FUL L CI RCL E
Full Circle applies the same level of scrutiny to its small makers as to larger suppliers. “There are a lot of makers who are doing amazing things, but maybe not realising they’re not doing the ideal, so we talk to them about that,” Emma says. “We’re all still used to ‘Oh, I want this now’ – but if we run out of stock, it may be a couple of weeks, because a real person is making that product, and they need a balanced life as well. They need to sleep, they need a holiday, time with the kids – it’s been really good to open up those conversations and slow everyone down. We’re a small business, we need time, too – and our customers support that, they get it.” It stands to reason that Full Circle’s customers would share the same values as the store’s creators, but the trio have been thrilled by the warm reception they’ve found in Cambridge. “The thing that’s struck me is the community we’re building – and that sounds really cheesy – but we’ve got to know people through doing the store, and people have got to know each other as well,” Emma says. “We’ve got two friends who met each other at the stall and now go to lunch together, and people have exchanged contact details, because they work in similar areas of research. Having the stall facilitates so much more within the community than we were expecting.” If you’re not already a follower of Full Circle’s refillable approach, how can you get started? “What we usually say to people is that it depends on their lifestyle,” Johanna says. “If they get a coffee on their way to work, the first easy swap would be a reusable cup – plus you usually get a discount if you use one. It all depends on people’s lives.” Emma agrees: “One of the most common swaps would be with food: if you eat a lot of lentils, come and buy those packaging-free. Look for those high impact areas and – just do something,” she says. “Just start.”
“There are a lot of makers who are doing amazing things ”
CAMBRIDGE MARKET Monday/Wednesday/Thursday/Friday 10am-4pm, opposite St. Mary's Church
Saturday 10am-4pm, B Row (aisle opposite Franco Manca: non-food only)
Sunday 9.30am-4pm, E Row (aisle opposite the Guildhall)
Tuesday CLOSED HISTON HIGH STREET Saturday 9am-4pm Find out more at fullcircleshop.co.uk/@fullcircleshopuk
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