If you’ve walked past St Cuthbert’s Arcade recently, you can’t have helped but notice the new business that is preparing to open at the front of the building.
The Store is the latest unique addition to Bedford’s independent shops, giving locals and visitors another great reason to come into the town centre.
It will throw open its doors this Saturday (31 August).
Opened by Rosanna Heasman following a crowdfunding campaign, The Store will be Bedford’s first zero waste bulk shop. A grocery store designed to reduce single use packaging and household food waste.
Read: Entrepreneur seeks backers for Bedford’s first zero waste shop
“By selling products in bulk, without traditional packaging, we can prevent mountains of unnecessary waste,” explained Rosanna.
The Store will stock a range of food and household products that customers buy by weight and take home in their own containers.

In addition, herbs will be growing in the Store’s window boxes, beautiful fresh flowers and fruit and veg will be displayed at the shop front and Rosanna will display information about the environmental impact that her customers are making.
It’s the first dedicated shop of its kind in the town, and Rosanna is confident Bedford is ready for a retail revolution.
She’s excited about joining the ranks of Bedford’s independent shops, saying, “When you shop at an independent business, you’re not just buying the product, you’re investing in our town.”
The Store, St Cuthbert’s Arcade, 26 St Cuthberts Street, Bedford MK40 3JG