A greengrocer who launched a plastic-free shop in Banff earlier this year is preparing to shut – unless someone else comes forward to take over the venture.
Oliveira’s, on the town’s High Street, opened in February selling locally grown and sourced food with either no packaging or in wrappers which can be recycled.
Shelves and containers in the shop are piled with fruit, vegetables, potatoes and eggs for people to pick up as well as flour, dried fruit, rice and beans ready to be scooped into a customer’s own containers.
With a push on non-plastic goods there is also things such as toilet roll, non-plastic toothbrushes and shampoo bars to save on plastic packaging.
It has so far proved popular, but founder Catherine Henriques de Oliveira now needs to take a step back for her family.
The mother-of-three, from Macduff, came up with the idea for the shop to try and cut down on plastic.
She said: “Unfortunately we are planning to close, we will be open Friday and Saturday, August 2 and 3 then closing.
“There are a lot of things going on in my private life at the moment and we’ve had no serious takers when I’ve been trying to sell Oliveira’s as a going concern.
“Unfortunately I can’t be in two places at once.
“My wee family need me at home just now so I’ve made this choice.
“I’m a bit gutted to be honest so we’re looking for someone who can either take over the business themselves or just take over the shop until the rent is finished in February.”
Last night local councillors also voiced their hopes for Oliveira’s.
John Cox said: “I’m sorry to hear this news but hopefully someone else can take the store on.
“A high street and town centre with independent shops makes the shopping experience much more appealing and attractive to visitors.”
Glen Reynolds described the shop as a “refreshing addition” to the high street.
He said: “Family comes first but I look forward to her continuing to pioneer the non-plastic environment which she and the business hold so dear.
“I have been in to discuss what can be done and I will do whatever I can.
“We need people like Cat and the business she promoted in Banff and we need to come together as a community to help her out.”
To contact Mrs Henriques de Oliveira e-mail oliveiras.banff@gmail.com
