This month’s indie spotlight is on The Store, Bedford’s zero-waste shop on St Cuthbert’s Street.
It was opened in 2019 by Rosanna Heasman, with the aim of reducing single-use packaging and household food waste.
From pantry staples to household cleaning products and shower items, they also sell household products and gifts to help you become more eco-friendly at home.
Photos by Cameron Scrimgeour.
What inspired you to open a business in Bedford?
Although only born and raised down the road in MK, Bedford became my hometown when I was 18.
I felt I knew the community and wanted to help be a part of building it and growing it. I moved back from living in Oklahoma City to come and risk it all and see if it would work.
Some people felt Bedford wasn’t the best town to launch a zero-waste style shop at the time, that maybe it wasn’t progressive or affluent enough, but we all proved that theory wrong.
What’s the best thing about being part of the Bedford Indies community?
It’s so supportive, and anytime you meet another indie business owner, you instantly seem to have that shared sense of understanding and respect for what each other is bringing.
It makes it feel less competitive and more collaborative, which ultimately makes you feel less alone in a space which can feel lonely at times
The best business advice you’ve been given?
When the government announced the energy bill crisis in early 2022, and throughout the start of the war in Ukraine, we took a huge hit.
The cost of food doubled, things became hard to source, and then people started to withhold spending. After a year of trying to fill every leak and hole and adapt to survive, my Grannie mentioned if I have any mentors to look over the problems with me.
I then reached out to a lady who’d been a supporter since the start, Bridget, a very successful local businesswoman.
We went for coffee, and I asked her for her advice and view on things. Just having someone further ahead than you advising your next steps was all the motivation and hope I needed to carry on.
The best advice was as simple as, who have you talked this through with that may be able to help you.
What’s your favourite product that The Store stocks? And what’s the customer fave?
My favourite product is our chilli crisp oil. I can’t eat a meal without it.
However, the customers’ favourite is probably our homemade sourdough, made by our two bakers and delivered fresh to us each day.
Which other Bedford indies do you always recommend to customers?
I get to recommend a lot of Bedford indies, as customers always ask for recommendations on things. From where to eat, drink, work out, shop, or ideas on things to do.
I have a notice board in The Store which always shares some of my personal faves as well as places not too physically far from us, so we can send footfall to others.
This week I’ve recommended The Martial Method MMA Gym (where I actually train too) to someone new in Bedford, The Herd across the road from us for a family in town wanting brunch, and Chloe Alice Beauty in the Arcade for someone who needed birthday nails
The Store, St Cuthbert’s Arcade, St Cuthbert’s Street MK40 3JG shop.thestoreuk.co.uk
Opening hours: Monday: Closed / Tuesday – Friday: 9:30am – 6pm / Saturday: 9am – 4.30pm / Sunday: 11am – 4.30pm
Want to have your business considered for our regular Bedford Indies feature?
Contact julia@bedfordindependent.co.uk to find out more.
