The Good Choice Stirling is a new venture by Pilar Amieva and her husband Stuart Leathley, who previously worked as engineers in the energy sector. Bridge of Allan is their second store, having already opened a zero waste shop in Mount Florida with friends in 2020.
She said: “After lots of discussions with friends about our growing frustration with how difficult it is to find plastic-free daily staples and products to buy near us, we decided to do something about it.
“Inspired by the growing movement of Zero Waste shops in the UK and Europe, we started to draw up our business plans.
“In the midst of the third lockdown in October 2020, we opened our first shop in the South Side of Glasgow. It wasn’t easy but we were convinced it was the time to put our business plan in motion.”
In December 2020 Pilar decided to take a leap of faith and quit her full time job to focus on growing the business which led to the second shop in Stirlingshire. Pilar explained:
“In 2021, a retail opportunity came up in Bridge of Allan, so my husband and I decided to open a second shop, helping more people on their journey to zero waste.”
Stuart added: “Our aim is to be a one-stop shop for customers, offering a range of certified organic, vegan, fair-trade and local products. You’ll find all your cupboard staples in store, from grains, cereals and nuts to snacks, toiletries and cleaning products. We sell pre-ordered organic veggie boxes too.”
Supporting local is important to the couple, as Pilar explained: “We sell produce from Stirling based businesses such as Vera Bakery, Monument Apiaries and Grace Chocolates, as well as a number of items from suppliers slightly further afield like Wild Hearth bakery based in Comrie.”
Locals have embraced the new store. Stuart said: “It is very encouraging to see customers return to refill their bottles and containers.
“We are passionate about the environment and truly believe that together we can make a positive change to reduce waste in our households and the community.”
Such is the store’s popularity, that Pilar and Stuart have now recently taken on more staff.
62 Henderson Street,
Bridge of Allan,
Fk9 4HS .
Opening Hours
Monday 9:30 – 17:30
Tuesday 9:30 – 17:30
Wednesday 9:30 – 17:30
Thursday 9:30 – 18:00
Friday 9:30 – 17:30
Saturday 9:30 – 17:30
Sunday Closed
Facebook www.facebook.com/thegoodchoicestirling
Instagram www.instagram.com/thegoodchoicestirling
Website www.tgchoiceboa.co.uk (@thegoodchoicestirling)
