The Store Bedford: Pioneering Zero Waste and Sustainable Living

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Bedford’s pioneering zero waste supermarket offering refillable staples and eco-friendly household products in a welcoming community space.

The Store in Bedford is a dedicated zero waste supermarket located in St Cuthbert's Arcade, offering a wide range of refillable food staples, eco-friendly household products, and sustainable personal care items. Emphasizing plastic-free shopping, it encourages customers to bring their own containers or use free recycled jars and bags to reduce packaging waste. Open Tuesday to Sunday, it serves as a hub for environmentally conscious shoppers seeking bulk staples, cleaning products, and ethical gifts.

A brief summary to The Store

26 St Cuthbert's Street St Cuthbert, s Arcade, Bedford, MK40 3JG, GB
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Duration: 0.5 to 1.5 hours
Mid ranged
Indoor
Mobile reception: 4 out of 5

Tuesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Wednesday 9:30 am-6 pm
Thursday 9:30 am-6 pm
Friday 9:30 am-6 pm
Saturday 9 am-4:30 pm
Sunday 11 am-4:30 pm

Local tips

Bring your own containers or use the store’s free recycled jars and paper bags to minimize packaging waste.
Visit on weekdays for a quieter shopping experience and more personalized assistance from staff.
Try the oat milk refill station and nut butter machine for fresh, customizable options.
Weigh your containers before and after filling to ensure accurate pricing at checkout.

Other nearby places you may find interesting

John Bunyan Museum

Panacea Museum

The Panacea Museum: A Window into Bedford’s Unique Religious Heritage

The Higgins Bedford

The Higgins Bedford: A Cultural and Artistic Treasure in Bedford

Getting There

Bus

Take the local bus services that stop near Bedford town center, approximately a 10-15 minute walk from the St Cuthbert's Arcade. Buses run frequently throughout the day with fares typically around £2-£4 for a single journey.
Train

Bedford railway station is about 1.5 km from The Store, a 20-minute walk or a short taxi ride. Trains connect Bedford with London and nearby towns, with ticket prices varying by route and time.
Car

Driving to The Store is convenient with nearby public parking options. Note that the arcade itself has limited parking and a small loading bay. Parking fees in Bedford town center typically range from £1.50 to £3 per hour.
Walking

If you are staying in central Bedford, The Store is easily accessible on foot via flat, paved streets. Walking times from the town center range from 5 to 15 minutes depending on your starting point.

For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you

Restrooms
Drink Options
Food Options
Seating Areas
Trash Bins
Information Boards

The Store location weather suitability

Any Weather
Rain / Wet Weather
Clear Skies
Mild Temperatures

Discover more about The Store

A Hub for Zero Waste Shopping in Bedford

Nestled within the historic St Cuthbert's Arcade on St Cuthbert's Street, The Store Bedford stands out as the town's first dedicated zero waste supermarket. Its mission centers on reducing single-use packaging and household food waste by encouraging customers to refill their own containers or use the store's complimentary recycled jars and paper bags. This innovative approach transforms grocery shopping into an eco-conscious experience, blending sustainability with convenience.

Extensive Product Range with an Ethical Focus

Despite its modest size, The Store offers an impressive variety of products. Shoppers can find pantry staples such as rice, pasta, cereals, pulses, and nuts sold in bulk. Beyond food, the store stocks household cleaning supplies, plastic-free toiletries, and shower items, alongside eco-friendly gifts designed to support sustainable living at home. Unique features include an oat milk refill station and a nut butter machine, enhancing the refill experience with fresh, customizable options.

Practical and Customer-Friendly Shopping Experience

The Store operates on a simple yet effective system: customers weigh their empty containers on automatic scales before filling them, then weigh again to determine the product weight. Printed stickers are provided for easy checkout. Staff are readily available to assist newcomers, ensuring a smooth transition to zero waste shopping. This hands-on approach educates and empowers shoppers to make environmentally responsible choices.

Community and Environmental Impact

As a locally managed independent shop, The Store Bedford plays a vital role in promoting sustainable consumption within the community. Its commitment to zero waste aligns with broader environmental goals, helping reduce plastic pollution and food waste. By offering refill options and ethical products, it supports a lifestyle that minimizes ecological footprint while fostering a culture of mindfulness and responsibility.

Location and Ambience

Situated in a charming arcade setting, The Store combines a cozy, boutique atmosphere with a lively community spirit. The interior is thoughtfully arranged to maximize product variety in a compact space, featuring rustic and modern design elements that reflect its eco-friendly ethos. The friendly and knowledgeable staff contribute to a welcoming environment that invites repeat visits and deeper engagement with sustainable living.

Opening Hours and Accessibility

The Store is open Tuesday through Friday from 9:30am to 6pm, Saturdays from 9am to 4:30pm, and Sundays from 11am to 4:30pm, remaining closed on Mondays. Its central location in Bedford makes it accessible to local residents and visitors alike, providing an essential resource for those seeking to reduce waste and shop consciously.