleasure to let you know that — it worked! Sales went up 30% in one year and we came incredibly close to half a million dollars spent in a tiny refill shop. In 365 days.
Now let’s not forget, there’s a difference between revenue and profit and this number is probably minuscule in comparison to the revenue an actual grocery store like publix pulls in, and who knows what’s next with the economy… BUT we are doing something here, and I couldn’t be more excited to see how we continue to evolve and grow. I hope we can.
I’m endlessly grateful to you for reading and for participating. Thank YOU.