This page is all about Budleigh Unwrapped — how we started, why we opened a zero waste shop, and the people behind it. Our journey began in October 2019 with a desire to return to the UK and build something meaningful. At the time, we lived in Spain and ran a sailing school and charter business. However, we missed being closer to family and friends, so we began exploring what to do next.
Since single-use plastics and excessive packaging were growing problems, we knew we couldn’t ignore them. A zero-waste refill shop felt like the perfect way to reduce everyday waste while offering something valuable to a local community. The idea caught hold quickly — we were hooked.
Amanda grew up in Devon and always loved Budleigh Salterton. When we visited the town together, it felt like the right fit: community-focused, welcoming, and full of character. Even better, we found an empty shop on the high street that was just waiting for a new chapter.
We enlisted Amanda’s dad, Roger — a retired engineer — to help bring the shop to life. He and I worked from Amanda’s detailed designs to build custom shelving units. While we tackled the construction, Amanda dove into her buying mission.
Stocking the shop was no small task. Many suppliers turned away new clients due to Covid restrictions. However, Amanda’s determination made the difference. She spent hours researching products, writing emails, and making calls. In the end, she built strong relationships and filled the shelves with high-quality, planet-friendly goods.
We opened our doors on 11th September 2020. Since then, Budleigh Unwrapped has grown into a welcoming hub for eco-conscious shopping, conversation, and community. Whether you’re refilling your pantry, switching to plastic-free household goods, or grabbing an ice cream and a smile — you’re always welcome here.
That’s the story behind Budleigh Unwrapped. Visit our home page to explore what we offer, or get in touch — we’d love to hear from you!
