A new store – and a new concept – has opened in downtown Springfield. Owner Ami Shelton describes The Keep Store, 314 E. Adams, as “an eco-friendly product store.”
While Shelton said she has been interested in the environment and conservation since high school, becoming a grandmother in the past year made her even more motivated to be concerned about the world she was leaving behind for future generations.
“I read about other places in the country that had refillery stores, and I thought if I was looking for it, other people might be too. They say be the change you want to see,” she said.
The refillery will initially offer bulk sales of home goods, such as cleaning products, laundry detergent, shampoo, conditioner, body wash and other hygiene items. Customers can bring their own container from home or purchase one at the store. Shelton said, “There will also be a fair number of prepackaged items for sale as well with a focus on reduced plastic packaging.
Shelton also plans to add a self-service bulk food option later in the summer and hopes to attract shoppers from the nearby Old Capitol Farmers Market.
Shelton has a full-time job as an information technology manager at Horace Mann, so while she has family members helping out with the store, she is initially planning to focus on being open evenings and weekends. A grand opening was held on Saturday, May 21.
