Food for Thought.
Online shop
Background:
Food for Thought is a zero-waste refill shop that initially began as a physical store during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. After successfully establishing themselves as a local zero-waste destination, the company recognised the need to expand their reach and make their products more accessible by launching an online shop. The goal was to simplify the process of becoming a "zero-waste hero" and encourage customers to embrace the concept of refill and reuse.
Objectives:
Develop a new website and align it with the new brand identity of Food for Thought.
Showcase the growth and personality of the business while providing an extensive but curated selection of products available in the physical store.
Educate visitors about the refill process and inspire them to start their own waste-reduction journey.
Incorporate informative blog content that tells the story of the shop and the people behind it.
Empower the Food for Thought team to have control over the website's content and photography.
Challenges:
Visualising Refill Quantities: Refill is generally a self-serve process that requires customers to measure out the exact quantities they want/need. However, not everyone is familiar with the weight or volume of certain products. The challenge was to make refill accessible, without incurring extra development costs to create a fully bespoke stock inventory and monitoring system for the loose weights. The solution involved providing customers with multiple "common" weights and measures commonly used in supermarkets.
Uploading and Copywriting Products: Over 120 products had to be uploaded and accompanied by well-written copy for the website's launch. This number increased to 150 products within the following two weeks.
Solutions Implemented:
Website Development: A new website was developed, capturing the essence of Food for Thought's growth and personality. The design reflects the brand's commitment to sustainability, featuring eco-friendly elements and a user-friendly interface.
Product Presentation: To help customers visualise refill quantities, the online shop incorporated multiple "common" weights and measures that people typically purchase from regular supermarkets. This approach made it easier for customers to select the desired quantities they’re used to. The Food for Thought team would then prepare the products accordingly for local delivery or collection using reusable and recycled containers.
Informative Content: The website included a blog, workshops & events sections which educate visitors about the refill process and provided tips, guidance and community workshops about sustainable living. By sharing the shop's story and the journey of those involved, Food for Thought aim to inspire and connect with their audience on a deeper level.
Photography: Simple and authentic photography was created to showcase the products. The intention was to hand over control of the visuals to the Food for Thought team, empowering them to maintain the website autonomously from the moment it went live.
Payment Providers: Extensive research was conducted to identify the most suitable payment providers that aligned with Food for Thought's in-store gateway systems. This ensured optimal deals and outcomes for running an online store, particularly considering the costs associated due to the provider from each purchase made.
Results:
The launch of Food for Thought's online shop marked a significant milestone in their journey towards sustainability. By providing an intuitive and informative online experience, the company successfully extended their reach beyond the physical store. Customers were able to access a curated selection of refill products, explore educational content, and engage with the shop's story and values. The integration of multiple weights and measures made refill more accessible to a wider audience, fostering a community of "zero-waste heroes" committed to reducing their environmental impact.
Future Outlook:
With the successful implementation of their online shop, Food for Thought is well-positioned to expand their customer base and influence. By continuing to add new products, maintain informative content, and strengthen their online presence, they can further drive awareness and adoption of the refill and reuse lifestyle. This project serves as a foundation for future growth and enables Food for Thought to make a lasting positive impact on their community and the environment.