The supermarket started as a pop-up store and had to function as a new complementary concept to the food bank, because people who could use some help could fill their basket themselves. It was clear in advance that the sponsors wanted to fund it for a year. That period has ended, so the initiators fear for the survival of the store, because it has not yet been possible to find new lenders.
“Tkramrepus” is the name of the free store, also known as the reverse supermarket. “It's a reverse supermarket because we don't sell, we donate. At the same time, you can also donate your groceries here,” says Heidi Verheul, one of the initiators.
This concept is different from a food bank, for example, because people can decide for themselves what goes into the basket. “Everyone can come one day a week, and people can bring six products a day,” he says.
“We calculated that we needed 40,000 euros to stay open.”
About 250 to 300 people come to do their free shopping every week. But the question is how long can this continue? The upside down store is having financial problems. “We can no longer pay the fixed costs. This means that we will no longer be able to keep the store running. We have calculated that we need 40,000 euros to stay open.”
There is no structural assistance
Fairhall says he receives positive feedback from people who use the store. However, this did not convince potential new sponsors. “I'm afraid we haven't been able to prove well enough that our concept has an impact. We've shown in the last two years that we've helped hundreds of people, but that doesn't seem to be enough for companies to provide structured assistance services,” Verheul says.
Fairhall is convinced that in addition to existing initiatives such as the food bank, smaller concepts can also exist. Because it is innovative and creative, but also to inspire young people that making an impact can be fun. “We participate in many festivals and collaborate with colleges,” says Verheul.
However, making an impact is not possible if the boxes remain empty. That's why Verheul created crowdfunding and continues to look for new investors. If that doesn't work out within a year, he says it's also possible for another company to take over the store. The last, less popular option is that the doors have to be closed for good. “Then we prepare the latest products for the target group,” he says.
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