AN award-winning Fordingbridge eco store is celebrating a year in new premises – which has seen business soar.

The Green Gram moved to a new premises in the High Street last year, and said the move has led to an increase in turnover of around 40%, as well as greater awareness of the shop and new customers visiting each week.

Manager, Jo Anderson, said relocating was “definitely the right move for us”.

“We have increased from four volunteers a day to up to eight on busy days and we’ve increased the number of volunteers working in the shop overall to 50, with a couple more in training,” she said.

“We also have young volunteers doing Duke of Edinburgh and school work experience, so we usually have two young people helping on a Saturday now too.”

The shop is still working with local suppliers, which has increased since the move.

The Green Gram now supplies Jocasta’s Fudge, made in Fordingbridge, as well as working with Forest Edge Roasting Co (Lyndhurst) and Wimborne Coffee Roasters for its coffee beans, which can now be ground to order.

The shop is also stocking rapeseed oil refills from The Magnificent Seed, in Shrewton, near Salisbury, and greetings cards by Fordingbridge-based artists Kathryn Coyle aka Little Red Boots and May Summers Perkins.

Meanwhile, members of Avon Valley Shed have produced wood turned items, which are displayed in the shop and are available in exchange for a donation to the charity.

As well as the shop, the organisation has expanded its outreach programme, working with local uniformed groups including The Boys’ Brigade, Scouts and Guides, and has run two holiday activities funded by Fordingbridge Rotary Club (hot cross buns at Easter and picnic scones for the summer holiday).

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Wendy Reid, The Green Gram’s outreach co-ordinator, recently visited Kings Court retirement home to tell them all about the shop.

“It’s been a busy and amazing year for us, and we are looking forward to what’s next,” Jo added.

“We’ll be open for the Christmas lights switch on for those people who haven’t found us yet and for those who want to come and say hello.

“We are also offering extended opening hours on Saturdays, from 9am to 4pm, throughout November and December.”

The Green Gram originally opened in May 2022, offering refills of foods, cleaning products and toiletries.