Two Rivers Refill shop in Christchurch to close for good

Two Rivers Refill in Fountain Way will be closing its doors for good at the end of October.

Owners said it was a “difficult decision to make” but that they had “maxed resources available to steer the store and keep it afloat”.

The news was announced on social media on Friday, September 22.

The Facebook post, signed off by ‘Kate, family and the team’, said: “The last few weeks have been difficult decision making times for us here, but today we need to share that we will be closing the store at the end of October.

Inside Two Rivers Refill (Image: NQ)"Sales have fallen over the past 6 months and we have maxed resources available to steer the store and keep it afloat.

“We have loved the last two years taking on Two Rivers Refill and have learnt so much during this time. Most of all that there is a really great community here and many amazing influencers.

"We have loved connecting with you all and we believe that a refill hub will find a space here in the future with rightful owners or a collective of people to steer it. For now we need to step back.

"We would love to see you over the next few weeks for any pantry top ups and winter stores. We still have lots of our quality organic nuts, seeds, cereals, grains, pulses, beans, dried fruit, herbs, spices and much more.

"Come and chat with us as we unfold the next few weeks. Thank you to everyone we have seen and spoken to this week for lending an ear, offering words of advice, being gentle and understanding.”

Two Rivers Refill was first opened by Jodie Firmin in Easter of 2020, before being taken over by Kate Ashley.

In December last year, Kate made a public call for support from the public after a ‘challenging’ start to the month.

Speaking at the time, she said many refill shops are independent and family-run, and with the style of shopping relatively new to the nation, the support is not always there for them.